A career in public health catches the interest of many individuals interested in working in health care and helping their community. That may be why you are here. You have a passion for improving public health but wish to take your career to the next level. You may want to qualify for more job opportunities, increase your salary potential, or expand your knowledge in the field.
You may ask: “Is a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree worth it?”
According to Fortune’s rankings, MPH programs saw a 39 percent jump in enrollment from 2021 to 2022. And in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are returning to school to better the well-being of their communities and the world.
So, what makes an MPH degree worth it? In this guide, we’ll cover how an MPH degree is versatile and beneficial through its excellent salary potential, career opportunities, job security, increased marketability, and opportunity for specialization.
What is an MPH degree?
The MPH is a graduate-level degree that prepares students for advanced careers in the public health sector. It is designed for those who desire to take on high-level leadership and policy positions where they can improve the community and global health.
Candidates can earn an MPH degree online or in person, depending on the university and program. They may complete it within two years if attending full-time or within four to five years if they choose to attend part-time.
Admission requirements also vary from school to school, though most require MPH candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree, and some will often require work experience. For example, at the University of Bridgeport (UB), candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a UB graduate application, and an optional statement of goals.
5 Reasons Why an MPH Degree is Worth It
1. Great Salary Potential
The high salary potential is one of the biggest reasons why an MPH degree is worth it, even if an MPH degree can be expensive. Once you have the degree and re-enter the workforce, you will realize your degree will help pay for your education. Not to mention that working with the public and assisting disadvantaged populations can be a personally rewarding experience, on top of the financial gains.
Though the salary range is wide, public health managers can earn more than $100k annually. Other careers you can pursue with an MPH degree and salaries you can make include:
- Public Health Nurse – $77,600 annually
- Environmental Health Scientist – $76,530 annually
- Epidemiologist – $78,830 annually
- Biostatistician – $114,770 per year
- Public Health Director in Government Agency – $117,000
2. Career Opportunities
A master’s in Public Health is an excellent pathway to many occupations that suit different personalities, from research to community education. Candidates should consider their favorite aspects of healthcare and ensure they fit within the MPH career path.
MPH degree holders have opportunities to work in various areas, such as research, community health, health departments, education, and nutrition. Candidates can also apply for jobs within multiple government agencies and receive the benefits of being a government employee, like family health coverage, long-term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, and pension plans.
Additionally, lucrative job titles available to MPH graduates include:
- Biostatistician
- Epidemiologist
- Infectious disease specialist
- Emergency management specialist
- Occupational health and safety specialist
- Social service manager
- Public health educator
- Health promotion specialist
- Public health policymaker
- Public health researcher
- Environmental health officer
- Non-profit executive director
3. Job Security
Another reason an MPH degree is worth it is that it often leads to secure jobs. Health careers remain in high demand even in economic downtimes because public health is an essential public service.
And having an MPH makes you more likely to work in positions that can weather economic instability, giving you peace of mind in knowing you are less likely to lose your job.
4. Increased Marketability
Completing an MPH degree program demonstrates to prospective employers your determination to advance in your field. Employers also know that you will likely offer unique solutions to benefit their organization or company because of the extensive training MPH programs provide. Additionally, even non-healthcare professionals earn an MPH degree to supplement their careers.
5. Opportunity for Specialization
The curriculum for an MPH degree program includes many general classes that all students will have to take within the field of public health. However, many programs offer concentrations for students to choose from.
Each concentration focuses on an aspect of public health practice, and students may choose the one that appeals to them the most.
Some specialty areas include epidemiology/biostatistics, health promotion and disease prevention, environmental health, global health, and health care management. At UB, we offer three concentrations: global health, community health, and health policy management.
As you can see, an MPH degree is an excellent choice for students with goals of working in health care and helping their community.
UB’s online MPH degree prepares public health practitioners for complex local, national, and global issues in contemporary public health by providing a relevant and innovative competency-based curriculum.
With six start dates, seven-week terms, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and 12 to 15-month accelerated options, there is no better time to expand your career options and skills in the public health sector. Contact us for more information, or apply today. Financial aid is available, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.