If you work full-time or have other familial obligations, you might be wondering if you can take a part-time Masters in Public Health degree program to further your education and advance your public health career. The Master of Public Health is a multi-disciplinary professional graduate degree in the field of public health that help students master focused subject matter.
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Unlike some public health education councils, in the United States the MPH degree is not a clinical degree. While this is true, professionals with their MPH can still hold certain clinical titles in preventative medicine, epidemiologic trends or even health education. If you are planning to pursue a career in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, health administration, or social sciences, an MPH may be appropriate. Read on and find out if it is possible to find a part-time MPH program that is flexible and fits into your schedule.
How Long Does It Take To Study For an MPH on a Part-time Basis?
Once you graduate from an accredited undergraduate program where you have completed all of the necessary prerequisite coursework, you can apply to study for your Master of Public Health. The traditional full-time program typically consists of around 40 and 50 credit hours and a capstone project which can all be completed in a span of about two years.
When you are enrolled as a part-time student, however, the duration of the program depends upon how many credit hours you complete each semester. If you take nine credits each semester, you graduate within about 32 to 36 months. Taking only six credits each semester can extend your studies to about four years for your graduate degree alone. This is something to consider as you are choosing your course load.
Can You Study For Your MPH Online?
One question that is often posed in the age of distance education programs is whether or not it is possible to earn a Master’s of Public Health online. If you study online, you might very well be able to fit in more studies so that you can take more credit hours each semester. It is possible to find graduate schools that have distance learning programs in this major area. All of the lessons and curriculum is delivered online and you will be able to set your own schedule so that you can complete your work before or after your 9-to-5 job.
What To Consider Before Applying To a Master of Public Health Program
No matter what route that you plan on going, it important that you qualify a school and a program before you actually apply. Be sure that you choose a program that is accredited by a reputable council like the Council on Education for Public Health so that you know that your degree will be recognized and that the school meets strict educational standards. Once you have sifted through the options and checked for accreditation, you can make your decision based on your personal preferences.
Related Resource: Master of Health Administration
Studying for an advanced degree to further your education and tap into your potential can be difficult when you are already working. While it can be a challenge, it is possible to fit education into your busy schedule. Consider earning a distance education degree or a traditional part-time Master’s in Public Health degree and increase your earning potential.