If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that public health officials provide a vital service. Public health practitioners not only address health policy, but also work to improve the economic, social, and environmental health of their communities. Through their work, they address major issues like food security, social isolation, and disparities in healthcare access.
Employment of public health professionals continues to expand, with an expected growth of 5 to 13% over the next ten years, depending on your specific field. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to pursue a master’s in Public Health (MPH). An MPH degree can qualify you for in-demand job opportunities, while also enabling you to make a difference in the lives of others. Today, students also have the benefit of earning a master’s in Public Health online, making it more accessible than ever before.
3 Advantages of Earning a Master’s in Public Health (MPH)
For many, a career in public health is its own reward. However, there are several other advantages to earning a master’s in Public Health.
High Demand
By 2025, healthcare spending in the United States is predicted to represent 20% of the entire country’s GDP. In fact, national healthcare spending is set to outpace growth in the United States’ GDP by 1.2 %. As a result, there will be a high demand for public health professionals. Healthcare administrators will be needed to help run medical practices or departments of hospitals. Health educators will be needed to help organize large-scale health screenings and trainings for fellow organizers. Epidemiologists will be in high demand to collect information about new diseases as they arise. As was the case in this past year, they’ll also be needed to analyze the spread of illnesses within a community. And, of course, emergency management directors will be needed in the case of another health crisis or natural disaster. A master’s in Public Health will prepare graduates for careers in all of these fields, and more, making the degree useful and versatile.
Job Security
This past year, many people experienced layoffs and unemployment. It is no wonder, then, that students would want to pursue a degree that will provide them with job security in the future. As the need for public health workers grows, so does the number of job opportunities. The unemployment rate for public health workers is also remaining low. Though a master’s in Public Health can be versatile in nature, specialization in an area of public health can also help you increase your job security.
Better Pay
On average, MPH degree holders can earn as much as 50 to 75% more than bachelor’s degree holders. Additionally, depending on your specialization, you can expect your starting salary to be between $50,000 and $65,000, which is well above the average starting salary of college graduates. Plus, depending on your specialty, you may be offered a starting bonus!
3 Advantages of Earning an MPH Online
While many students choose to earn a master’s in Public Health in the traditional format, there are many advantages to pursuing an MPH degree online.
Flexibility
First and foremost, an online program provides flexibility. From the comfort of your own home, or wherever else you may choose to study, an online MPH program will prepare you for a career tackling local, national, and global health issues. An online program also allows busy, working adults the opportunity to study when and how they want to, whether that means taking classes after day shifts, or completing assignments while the kids are in school. Additionally, with an accelerated program, you can finish your master’s in Public Health online, in as few as 15 months, by taking classes in 7-week units. In a little over a year, you’ll be ready to take the next step in your public health career.
Quick Entry to the Medical Field
If you have an interest in working in the medical field, but not as a healthcare practitioner, pursuing an MPH degree online can provide you with a relatively quick entry into the field. With very little disruption to your life, you can earn a degree that empowers you to make a real difference in the health and well-being of your community.
Affordability and Accessibility
Another benefit of pursuing a master’s in Public Health online is the affordability. Online programs rarely charge additional campus fees, saving you money. Online tuition is also typically less costly. It’s important to note that by opting for an online graduate program, you are not giving up quality instruction. Instead, many students find that in an asynchronous setting, they can reflect on the material they’ve learned and engage with it in a more significant way. Online formats also make for dynamic learning environments with plenty of interaction between professors and students, and between fellow students as well. Through online cloud sharing, professors can share materials quickly and, in many cases, lectures can be shared digitally, making them invaluable study resources. Traditional, on-ground programs can cost between $20,000 and $85,000, depending on the school. Opting for an MPH online can make a huge difference in your overall education costs, without sacrificing excellence.
Public health workers are important to the protection of the community’s health on a local, national, and global scale. Pursuing an MPH is an excellent way to kickstart your career in this ever-expanding, in-demand field. If you’re looking for a way to get your career off the ground in an affordable and flexible way, an online MPH program is a wonderful option to explore.
Want to know more about our new master’s in public health online program? Send us an email at gradadmissions@bridgeport.edu, or visit us here to learn more.