While there are many ways to enter the clinical research field, a Master’s in Public Health Degree stands out as an increasingly smart option for candidates looking to strengthen their marketability and job prospects. The program, which can be found at institutions nationwide, provides graduates with the skills they need to enter the clinical research field while simultaneously focusing on leadership skills, flexible job prospects, and a comprehensive understanding of contemporary public health needs.
Leadership and Administrative Skills
One of the key ways in which a Masters in Public Health differs from a Master’s in Clinical Research is its focus on leadership skills and administrative organization. Core competencies at major degree programs require students to learn about the organization of public health systems worldwide. Master’s in Public Health Degree earners have a competitive edge over peers who focus solely on Clinical Research, because they are more qualified and equipped to work in administrative positions within the Clinical Research field.
Flexibility Within the Job Market
Another reason that people interested in Clinical Research choose to earn Master’s in Public Health is the flexibility the degree offers. Master’s in Public Health programs allow students to concentrate in a particular field, tailoring their degree to suit their own career interests. For example, students might concentrate in Quantitative Methods or Clinical Effectiveness, both of which give them the tools needed to enter the field of Clinical Research while still learning about the broader issues of global public health. Graduates are equipped—but not limited to—working in the field of Clinical Research, and have the opportunity to apply their unique skill set to a wide variety of employment tracks.
A Broader Approach to Understanding Health Sciences
Yet another reason why a Master’s in Public Health benefits the Clinical Research Field is that it offers an understanding of the key contemporary issues at play in health sciences. While many enter the Clinical Research Field with only a strict background in methodology, graduates of Master’s in Public Health programs understand the reasoning behind clinical research decisions, and the factors that play into which projects are granted research time. According to What is Public Health, graduates leave with a wider understanding of the issues at play in public health systems both nationally and internationally.
Conclusion
With a growing need for clinical researchers to think broadly and creatively, it is evident that a Master’s in Public Health program can be a desirable way for researchers to gain a competitive edge in the Clinical Research Field. Master’s in Public Health degrees provide exposure to the same curriculum required of a Master’s in Clinical Research, all while providing competitive leadership training, the flexibility to negotiate careers in a variety of fields, and a broad understanding of the general trends and needs within medical and scientific research. Students who enroll in Master’s in Public Health programs leave with the ability to tackle Clinical Health issues from both a qualitative and quantitative standpoint, giving them a competitive edge over peers who focus solely on the methodological side of the Clinical Research Field. It comes as no surprise that online degree programs are more popular than ever. If you’re looking to earn your MPH but have been considering a specialization, you may want to check out some MS in biostatistics online programs.