You want to help people, but the thought of working in a hospital all day… just doesn’t feel right?
Yep, you’re not alone. A lot of students are passionate about health and wellness but want to make a bigger impact—on communities, policies, even countries.
That’s where the Master’s in Public Health (MPH) comes in.
It’s one of the most underrated yet influential degrees out there, and in this guide, we’ll break it all down for you: what the course is about, who should consider it, top colleges in North India, and what kind of career (and salary) it can lead to.
🤔 Is MPH the Right Course for You?
If you…
- Want to work in healthcare but beyond hospitals
- Enjoy data, policy, social impact, or research
- Prefer problem-solving over prescriptions
- Dream of working with organizations like WHO or UN
…then yes, MPH could be your best move.
📚 What is a Master’s in Public Health (MPH)?
MPH is a postgraduate program that focuses on the health of populations—not just individual patients.
It blends science, research, policy, statistics, and leadership to tackle real-world health problems.
Unlike MBBS or nursing, MPH grads don’t treat patients. Instead, they:
- Design public health programs
- Research disease trends
- Work with government & international health organizations
- Drive health campaigns and policy reforms
Duration: Usually 2 years
Type: Postgraduate (some universities offer integrated or executive options)
🎓 Who Should Consider an MPH?
- B.Sc. grads in Biology, Biotechnology, Nursing, Psychology, etc.
- Pharmacy or allied health students who want to move into leadership/research
- People interested in policy-making, health data, community work, or epidemiology
- Those looking for global health careers (especially in WHO, UNICEF, NGOs, or abroad)
Pro Tip: If you love the idea of making big-picture changes in healthcare—without being a doctor—MPH could be your calling.
📝 Eligibility & Admission Process
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in Science/Health/Allied fields (some colleges accept Social Science grads too)
- Minimum Marks: Usually 50% or above
- Entrance Exams: Vary by university (some conduct their own test or interview; many allow direct admission)
- Popular Exams: CUET PG, or university-specific like TISSNET, AIIMS entrance
🏫 Top Universities in North India Offering MPH (2025)
| University | Location | Type | UGC Recognition | Special Notes | NIRF Ranking (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS Delhi | New Delhi | Govt | Yes | Research-heavy, MCI & NAAC accredited | 1 (Medical) |
| PGIMER | Chandigarh | Govt | Yes | NAAC A++, WHO Collaborating Centre | 2 (Medical) |
| Jamia Hamdard | Delhi | Deemed | Yes | NAAC A, UGC Approved, Research Exposure | 29 (University) |
| Amity University | Noida | Private | Yes | NAAC A+, WHO-linked projects | 35 (University) |
| SRM University | Sonipat | Private | Yes | Interdisciplinary, NAAC accredited | 34 (University) |
| NIU (Noida International University) | Noida | Private | Yes | UGC approved, Industry-focused | Not Ranked |
| BHU (Banaras Hindu University) | Varanasi | Govt | Yes | One of India’s oldest MPH programs, NAAC A++ | 5 (University) |
Always check UGC recognition, NAAC grades, and program-specific accreditations when comparing options.
📖 What You’ll Study in MPH?
MPH isn’t just about theory. It’s a mix of classroom learning, fieldwork, and sometimes internships.
Core Subjects Include:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health
- Health Policy & Management
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Research Methodology
- Public Health Ethics
Bonus: Many programs require a dissertation or field project at the end.
💼 Career Scope After MPH in India
Public Health is growing fast—especially after COVID-19 opened everyone’s eyes to its importance. As an MPH graduate, you can work in:
- Government health departments (NHM, Ministry of Health)
- NGOs & Foundations (Gates Foundation, WHO, UNICEF)
- Hospitals & Health Systems (non-clinical roles)
- Research & Policy Institutes
- Academia and Teaching
Popular Job Roles:
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Program Manager
- Biostatistician
- Policy Analyst
- Health Educator
💰 Starting Salary Range: ₹3.5L – ₹9L per year (can be higher with experience or international roles)
🙋♀️ FAQs
Q1. Is NEET required for MPH?
Nope! NEET is for clinical programs like MBBS, BDS, etc. MPH doesn’t require it.
Q2. Can I get jobs abroad after MPH?
Yes, MPH is a globally recognized degree, especially if your focus is on research, epidemiology, or policy.
Q3. Can non-medical students do MPH?
Yes, if you’re from science, psychology, or social sciences, many colleges will consider you.