Earn Your Master’s in Public Health

Are you eager to make a difference in health and well-being? Think about getting a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. This degree is flexible and can lead to many fulfilling careers in public health. It helps you tackle chronic diseases and global health issues with the right skills and knowledge.

This guide will walk you through the steps to get your MPH. We’ll cover what the degree is about, the best programs, career options, salary expectations, and how to fund your studies. If you’re starting a new career in public health or moving up, this guide has everything you need to succeed.

Key Takeaways

• The healthcare field is expected to grow by 16% between 2020 and 2030, faster than other industries¹.
• MPH graduates have an average salary of $83,801 according to a recent survey¹.
• Chamberlain University’s MPH program can be completed in as little as two years².
• The MPH program at Chamberlain University is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)².
• Earn military tuition savings of 17-30% per credit at Chamberlain University³.

What is a Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree?

A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a top-level graduate program. It prepares students to handle complex public health issues⁴. Students learn to protect and boost community health through various fields like epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy.

Master of Public Health vs. Master of Science in Public Health

The Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) are both advanced degrees in public health. Yet, they differ in focus. The MPH focuses on practical skills for real-world health applications⁵. On the other hand, the MSPH emphasizes research and the scientific side of public health.

Choosing between an MPH and MSPH depends on your career goals and interests⁶. If you want a hands-on, community-focused role, the MPH might be right for you. But if research and analysis in public health interest you, the MSPH could be the better choice.

“The MPH degree is generally more practice-oriented, emphasizing the development of skills for applying public health principles in real-world settings.”

How to get a master’s degree in public health

To get a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, you must meet certain requirements. Most programs want applicants with a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA from the last 60 units or more⁷. You also need two letters of recommendation, with up to five accepted⁷. If you’re from another country, you might need to show TOEFL or IELTS scores, aiming for a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90⁷.

Admissions Requirements for MPH Programs

Applying to MPH programs means you’ll write a mission and values statement, under 250 words⁷. You might also write a resilience statement, also under 250 words⁷. Some programs, like the Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) concentration, require at least two semesters of chemistry⁷. Others, like the One Health concentration, want a strong background in biology and math⁷.

Typical MPH Curriculum and Concentrations

After getting in, you’ll study core topics like epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy. Many programs let you focus on areas like community health and education, public policy and global health, or healthcare administration. These specializations look at your long-term goals, public health commitment, and past experiences⁷.

With more public health jobs needed, now’s a great time for an MPH degree. Whether you want online mph programs or traditional ones, knowing about the public health master’s curriculum and mph admissions requirements helps you choose the right path.

Top MPH Programs and Accreditation

Choosing the right Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program is crucial. We focus on accredited programs that meet top standards. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the main accrediting body for these programs⁸.

The Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona is a top choice. It has been CEPH accredited since 2003 and will be until 2027⁸. Other top programs include those at Johns Hopkins University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and the University of Michigan⁹.

These leading programs offer many specializations. You can study epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, or global health. For instance, the University of California, Berkeley, has 11 concentrations⁹. The University of Washington offers MPH programs in 19 areas⁹.

Choosing an accredited MPH program means getting a great education and practical training. This prepares you for a career in public health¹⁰.

When looking at MPH programs, check for CEPH accreditation and many specializations. Also, consider the program’s reputation for producing successful public health professionals. With the right program, you can have a fulfilling career and help communities worldwide¹⁰.

Career Paths with a Master’s in Public Health

Getting a Master of Public Health (MPH) opens doors to many rewarding jobs. Graduates can work in community health and education. They focus on preventing diseases, promoting healthy behaviors, and helping those who don’t get enough care¹¹. They might become community health workers, outreach specialists, health educators, or public health social workers.

Community Health and Education Roles

MPH graduates in community health and education tackle health disparities and boost wellness in local areas. They create educational programs, reach out to those in need, and help get people to healthcare services¹¹. Social and community service managers, a common job for MPH grads, earn a median salary of $77,030 and have a 9% job growth by 2032¹¹.

Public Policy and Global Health Opportunities

An MPH degree also leads to jobs in public policy and global health. Graduates might be health policy analysts, making laws and policies to improve health¹². They could work in international groups, non-profits, or government agencies, solving global health issues and making healthcare fair for everyone¹². Health policy analysts earn a median salary of $66,400¹².

