Articles > HealthcareÌý>ÌýWhat can you do with a master's in public health degree?
°Â³ó²¹³ÙÌýcan you do with a master's in public health degree?Ìý
This article was updated on June 6, 2024.
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed byÌýMark Jóhannsson, DHSc, MPH,ÌýDean, College of Health Professions
A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate-level degree that prepares students to play a role in overseeing and maintaining the health of populations. AnÌýonline Master of Public Health degree program gives a comprehensive understanding of public health principles that apply to a wide range of roles.
Benefits of earning a master's in public health degreeÌý
Earning an online master’s degree, particularly a master's in public health degree, offers several benefits. An MPH program is a flexible healthcare degree that can prepare graduates for work in public and private sectors, including hospitals, care centers and social advocacy organizations.
But outside of career prospects, what is an MPH degree good for?
Other benefits of earning an MPH include but aren’t limited to:
- Community impact: Because those with MPH degrees work in the public healthcare sector, their work affects communities on a broader scale. Someone interested in making a large, lasting impact may want to consider an MPH.
- Program flexibility: Professionals in this space have the flexibility to work in many industries, but that isn’t the only kind of flexibility an MPH offers. These degrees can be pursued at traditional universities and through online programs alike with equal requirements and accreditation involved in both options.
- Travel opportunities: Many other clinical healthcare jobs require professionals to work out of a hospital or care center to serve patients within that particular setting. However, those with an MPH focus on the broader population, be it a community, state, country or region of the world, meaning that national or global job opportunities may require travel.
- Global impact: Public health isn’t just a local issue. It’s a global concern too. That could allow graduates to find meaningful work at a city, state, national or international level.
Career opportunities with a master's in public health degree
Curious about available careers with a master's in public health degree? Generally speaking, they involve advocacy, policymaking, community health and outreach, research, disease surveillance — the list goes on.ÌýBecause of these widespread opportunities, an MPH offers the ability to branch out within the healthcare industry.Ìý
However, while this program can provide the fundamental public health competencies required for this career, some careers — likeÌýmedical science — may require a degree with a specific concentration.ÌýBelow are examples of careers for which some professionals possess at least a bachelor’s degree, but some employers may prefer a master’s degree:
Public health administrator
Overview: ÌýOne possible career to consider for a graduate with a master’s in public health degree is that of a public health administrator.ÌýPublic health administrators focus on community welfare by running organizations that promote health information. Many public health administrators focus on government work, although others might have roles at not-for-profit or educational organizations.
Education requirements: The typical entry level education for public health administrators is a bachelor’s degree. However, depending on the position and employer,Ìýa master’s in public health degree, or another master’s degree,Ìýmay be preferred or required.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of °®ÎÛ´«Ã½. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022–2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ students or graduates.
Public health program manager
Overview: Public health program managers oversee, plan and implement various programs and services for public health departments. These broad responsibilities include managing staff, coordinating initiatives and evaluating their programs.
Education requirements: The typical entry level education for public health program managers is a bachelor’s degree. However, depending on the position and employer, a master’s degree may be preferred or required.
Health education specialist
Overview: Another career path to consider for graduates with a master’s in public health degree is that of a health education specialist. Health education specialists are responsible for addressing the health needs of a population by evaluating and implementing education programs that help members of the community live healthier lifestyles.
National salary ranges: As of May 2024,ÌýÌýhealth education specialists , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Education requirements: Working in this role typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in health education; some businesses require employees to have a master’s degree. that some employers prefer health education specialists obtain certifications, and some states have certification programs.Ìý
Job outlook:ÌýEmployment of health education specialists is projected to . About 6,700 openings for health education specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of °®ÎÛ´«Ã½. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022–2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ students or graduates.
Public health officer
Overview: Public health officers are the public face of government agencies and other institutions. They typically share information with the public or the media during a health crisis. Other responsibilities involve developing response guidelines and materials that help spread important information.
Education requirements: The typical entry-level education for public health officers is a bachelor’s degree. However, depending on the position and employer, aÌýmaster’s in public health degree, or another master’s degree, may be preferred or required.
Community health program coordinator
Overview: Community health program coordinators have similar job duties to other public health professionals. They help develop and implement programs to address their community’s specific health needs. They also conduct outreach to engage the community on those programs and build partnerships with leaders and stakeholders.
Education requirements: The typical entry level education for a community health program coordinator is a bachelor’s degree. However, depending on the position and employer, a master’s degree may be preferred or required.
Learn more about an online master’s in public health degree program
If you’re interested in learning more about pursuing a master’s in public health degree, °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ offers online healthcare degree programs, including an online master’s degree in public health.
Contact °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Mark Jóhannsson is the Dean of theÌý College of Health Professions. He has a career spanning over 35 years of healthcare management, public health practice, higher education administration, teaching and clinical/behavioral research within corporate, community and academic settings. He has served as both an educational and keynote speaker, and he has been published in a variety of peer-reviewed and periodic literature.
This article has been vetted by °®ÎÛ´«Ã½'s editorial advisory committee.Ìý
Read more about our editorial process.