Writer: Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDE
Are you interested in moving up in the exciting career of a public health professional? For you to be a well-prepared public health professional that can make a huge difference in the field, there are some requirements. For you to make a difference in the public health profession, you can expect this to happen in the local, regional or global community. Making this lasting difference can be made through promoting and protecting the public’s health. By pursuing a master’s in public health (MPH) degree at a top school of public health you can expect to be on your way to success.
The MPH degree is the professional degree that will equip you with the needed skills to succeed in a wide variety of work environments. You can expect opportunities to include local, state or national public health agencies, as well as international health care organizations. Whether you plan on working close to home or abroad, a master’s in public health degree will help you to meet your career goals.
The field of health in general is a growing field, with the field of public health growing right along with it. Public health can be a satisfying career for you if you have a strong interest in protecting and promoting health. This can be done both in your own community or around the world. A master’s in public health (MPH) degree paves the way for your advancement in this career. Not only that, but it prepares you, as a public health professional, to identify and solve public health problems. It also prepares you to disperse public health information. Public health positions can vary a great deal in both the work and compensation. These variations can depend on many things, including interest, location and prior experience.
Working in public health can be such a rewarding career. Helping members of your community get and stay healthy, as well as educating people about how to keep themselves and their families healthy, is why many people seek positions in public health. You may find that you are ready to move up in public health and take on more responsibilities through a leadership role. If so, then you very well may need to continue your education with a master’s degree in public health.
Master’s in Public Health
Public health graduate programs are looking for candidates with the drive and intellect to be successful. Acceptance into an accredited school of public health with an accredited MPH program means more than just meeting the minimum requirement to be eligible to attend. Through the application process, you as an applicant want to show your school of choice that you not only meet the prerequisites. You also want to show that you have the capability and drive to perform well in their program.
The master’s in public health degree program exposes students to the five core areas of public health. These five core areas are:
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
- Health Policy and Administration
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
The MPH program has a focus on public health practice. This is in contrast to some of the other public health programs that have a focus on either research or teaching. However, even with this focus, you may as an MPH holder go on to research, teaching or maybe even both.
The level of education needed for a career in public health depends quite a bit on the type of career that you would like to pursue. For example, a receptionist at a free clinic may only need a two-year degree, or maybe even just some previous experience. However, a public health position such as a state program coordinator would require you to have a higher level degree. Pursuing an MPH program from an accredited MPH program prepares you for the next level in their career, whatever that may be.
If you are seeking to move up in this exciting field or to pursue leadership roles, the master’s in public health is the degree for you. This degree promises to prepare you for practice in leadership roles. These roles could be held at the local, state, federal or international level. MPH graduates may also seek work in the private sector with public health organizations. You may also find employment in academia in both teaching and research roles.
Whatever your career goals and reasons to pursue a master’s in public health may be, it is important to be sure that your program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
The Importance of Non-Academic Public Health Experience
Before you even begin to apply for your master’s in public health degree, you should look to gain some experience in the field of public health. This is especially true if you hope to obtain a leadership position in the public health field. It is also an important step if you are looking to be accepted into a competitive MPH program. Real-life public health experience will set you apart from other program applicants.
This experience could be gained in a number of ways, such as:
- Volunteer work: You could choose to volunteer your time working for a public health organization. Volunteering in some areas of your community is also a practical way to earn some experience in public health.
- Internship: There are many organizations that offer internship programs. The experience gained through one of these is an opportunity that would be hard to beat.
- Entry-level position: Another option, and one that could also help out your wallet, is to get hired at an entry-level position for a public health program or organization. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and gain some hands-on experience. Even if the entry-level job is low on the payscale, the experience and knowledge gained may end up being invaluable.
Whether through volunteer work, internships, or job experience, experience in the public health field may very well help to launch your success as an applicant for an MPH program.
Education Requirements for a Master’s in Public Health Program
Master’s in public health degree programs can be competitive. Because of this, you should take time to prepare your application and gain any necessary experience. Admission requirements vary from program to program. With this in mind, it is important to take time to understand any unique requirements for the program or programs that you plan to apply to. Each program may indeed be slightly different. Most schools have certain requirements for a successful application to graduate studies. As a master’s program applicant, you will find it necessary to hold a bachelor’s degree. No matter the program, you will find there are general prerequisites that exist for most MPH programs.
Non-Educational Requirements for MPH Programs
Continuing your education in public health with a master’s degree will help you as you work in the field with a leadership role. This will allow you to help people in your community, state, nation, or even across the world to enjoy better community health through improved health policy in their area. Understanding the requirements to apply to a program will help you choose the best program for you. You can soon be well on your way to the next step in your career.
Programs offer different concentrations, These may include :
- child health
- nutrition
- biostatistics
- environmental health
- health management
While doing a school search, be sure to check school rankings of accredited MPH programs. This can help you to see how your school of interest weighs in when compared to other schools.