If you’re into community outreach, public policy, or global health, a Master’s in Public Health is a great choice. It gives you the skills and knowledge to positively change the health and well-being of people and communities¹¹¹².

Master’s in Public Health Salaries and Job Outlook

Getting a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree can lead to higher pay. In 2019-2020, MPH graduates made an average of $83,801¹³. Jobs in public health are looking up, with biostatistics and community health workers expected to grow by 30% and 11% from 2018 to 2028¹³.

Public health educators are set to see a 7% job growth by 2031, earning $67,000 a year or $32 an hour¹⁴. Public health administrators can make about $78,000 annually, or $38 an hour, with a 28% growth expected by 2032¹⁴.

The need for public health experts is rising. From 2000 to 2020, master’s in public health degrees jumped from 5,000 to over 18,000¹⁵. New MPH graduates earn an average of $71,000, with salaries varying by sector: public ($73,000), non-profit ($66,000), for-profit ($90,000), and health care administration ($104,000)¹⁵.

Epidemiologists with an MPH degree can earn over $86,000¹⁵. Those in health care insurance companies make between $70,000 and $114,000¹⁵. About one-third of public health managers with 6-10 years of experience earn over $100,000¹⁵.

The job outlook and pay for MPH holders vary by location. Cities like New York City and North Carolina’s Research Triangle offer better prospects and higher salaries¹⁵. The demand for public health professionals has been rising, thanks to the pandemic and a focus on social determinants of health, leading to higher salaries¹⁵.

Funding and Financial Aid for Public Health Degrees

Getting a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a big step, but we’re here to make it easier on your wallet. The online MPH program at the University of Arizona is eligible for federal student loans¹⁶. Plus, the university has many scholarships to help pay for tuition¹⁷.

At FIU, we know how crucial financial help is for grad students. That’s why we have lots of scholarships, with new chances coming up often¹⁷. Our students can also get funding through assistantships and fellowships, like the McKnight and GEM fellowships¹⁷. Stempel College gives out scholarships for students in fields like social work, public health, dietetics & nutrition, and disaster management¹⁷.

If you’re going for an MPH, you might look into private loans, which are a common choice for students¹⁶. But, you could also check out need-based aid, like the Federal PLUS Loan, for extra funds¹⁶. Some schools offer scholarships for MPH degrees, based on your grades or application¹⁶. And don’t overlook outside fellowships, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s fellowship in injury prevention, which can give you a boost¹⁶.

Source Links

1. https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-can-you-do-with-a-masters-in-public-health-mph – What Can You Do with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH)?
2. https://www.chamberlain.edu/academics/online-health-professions-college/master-of-public-health – Master of Public Health (MPH)
3. https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-programs/health-sciences/online-master-degree-public-health/ – Master’s in Public Health – MPH Online Degree | Purdue Global
4. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-an-mph-degree – What is an MPH Degree and What Can You Do With It?
5. https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-mph – What Is a Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree?
6. https://www.mphonline.org/what-is-a-mph-degree/ – What is an MPH Degree? – MPH Online
7. https://publichealth.arizona.edu/graduate-students/mph-admissions-criteria – Master of Public Health (MPH) Program Admissions Criteria
8. https://fortune.com/education/health/best-online-masters-in-public-health-programs/ – Best Online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Programs for 2024
9. https://www.mphonline.org/campus-mph-programs/ – Top 25 Campus MPH Programs – MPH Online
10. https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-public-health/ – Best Master’s in Public Health of 2024 – Intelligent
11. https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/what-can-you-do-with-masters-in-public-health/ – Public Health Careers: What Can You Do With a Master’s in Public Health?
12. https://mphdegree.usc.edu/public-health-careers – Careers with an MPH for Graduates
13. https://teach.com/online-ed/healthcare-degrees/online-masters-public-health/career-and-salary/ – Master of Public Health Salary and Career Outlook
14. https://www.brooklinecollege.edu/blog/highest-paying-public-health-jobs/ – 12 Highest Paying Public Health Jobs in 2023 | Brookline College
15. https://fortune.com/education/articles/these-jobs-require-a-masters-degree-in-public-health-and-pay-100k-and-up/ – These jobs require a master’s degree in public health—and pay $100K and up
16. https://fortune.com/education/articles/how-to-cover-the-cost-of-your-masters-of-public-health-degree/ – How to cover the cost of your master’s of public health degree
17. https://stempel.fiu.edu/students/funding-your-education/ – Funding your education