The Picture of Master of Public Health Programs in Texas - Demographic Profile, Educational Attainment, and Labor Market Outcomes

Oct 15, 2026

Education Research Center policy brief examining students enrolled in and completing Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in Texas over two decades. The study analyzes demographic composition, financial aid needs, and enrollment characteristics using data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, National Student Clearinghouse, and Texas Workforce Commission. It traces graduates’ education pathways and evaluates short- and long-term earnings changes after degree completion, providing descriptive longitudinal insight into factors shaping MPH graduate outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

What We Studied

How We Analyzed the Data

What We Discovered

Two Decades of Public Health Education: Demographics and Financial Aid Characteristics of MPH Students in Texas and Bexar County

Duration of MPH Degree Completion

Education Research Center POLICY BRIEF [www.texaserc.utexas.edu](www.texaserc.utexas.edu) The Picture of Master of Public Health Programs in Texas: Demographic Profile, Educational Attainment, and Labor Market Outcomes Han Bum Lee & Sharon Nichols August 2024 What We Studied This study provides a comprehensive descriptive analysis of students who had enrolled in and successfully completed Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in Texas over the past two decades. We examine the demographic profilesand financial needs of these students, revealing key trends and patterns within Texas public health education. Additionally, we track graduates ’ educational trajectories to investigate their pursuit of further higher education, while also analyzing the short-term and long-term changes in their earnings following degree completion. By offering a holistic view of these elements, this study provides valuable insights into the factors that shape the success of MPH graduates in both their educational journeys and professional careers. How We Analyzed the Data This study uses data maintained by the ERC, obtained from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), and National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) . THECB data describe student demographic and educational characteristics before, during, and after their enrollment in MPH programs. NSC data expand on these data by capturing college enrollment and completion information for students who earned their bachelor’s degrees outside of Texas before entering MPH programs within the state, as well as for those who pursued doctoral programs outside of Texas after completing their MPH degrees. Additionally, TWC data offer valuable information on student employment and earnings in the years following MPH program completion. We employ a descriptive research design with longitudinal data to address the proposed research questions, offering a comprehensive overview of Master of Public Health programs in Texas. Although THECB data specify the degree a student receives at graduation, they do not identify the specific master’s program to which students were admitted. Instead, the data indicate the academic majors declared by students upon entry. Based on THECB’s graduation records, MPH graduates were concentrated in five academic fields corresponding to CIP codes 26.11 (Biomathematics and Bioinformatics), 26.13 (Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology), 51.07 (Health and Medical Administrative Services), 51.15 (Mental and Social Health Services and Applied Professions), and 51.22 (Public Health) . Therefore, for this study, we included all students who declared a major in one of these five core fields, considering them potential MPH degree candidates. Thus, our study sample included all students admitted to master’s degree programs in Texas from Fall 2002 to Fall 2019 who declared one of the five aforementioned academic majors. Recognizing that not all students in these fields earned an MPH degree, we categorized the groups based on their declared majors and the degrees they ultimately received to more accurately analyze their postsecondary education and workforce outcomes. Below are the four study populations defined in this study: • “MPH students” are students admitted into master’s degree programs in Texas and declared at least one of the five academic majors. • “MPH graduates” are defined as students who graduated with an MPH degree in Texas • “MPH-like graduates” are defined as “MPH students” who majored in one of the five academic fields associated with MPH programs but obtained a degree other than an MPH in Texas. • “MPH-like graduates in Bexar County” are defined as MPH-like graduates from Bexar County We included students from Bexar County as a key interest group, as the findings from this study will help guide the development and implementation of a new high-quality MPH program in San Antonio, offered by the

FAQs

What population does the study analyze?

The study follows students admitted and completing Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in Texas, and also includes MPH-like students based on declared majors and degrees received.

Which data sources are used in the analysis?

The study uses data maintained by the Education Research Center from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Workforce Commission, and National Student Clearinghouse to describe demographics, enrollment and completion, and employment and earnings.

How long does it typically take to complete the MPH degree?

MPH graduates complete the degree in an average of 2.4 years, with nine in ten achieving completion within three years of entry.

Oct 15, 2026

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