Master's in public health degrees provide specialized knowledge and skills for careers promoting and protecting population health. These interdisciplinary programs often combine coursework in public health research, health education, health science, and leadership.
Admission to a good public health master's program typically requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school. Many programs also require prerequisite coursework in biology and mathematics. Some programs look for candidates with relevant professional experience. Application requirements may include recommendation letters, curriculum vitae or resumes, GRE scores, and essays.
Master's degrees in public health can prepare graduates for various high-level careers or doctoral programs. Common career paths for graduates include epidemiologist, public health analyst, community health program or facility director, and medical and health services manager. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites a median annual salary of $100,980 and a projected 32% job growth for medical and health services managers from 2019 to 2029.
Recommended Schools
What Are the Goals of a Public Health Degree?
Public health students can pursue various master's degree options, including a master of arts in public health (MPH), a master of science in public health (MSPH), and an MBA/MPH dual degree. The MPH typically serves professionals interested in policy or community health work, while the MSPH often prepares graduates for research careers. MBA/MPH students typically use this degree to qualify for advanced management or administration careers.
Most master's in public health programs include courses on public health data collection and analysis, clinical practice, and disease prevention. Enrollees typically choose a specialization such as environmental health, health policy, community health education, or epidemiology. Some programs include concentrations in niche fields such as bioethics or biostatistics.
Why Get a Public Health Degree?
Earning a master's degree in public health can yield many potential personal and professional benefits, including career and salary advancement, specialized knowledge, and professional networking. See below for descriptions of various advantages associated with a public health master's degree.
Promotion Many MPH graduates use their public health degree to qualify for upper-level administrative careers such as medical and health services manager or director.
Salary Advancement Master's degrees typically lead to higher salaries. PayScale salary data indicates that master's in public health graduates earn nearly $10,000 more annually than bachelor's graduates in the same field.
Specialization Master's-level public health programs typically encourage enrollees to specialize their degree in preparation for work in a particular role, niche field, population, or employment context. Specialization can increase graduates' chances of acquiring desired positions.
Networking Master's in public health programs introduce enrollees to accomplished public health peers and professors. Internships and cohort-based programs increase opportunities for professional networking.
Research Skills Graduate students usually take required research courses and create capstone theses or projects involving high-level research. Master's-level research skills can support research-focused careers such as public health analyst or epidemiologist.
What Are the Requirements for a Public Health Degree?
Master's programs typically require at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Public health master's programs may expect math and science prerequisites. Applicants with public health-related bachelor's degrees or relevant professional experience may receive precedence.
Competitive candidates for master's in public health programs typically need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Application requirements usually include essays, official transcripts, recommendation letters, and resumes or curriculum vitae. Some programs also require GRE scores.
Once accepted, MPH students in full-time, semester-based programs complete 42-45 credits over 2-3 years. Most MPH programs require internship or practicum experiences focused on community health, policy, or research. Enrollees choose field experiences that align with their interests and career goals. Many programs also require a thesis, capstone project, or examination.
How Much Will a Top MPH Program Cost?
Tuition for the best MPH programs varies based on school prestige, public or private status, and whether students are in or out of state. Instruction style, book expenses, and campus fees can also impact learners' overall education costs.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, for the 2018-19 academic year, graduate students paid an average of $12,000-$28,000 for tuition and fees. Enrollees should also budget for living expenses, academic technology, and transportation.
Degree-seekers can finance their MPH degrees through financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans. Top MPH programs often offer fellowships and assistantships for teaching and research. Follow the links below to learn more about the FAFSA application process and top scholarship opportunities.
Learn more about paying for college:
Choosing the Best MPH Program
Rankings of the best public health master's programs help candidates kick off their school searches. However, learners should consider many other factors when choosing the right school. The following factors can impact program selection:
Accreditation: Independent accrediting agencies ensure that postsecondary programs meet high standards of academic quality and rigor. MPH candidates should check a potential program's accreditation status with the Council on Education for Public Health, along with the school's regional accreditation status.
Fellowship Opportunities: Applicants should carefully consider a program's fellowship opportunities. These experiences can boost resumes and help land the best jobs post graduation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offer paid fellowships for soon-to-be graduates.
Available Concentrations: Prospective students hoping to enter a specialized field like epidemiology, environmental health, or health education should determine that their potential schools offer concentrations that align with their goals.
FAQ on Public Health
What can you use a public health degree for?
Master's in public health degrees can lead to careers in public health research, policy, clinical practice, and leadership.
Is public health in the medical field?
Public health focuses on disease and injury prevention, rather than on direct provision of medical care.
What does a career in public health look like?
Public health professionals work to protect the public from various harms, hazards, and diseases. This career often entails research or advocacy supporting effective public health policy and practice.
What are examples of public health?
Public health fields include environmental health, global health, epidemiology, and health promotion.
