Public Health Master Degrees

The Basics of Public Health Master Degrees

What is Public Health?
Why Pursue a Master's in Public Health?
Overview of Degree Requirements

Specializations in Public Health Master Degrees

Epidemiology
Health Policy and Management
Environmental Health Sciences
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Global Health

Admissions Requirements for Public Health Master Degrees

Minimum GPA and Test Scores
Letters of Recommendation
Personal Statement

Financing Options for Public Health Master Degrees

Scholarships and Grants
Loans and Work-Study Programs
Research and Teaching Assistantships

Online vs. On-Campus Public Health Master Degrees

Pros and Cons of Online Education
Flexibility and Accessibility
In-Person Networking Opportunities

Accreditation and Ranking of Public Health Master Degrees

Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Careers and Salaries for Public Health Master's Graduates

Salary Expectations with a Public Health Degree
Career Paths in Public Health
Job Outlook for Public Health Graduates

Internships and Practicums in Public Health Master Degrees

Why Practical Experience is Key
Types of Internships and Practicums
How to Find an Internship or Practicum Opportunity

Networking and Professional Development for Public Health Master's Students

Joining Professional Organizations
Attending Conferences and Events
Building Your Network in Public Health

Resources for Public Health Master's Students and Graduates

Public Health Journals and Publications
Government Health Agencies and Organizations
Career and Job Search Websites

The Basics of Public Health Master Degrees

Public health is a field that focuses on improving the health and well-being of communities through promoting healthy behaviors, preventing diseases and injuries, and addressing health inequities. Pursuing a master's degree in public health can provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact on public health.

What is Public Health?

Public health is an interdisciplinary field that involves the study of population health, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and management, behavioral and social sciences, and many other related areas. Public health professionals work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions, among others.

Why Pursue a Master's in Public Health?

A master's degree in public health can open up many career opportunities in the field, including roles such as epidemiologist, health policy analyst, public health educator, and environmental health specialist, among others. Additionally, pursuing a master's degree can provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on public health issues that they are passionate about.

Overview of Degree Requirements

Most public health master's degree programs require students to complete core courses in areas such as biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and management, and behavioral and social sciences. Students may also have the option to specialize in a particular area of public health, such as epidemiology or global health. In addition to coursework, many programs also require students to complete a capstone project or thesis.

Specializations in Public Health Master Degrees

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Students who specialize in epidemiology may study topics such as infectious disease outbreaks, chronic disease prevention, and the social determinants of health.

Health Policy and Management

Health policy and management is the study of how healthcare systems are organized, financed, and delivered. Students who specialize in this area may study topics such as healthcare quality improvement, healthcare financing, and healthcare leadership.

Environmental Health Sciences

Environmental health sciences is the study of how environmental factors can impact human health. Students who specialize in this area may study topics such as air and water pollution, toxicology, and occupational health and safety.

Behavioral and Social Sciences

Behavioral and social sciences is the study of how social and behavioral factors can impact health outcomes. Students who specialize in this area may study topics such as health education and promotion, community health, and health disparities.

Global Health

Global health is the study of health issues that transcend national boundaries. Students who specialize in global health may study topics such as infectious disease control, maternal and child health, and health systems strengthening in low- and middle-income countries.

Admissions Requirements for Public Health Master Degrees

Minimum GPA and Test Scores

Most public health master's degree programs require applicants to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, although some programs may have higher GPA requirements. Additionally, many programs require applicants to submit GRE scores, although some programs may waive this requirement for applicants with significant professional experience.

Letters of Recommendation

Many public health master's degree programs require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or other professionals who can speak to the applicant's academic and professional qualifications.

Personal Statement

Most public health master's degree programs require applicants to submit a personal statement that outlines their career goals, academic background, and relevant experience in the field. This statement is an important opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their passion for public health and their potential to make a positive impact in the field.

