Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / Degree / Graduate / Health / Public

Graduate Degree Public Health

  • What Is a Graduate Degree in Public Health?
  • Types of Graduate Degrees in Public Health
  • Benefits of Obtaining a Graduate Degree in Public Health
  • Top Universities Offering Graduate Degrees in Public Health
  • Specializations Available in Public Health Degree Programs
  • Admissions Requirements for Graduate Programs in Public Health
  • Job Opportunities for Graduates with a Public Health Degree
  • Career Paths in Public Health
  • Salary Expectations for Public Health Graduates
  • Continuing Education and Professional Development in Public Health

What Is a Graduate Degree in Public Health?

A graduate degree in public health is an advanced level academic program that prepares students for professions focused on improving the overall health of populations. The degree typically covers a broad range of topics, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, health policy, and management. The goal of a graduate degree in public health is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, prevent, and address health challenges faced by communities globally.

Types of Graduate Degrees in Public Health

There are several types of graduate degrees in public health, including:

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is the most common type of graduate degree in public health. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public health issues, and the skills needed to develop and implement effective public health policies and programs. The MPH degree offers a broad range of specializations, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, global health, environmental health, and health policy.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree is a professional degree for individuals who wish to pursue leadership positions in public health practice or research. This degree is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to design, implement, and evaluate public health programs and policies. The DrPH degree emphasizes the application of research to real-world problems and includes coursework in leadership, management, and policy development.

Master of Science (MS) in Public Health

The Master of Science (MS) in Public Health is a research-focused degree that provides students with a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis. This degree is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in academic research or who wish to pursue a doctoral degree in public health.

Benefits of Obtaining a Graduate Degree in Public Health

There are several benefits to obtaining a graduate degree in public health, including:

  • Increased career opportunities: A graduate degree in public health opens up a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
  • Higher earning potential: Graduates with a graduate degree in public health can expect to earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor's degree.
  • Opportunities for leadership roles: A graduate degree in public health prepares individuals for leadership roles in public health organizations and agencies.
  • Ability to make a difference: Public health professionals have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of communities around the world.

Top Universities Offering Graduate Degrees in Public Health

Several universities offer graduate degrees in public health, including:

  • Johns Hopkins University: The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is consistently ranked as the number one school of public health in the United States.
  • Harvard University: The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of public health in the world.
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: The Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill is a top-ranked school of public health that offers a wide range of programs and specializations.
  • Columbia University: The Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University is a world-renowned school of public health that offers innovative programs and cutting-edge research opportunities.

Specializations Available in Public Health Degree Programs

Public health degree programs offer a wide range of specializations, including:

  • Epidemiology: The study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations.
  • Biostatistics: The application of statistical methods to biological and health-related data.
  • Environmental Health: The study of the environmental factors that impact human health.
  • Health Promotion: The development and implementation of strategies to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease.
  • Global Health: The study of health issues that affect populations worldwide.
  • Health Policy: The study of the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policies and programs.

Admissions Requirements for Graduate Programs in Public Health

The admissions requirements for graduate programs in public health vary depending on the school and program. However, most programs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants may also need to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining their goals and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in public health.

Job Opportunities for Graduates with a Public Health Degree

Graduates with a public health degree can pursue a wide range of careers, including:

  • Public Health Educator: Develop and implement educational programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease.
  • Epidemiologist: Investigate the causes and patterns of disease in populations.
  • Biostatistician: Analyze health-related data to identify trends and patterns.
  • Health Policy Analyst: Develop and evaluate policies and programs that impact public health.
  • Environmental Health Specialist: Identify and address environmental factors that impact human health.
  • Global Health Specialist: Develop and implement programs to address health issues in low- and middle-income countries.

Career Paths in Public Health

There are several career paths in public health, including:

  • Academic Research: Conduct research on a wide range of public health issues, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy.
  • Public Health Practice: Work in public health organizations and agencies to develop and implement programs and policies to improve public health.
  • Healthcare Administration: Manage healthcare organizations and facilities to ensure the delivery of high-quality care.
  • International Health: Work in international organizations to address global health issues and promote health equity worldwide.

Salary Expectations for Public Health Graduates

The salary expectations for public health graduates vary depending on the specific career path and level of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for epidemiologists was $70,990 in May 2020, while the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $104,280.

Continuing Education and Professional Development in Public Health

Continuing education and professional development are essential for public health professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field. Public health professionals can pursue continuing education through workshops, conferences, and online courses. Professional development opportunities include leadership training, management courses, and certification programs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate Degree Public Health

What is a graduate degree in public health?

A graduate degree in public health is an advanced degree program that prepares students for a career in the field of public health. It covers a range of topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and global health.

What are the types of graduate degrees in public health?

There are several types of graduate degrees in public health, including a Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), and PhD in public health.

What can I do with a graduate degree in public health?

Graduates with a degree in public health can pursue careers in various fields such as health education, epidemiology, health policy, healthcare administration, and environmental health.

What are the admission requirements for a graduate program in public health?

Admission requirements vary by program, but most programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may also require GRE scores or relevant work experience.

What is the average salary of someone with a graduate degree in public health?

The average salary for someone with a graduate degree in public health varies depending on their job title and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers, which includes healthcare administrators, was $100,980 as of May 2019.