Financing an MPH degree program
It goes without saying that graduate study can be a big expense in both time and money. The amount of time that the program takes can vary quite a bit. Full-time master of public health programs typically take 2-2.5 years to complete. Part-time programs may take up to 7 years to complete, depending on the university. Some accelerated public health degrees may be completed full time in about a year.
One of the big questions to consider before pursuing a degree program is “How will I pay for it?” The good news is that public health degrees can be financed through a variety of methods including:
- student loans
- scholarships from your school of choice
- scholarships through organizations
- personal savings
- employer benefit
Be sure to speak with someone at your school of interest regarding your financial needs and education goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Job titles in public health can include things such:
• health communications specialist
• health research scientist
• college instructor
• program director
• director of services
• health administrator
• public health management analyst
• public health research methods instructor
• community health services
• health education
• public health policy
MPH holders may work in:
• public sector
• private sector
• government agencies
• academia
• research industry
• community-based organizations
There is a wide range of salaries that you can anticipate as a master’s degree holder in the field of public health. Your salary will depend greatly on the specific career direction that you choose. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics at BLS.gov provides all the information you need in relation to pay scale.
Some of the highest paid positions for those who have earned a master’s in public health include:
• biostatistician
• health service manager
• epidemiologist
• public health attorney
• social and community service manager
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) provides statistics and other pertinent information. This is available for occupations in different geographical regions in the United States. Using this website is a great place to start to search for this type of information. The BLS.gov website also has information on:
salaries
job outlook
income according to geographical region
job opportunities according to location
specific job information
job education requirements
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations combined from 2022 to 2032. There is a projection of about 1.8 million openings each year. The good news is that those who hold a master’s degree are in the best positions to fill those job vacancies. This website is kept up to date, and is a great resource for you as you research all the potential job possibilities for your future.
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the professional organization for those in the field of public health. APHA’s vision is to “create the healthiest nation in one generation” while being the champion of health for all people and all communities. APHA strives to support and strengthen the public health profession. They also strive to make known important public health issues and evidence-based policies. APHA has wide reaching influence in federal public health policy. With close to 150 years of perspective, they bring together members from all areas of public health.
APHA’s mission is to protect and improve public health and work to achieve equity in health status among all populations. APHA represents members from all disciplines of public health and over 40 countries.
Another option to consider is a dual degree program in public health. Students in law school, dental school, medical school, veterinarian school, dietitians programs and other health related degrees may find schools with a public health dual degree program. These dual degree programs are becoming more and more commonplace. There are many schools that are forming trusted partner programs. These partner programs aim to help students to optimize their time. There are some students who, in the middle of medical school, opt to take a one-year break in their training to get their MPH. Students applying to these dual degree programs have many of the same application requirements. This includes health-related work experience and letters of recommendation.
Another good option may be a program that overlaps. This allows you to complete both the master and professional degrees simultaneously. The degrees are then granted at the same time. It is important to check out your program of interest and speak to a representative from their admissions committee office. This will make you aware of any prerequisites and admission requirements that students interested in this route need to be aware of. While seeking a dual MPH degree you can expect to be given various opportunities to influence health policy in your area of expertise.
There are many MPH schools and programs that require applicants to submit a statement of purpose. Forming a meaningful statement of purpose is an important part of the application process.
A statement of purpose would include:
• a clear description of your specific interest in public health
• goals you may have for yourself
• why you would like to pursue a master’s in public health
• how the completion of this degree will make a difference in your life and career goals
A statement of purpose gives you yet another opportunity to set yourself apart from other program applicants. A clear, direct, and passionate plan for a career in public health will be attractive to those who are choosing students for their program. The public health field needs individuals who will work hard and make a difference. Writing a good statement of purpose can help boost you as someone who could fill a public health role in an effective and lasting manner.
Success in your Public Health career starts now.
There are many MPH programs available, and the program you choose could end up making such a difference in the career path that you end up on. Not all MPH programs are the same! You should carefully choose a few programs to top your list. After that, you can use many of the steps listed above to prepare yourself to not only apply, but to get chosen in the best program possible. Your goal should be to use the application process as an opportunity to present yourself, as well as your skills and goals, in a manner that would be difficult to turn down.
If you believe in public health and believe in your own ability to make a difference in public health, then it is important to make that crystal clear. There are many resources available to help with applications, resumes, and statements of purpose. When considering a degree as advanced and important as a master’s of public health, it might be worth pursuing help from an outside source. This can ensure that you can make the most of every opportunity you have to present yourself well.
The field of public health needs qualified, driven, and passionate individuals. It needs people who are ready to make their mark on the world in a lasting way. Following these steps can help you to get a head start on a fruitful, rewarding career.
Related reading:
- Top 10 Master’s in Public Health Degree Online
- 10 Fastest MPH Degree Programs Online
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