Earning a master’s degree in public health (MPH) opens doors to a wide variety of career paths. From the medical field to mental health, a MPH allows graduates to practice, teach, research, or any combination of the three. There are options to work for the government, community centers, private organizations, and in private practice. With many online MPH programs currently available, it is easier than ever to get started and achieve success. Those embarking on this journey can expect to meet the following requirements.
Self Discipline and Creative Networking
Earning an online degree is convenient and affordable. It also requires students to be exceptionally self-disciplined. They must create and adhere to their own learning and study schedules in order to meet more widely dispersed guidelines. They must make an extra effort to connect with peers and professors. The word public in the degree title accurately insinuates that this academic and career path is one that demands positive people skills and direct interaction with others. This is more challenging to accomplish in an online setting, so students must take the initiative to find alternative ways to network.
Core and Elective Coursework
Every online MPH student can expect to complete about 80 credits total. About half of them come from core classes. The subjects they must master in order to enter the public health field consist of biological statistics, epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, health management, public health policy, and environmental health. Once students learn where their particular skills and interests lie, they choose elective courses to make up the other half of the program. Electives give students the opportunity to dive deeper into their favorite core classes, explore specific public health issues, and begin to develop their specializations. US News provides a detailed overview of the strengths, challenges, and requirements of online MPH programs.
Final Project
Once students complete their coursework, they receive opportunities for guided hands on experience with the material. One graduation requirement is the completion of a final project. This capstone or thesis assignment can involve research or a community initiative. Both will require synthesizing current findings int he public health field, composing a paper, and delivering an oral presentation. This is an opportunity for students to choose a public health issue they care deeply about and help to make a difference.
Fieldwork
Along with the final project, MPH students complete their degree programs with supervised fieldwork. With a little bit of help from their professors and a lot of personal effort, students will obtain placement in a public health organization. They will conduct real work with real clients alongside a supervisor who provides feedback and guidance. The amount of hours of fieldwork needed for graduate varies by state and program. What every fieldwork experience has in common is the requirement of building a solid professional network for future employment. This is the key to landing a fulfilling position in whichever public health sector each student feels called to. It is therefore important to select the fieldwork position carefully.
Related Resource: 10 Fastest MPH Degree Programs Online
The public health field needs new professionals every day. Preparing for these requirements will set every MPH student up for great academic experiences and even better careers. With hard work and effort, online MHP programs result in fulfilling and successful real life careers.