Public Health is where science and politics meet.
Degree programs in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and related fields consider the relationship between culture and health, explore the design and implementation of health policy programs, and focus on the general well-being of the public population.
Careers in public health are wide-ranging. They can focus on a variety of issues like communicable diseases to environmental hazards. They can engage these issues in various capacities as well. And with online options the way there are, now is the time to earn your degree from any place that works best for you! If you're leaning that way, check out our best online bachelor's in public health and best master's rankings.
What kind of public health degree should you get?
While the career paths are numerous, undergraduate degrees in public health fields are not. The required education for most entry-level public health professions is an upper-level degree, often at least a master's in public health (MPH). Thus undergraduate degrees in public health are not offered as widely as similar graduate programs.
There are, however, a growing number of schools offering Bachelor's of Science or Art in Public Health. In addition, many colleges and universities, while not offering stand-alone undergraduate degrees in public health, do provide certificates programs, minors, or co-majors that undergraduates in complementary degree programs can pursue.
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What can you do with a public health degree?
Some public health graduates go on to pursue careers in research or data collection and analysis. Others go into administration and management in places like government agencies, HMO offices, community medical centers, or the offices of city health planners. Still others become educators and policy makers, working with state or federal legislative committees, consumer advocacy organizations, and non-profit organizations.
Epidemiologists, for instance, investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans, seeking to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.
A medical service manager, alternatively, might manage an entire facility or clinical department in a hospital or other health organization. And a health educator would plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles.
How much money can you make with a public health degree?
As you can see, the career options for public health graduates are vast. That means your potential salary is hard to pin down, unless you look at specific career paths. So let's take a look! With the help of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here's a glance at some of the average annual incomes you can expect with this degree:
Epidemiologist: $69,660
Health educator: $53,940
Medical service manager: $98,350
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 5-25% growth in many of the more popular public health careers between now and 2024. Most public health careers are expected to grow faster than other occupations nationwide, and the median income for the jobs is equal to or exceeds the national average.
What are the requirements for a public health degree?
Curricula for a public health degree will focus on a broad education, ensuring students have knowledge in all of the main public health tracks or specializations, so that future public health professionals understand the multi-disciplinary nature of public health.
Getting a solid public health foundation in your undergraduate years can prepare you to enter the workforce straight away or it can lay the groundwork for pursuing a masters or doctorate in public health or related field. To get that solid foundation, you will want to select a program that fits your desired outcome. If you are more interested in policy, then explore those programs that excel in the political aspects of public health education. If you are more interested in field or lab work, there are programs that better emphasize the compiling and analyzing of data.
What are the best public health degrees?
We have compiled this list of the best public health programs in the nation as a way to help you in your exploration. By taking into consideration tuition, reputation of the schools, anticipated salary, and other factors, we have put together a list that includes a variety of options as far as degrees, majors, programs, certificates, minors, and emphases. Prospective undergraduates interested in public health have a great place to start their journey.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
