Do you want to make a difference in the world? Is helping people your number one passion? Are you interested in finding and developing cures for diseases? Do you want to help families lead healthier lifestyles?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, perhaps a job in the public health field is ideal for you. The public health field is vast and it includes everything from finding cures for HIV/AIDS, reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy, finding ways to provide fresh food and clean water to developing nations to helping families reduce their risk of developing Type II Diabetes.
Over the past few years, there’s been a huge shift in leading a healthier lifestyle and with this, the demand for professionals has increased. This demand is only going to increase in future years. Not only is there a huge need for public health professionals, but the salary prospects are also promising with the starting rate being between $48,000 to $65,000 for individuals with a master’s in public health. By just going from holding a bachelor’s to having a master’s degree, you can expect to earn 50-75% more during your life than someone who has just a bachelor’s.
Admissions Process
The admissions process is pretty standardized across institutions and in general, you’ll have to complete an admission application which includes your resume, a personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores from GREs, MCATs, GMATs, and LSATs. In addition to these requirements, you’ll have to complete coursework in mathematics, biology, and health-related sciences.
Master’s Public Health Degree
Most master’s in public health (MPH) programs will take you two years to complete, but there are also ones that take only one year. In addition, many of the programs can be done online.
Although it varies across programs, an MPH degree requires at least 42 credits, but it depends on the program and they can require up to 80 credits. During the first year, students complete foundation courses in biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health policy, sociomedical science, and population/family health. The courses are designed to help students learn the skills for identifying behavioral and environmental factors that impact health, community assessments, grant writing, and conducting research. After the first year, students complete elective courses and they focus on their concentration. The programs also include projects and internships that allow students to apply the knowledge they learned from their coursework.
Online Degree
With the rise of technology, earning degrees online has become more popular than ever. There are a number of advantages associated with getting an MPH online which include convenience, flexibility, savings, and an unlimited amount of program options. To complete an online degree, it can take anywhere from 18 months to three years. You’ll still have the opportunity to chat with professors and classmates via technology and you can do it during your own time. In addition to being able to schedule your learning at a time that’s convenient for you, you’ll save money on transportation and you won’t have to worry about relocating to a university close by, which opens so many programs to you.
There are even options available to split your time between online and in the classroom. In general, these hybrid programs require students to attend classes once or twice a week, but students can finish their coursework and homework in an online course room.
