Master of Public Health (MPH)

A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree prepares students for administrative and leadership positions in public health organizations that provide education and supplies to improve the health of communities and populations. There are six general topics that are taught in MPH programs: biostatistics, epidemiology, health services administration, health education, behavior science, and environmental science. Essentially, an MPH program prepares students to prevent disease and control populations on a mass level, rather than working with individuals.

My Degree and What It’s Good For

With an MPH degree, students can work in a number of settings. Some of the jobs traditionally held by those with a MPH degree include:

Students can also work in communications, urban planning, sustainability, or advocacy. With a master’s degree, students typically qualify for advanced positions in this area, working in a leadership role as an administrator, educator, or manager. Students also work as a consultant, helping other facilities deal with public health concerns.

In order to qualify for MPH programs, students need a bachelor’s degree in a related field. This is also a program students can consider if they are currently a medical professional with at least a bachelor’s degree. MPH programs sometimes require that students have work experience, and they may have to hold certification in a health-related field to qualify for the program.

Most MPH programs last about two years. While going through the program, students have the opportunity to specialize in one part of public health in order to pursue a career in a more specific field. Some students prefer to go to school part-time and spread out the coursework over three or more years instead of finishing in just two years, which can help them earn a degree even if they need to continue working on a full-time basis. Online schools are especially flexible for this kind of non-traditional, working student.

My Earning Potential

Since public health is such a broad field, the salaries for jobs in the industry vary greatly. Public health social workers earn a mean annual wage of $47,560, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. But working as an administrator, treatment provider, or educator may yield a very different salary. Generally, though, workers with master’s degrees earn higher annual wages over their lifetime than those with less education. Getting a master’s degree is typically a good choice from a moneymaking perspective.

Online Masters Degrees in Public Health (MPH Degrees)

Best Online MPH (Master of Public Health) Degrees

Public health is the science of preventing disease and promoting health at the population level. Programs prepare students to become leading public health professionals capable of addressing current global public health problems. By clicking on the logos below, you can receive more information regarding your degree and school of choice.

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