Financing Options for Public Health Master Degrees

Scholarships and Grants

Many public health master's degree programs offer scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of tuition. Additionally, there are many external scholarship opportunities available to public health students, such as those offered by professional organizations and foundations.

Loans and Work-Study Programs

Students may also be eligible for federal or private student loans to finance their education. Additionally, some programs offer work-study opportunities that allow students to work part-time while completing their degree.

Research and Teaching Assistantships

Some public health master's degree programs offer research or teaching assistantships to qualified students. These positions typically provide a stipend and may also include tuition remission or other benefits.

Online vs. On-Campus Public Health Master Degrees

Pros and Cons of Online Education

Online public health master's degree programs offer flexibility and convenience for students who may not be able to attend classes on campus due to work or family obligations. However, online programs may not offer the same level of in-person interaction with professors and classmates as on-campus programs.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Online programs allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule, which can be helpful for those who need to balance work or family responsibilities with their education.

In-Person Networking Opportunities

On-campus programs provide opportunities for students to interact with professors and classmates in person, which can be beneficial for building professional connections and networking in the field.

Accreditation and Ranking of Public Health Master Degrees

Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the accrediting body for public health master's degree programs in the United States. Accreditation from CEPH ensures that a program meets rigorous academic standards and prepares students to make a positive impact in the field.

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

U.S. News & World Report ranks public health master's degree programs based on factors such as faculty resources, research activity, and student outcomes. While rankings should not be the sole determining factor in choosing a program, they can be a helpful tool for comparing different programs.

Careers and Salaries for Public Health Master's Graduates

Salary Expectations with a Public Health Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for epidemiologists, one common career path for public health master's graduates, was $70,990 as of May 2020. Other careers in public health may have varying salary expectations depending on the specific job and location.

Career Paths in Public Health

Public health master's graduates may pursue a variety of career paths, including roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions. Some common career paths include epidemiologist, health policy analyst, public health educator, and environmental health specialist, among others.

Job Outlook for Public Health Graduates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, there is a growing need for public health professionals who can address the health impacts of environmental factors and social determinants of health.

Internships and Practicums in Public Health Master Degrees

Why Practical Experience is Key

Practical experience is a key component of many public health master's degree programs, as it provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Additionally, internships and practicums can help students build professional connections and gain valuable experience that can enhance their job prospects after graduation.

Types of Internships and Practicums

Public health master's students may complete internships or practicums in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions. These experiences may involve conducting research, developing public health programs, or providing direct services to communities.

How to Find an Internship or Practicum Opportunity

Many public health master's degree programs offer assistance with finding internship or practicum opportunities, such as through a designated office or faculty member. Additionally, students can seek out opportunities on their own by networking with professionals in the field or searching for openings on job boards or organization websites.

Networking and Professional Development for Public Health Master's Students

Joining Professional Organizations

Joining a professional organization in the public health field can provide students with opportunities for networking, professional development, and access to resources such as job postings and publications. Some examples of professional organizations in the field include the American Public Health Association and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.

Attending Conferences and Events

Attending conferences and events related to public health can provide students with opportunities to learn about the latest research and trends in the field, as well as network with professionals and potential employers. Many organizations offer discounted rates for student attendance at their events.

Building Your Network in Public Health

Networking is an important part of building a career in public health. Students can build their network by attending events and conferences, joining professional organizations, and seeking out mentorship or informational interviews with professionals in the field.

Resources for Public Health Master's Students and Graduates

Public Health Journals and Publications

There are many journals and publications related to public health that can provide students and graduates with access to the latest research and trends in the field. Some examples of journals include the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice.

Government Health Agencies and Organizations

There are many government agencies and organizations involved in public health at the federal, state, and local levels. These organizations may offer resources such as data and statistics, job postings, and training programs. Examples include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments.

Career and Job Search Websites

There are many websites that specialize in career and job search resources for public health professionals. Examples include the Public Health Jobs website and the Public Health CareerMart.