Thanks to the practical experience courses in an MPH program, earning a Master of Public Health degree is an excellent idea for graduate students who are seeking to obtain the hands-on learning needed to advance in the field. At the graduate level, MPH degrees provide ample benefits for improving marketability, enhancing communication, developing problem-solving abilities, acquiring a promotion, becoming an educator, and preparing for leadership roles. In fact, Forbes magazine has recently ranked public health as the sixth best master’s degree for jobs today with a projected employment increase of over 30%! If you are contemplating enrolling in an MPH program, read on to learn about the different practical experience courses you will be able to take for establishing a career in public health.
Also see: 10 Best MPH Online Degree Programs
Practicum or Internship Experience
In order to ensure graduate students have the essential skills needed to change public behaviors, shape health policies, and create solutions to public health problems, the majority of accredited MPH degrees will provide at least one practicum or internship experience in the two-year curriculum. Whether simply a few hours each work or a full-time immersive experience, the internship component will enable students to apply their learning in real-life public health settings to facilitate optimal professional development. MPH students typically are able to choose their own internship setting based on their area of degree specialization, but the most common settings include government health agencies, public health departments, community-based advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and private industries.
Participation in Research Projects
Establishing concrete evidence of expertise in a specialized area of public health is one of the most important steps to building a successful career. Given that, many MPH programs offer a for-credit, culminating or capstone research experience participating in scholarly projects. Under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors, graduate students integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and apply theories in studying some aspect of public health issues. In this practical research work, students receive extensive hands-on experience in creating a manuscript for publication, applying for grant funding, collaborating with other researchers, completing human ethics training, and orally presenting their findings to a professional board.
Study Abroad Learning Opportunities
Although generally offered as an optional component of the MPH curriculum, many public health schools will provide academic credit for students interested in participating in study abroad opportunities to receive a global perspective in their practices. From Africa and the Middle East to South America and Asia, study abroad trips provide students with the priceless chance to integrate the skills and knowledge learned through their graduate studies to addressing significant public health problems on a global level. Often occurring during the summer after completing the majority of coursework, study abroad experiences enable students to apply population-focused skills in an international setting, which is particularly valuable for those pursuing a career in global health.
Regardless of whether you have the goal of working in public health as a researcher, consultant, epidemiologist, educator, or biostatistician, it is essential that you receive plenty of hands-on learning opportunities with your MPH degree to ensure you have the practical skills needed to build success. In order to ensure the highest quality of practical experience courses in an MPH program, it is suggested that you choose a degree that has been fully accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) with significant practice-based learning.