Public health professionals study and work to improve the health and well-being of populations. As health trends become more complex, and health issues simultaneously become more widespread and region-specific, the need for quality education and specialized training continues to increase.
This need leads many candidates to enroll in Master of Public Health (MPH) degree programs. Within these advanced programs, aspiring public health figures can choose a specialized MPH concentration.
As factors affecting community health vary widely, so too do specializations available to MPH candidates.
Let’s discuss what you can expect from an MPH program and the three top MPH concentrations offered at University of Bridgeport (UB )— Global Health, Community Health, and Health Policy and Management. Our goal is to help you determine which MPH concentration is right for you.
What is a Master’s in Public Health degree?
An MPH degree is considered the hallmark, terminal degree for professing into health-oriented community leadership jobs.
MPH programs typically span 40 to 65 credits over at least two years of full-time study, instilling clinical knowledge and skills to coordinate programs that address or prevent global diseases. The curriculum generally includes a public health core, concentration year, applied practicum, and a capstone project. However, this will vary by school.
Students have a variety of MPH concentrations to choose from, and their options will vary depending on their chosen university. Fortune reports that the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health list 48 separate areas of study in public health, ranging from aging to epidemiology to tropical medicine.
At UB, our 100% online MPH program consists of 42 semester credit hours with 33 core and 9 concentration credits. With six start dates and 7-week terms, University of Bridgeport’s program can be completed in as little as 15 months by taking courses in an accelerated format.
Top 3 MPH Concentrations
As mentioned, public health professionals often specialize in a single area of interest. For example, epidemiologists track outbreaks, health education specialists promote healthy living, and health systems managers improve healthcare systems.
And through the knowledge in science and health care, and the skills in community outreach and policy development, gained through an MPH degree program, aspiring public health professionals can work in various fields and roles after graduation day.
As a prospective MPH student, you should think carefully about the area of public health you’re most passionate about and the type of workplace you would like to work in. This can ensure you choose the right MPH concentration for you. Here are three of the top MPH concentrations to consider at University of Bridgeport:
1. Global Health
The global health concentration teaches students about the interplay between public health and political and socioeconomic issues. In addition, this MPH concentration focuses on understanding the critical role of culture in promoting health and preventing diseases globally.
By studying how communities risk local outbreaks turning into global pandemics, this MPH concentration prepares students to monitor and address the risks of epidemics occurring and spreading rapidly around the globe.
The global health MPH concentration focuses on law and ethics, trends, and cultural differences in public health. At UB, three courses in the global health concentration are:
- Global health issues
- Program planning for global health
- Essentials of economics and finance for global health
2. Community Health
Community health professionals build relationships with clients, connect individuals to healthcare providers, eliminate barriers to healthcare, and advocate for change in the healthcare system. This concentration is considered one of the broadest MPH concentrations as it prepares students to monitor and diagnose health issues, engage communities in public health conversations, and create or improve effective programmatic responses.
Community health specialists find work in government, international organizations, educational systems, hospitals, businesses, and other clinical settings.
Coursework focuses on communication, evaluation, and intervention to prepare students to work in capacities with high public exposure. Students concentrating on community health will study:
- Community health issues
- Program planning, research, and evaluation for community health
- Urban health and social policy
3. Health Policy and Management
The final MPH concentration offered at UB is the health policy and management concentration.
This concentration seeks to educate students on top-level solutions to health and social problems by analyzing research and studying policy briefs, presentations, and petitions.
Students in the health policy and management concentration can expect to pursue government and private-sector careers, such as political scientist, medical and health services manager, and healthcare consultant.
Students interested in law and policymaking should strongly consider this concentration. Courses in the health policy and management concentration at UB include:
- Health economics and US policy
- Public health law
- Public health policy as a prevention strategy
Students and professionals passionate about public health understand the value of dedicated public health education. They know a solid online MPH program and a thoughtfully selected concentration prepare them for a long, meaningful, and rewarding career, making our global community happier, healthier, and safer.
Learn more about University of Bridgeport’s MPH program, where we promote equity, inquiry, health, well-being, and skill development for current and emerging healthcare leaders.
There’s no better time to advance your public health career or become profession-ready with marketable skills. We can’t wait to help you succeed in our program and your future career!