Even with a revived interest in the public health field, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many prospective Master of Public Health (MPH) students remain hesitant to return to school. Most often, this is due to the required commitment, costs, or inability to balance courses with their current job.
However, with opportunities like part-time MPH programs, online courses, and convenient, cost-effective degree options, attending to work or family obligations while earning a master’s degree in Public Health is still possible.
Rest assured, through the power of accessible part-time MPH programs, you can accomplish your career goals, earn your graduate degree, and start your path to professional success.
If you’re thinking about earning an MPH degree, read on to discover:
- More about a Master’s in Public Health (MPH)
- If a full-time or part-time program is right for you
- Popular career options with an MPH distinction, and
- The good news about a graduate-level education in public health
MPH: A Graduate Degree That Makes a Difference
Public health is a rewarding field that requires advanced education, hands-on experience, and a broader scope of study than nursing students of clinical care.
A Master’s in Public Health curriculum prepares future professionals to collaborate with communities — advancing public health practices like awareness, education, policy, research, and more.
Although the public health field covers various issues and topics, within most MPH programs, students enhance their understanding of the field’s five essential disciplines — biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and administration, and social and behavioral sciences.
What is the Length of an MPH Program?
Full-Time, Part-Time, and Accelerated Programs
Typically, a master’s program in Public Health takes two years of full-time study.
For students enrolled part-time, the length of the graduate program depends on how many credits are earned each semester. Part-time MPH students, for instance, can complete their master’s degree anywhere between two-and-a-half years and four years, all while maintaining their current careers and any applicable responsibilities.
There are also accelerated, one-year MPH programs — an additional option for those who can dedicate their time exclusively to their studies. MPH graduates of fast-tracked programs enter the workplace ready to make an effective, efficient, and impactful change on the health of populations.
Flexible MPH Courses: Commitment at Your Convenience
Today, distance education (i.e. online) programs make earning a degree more manageable than ever. Skipping the commute means you can save time and money (and even take more classes!).
Online MPH programs also make it possible to study on your schedule — so you can tackle your MPH to-do lists at the most convenient times for you.
Goodwin University, for example, offers students a fully online MPH experience. Delivered in an accelerated, seven-week format, learners can complete their graduate degree in as few as 12-15 months.
A flexible dual degree from Goodwin University and the University of Bridgeport, the graduate MPH program offers six starts per year and does not require GRE test scores for admission.
Those enrolled can choose to attend full- or part-time. A degree designed for convenience, Master’s in Public Health graduates have both universities listed on their diploma upon completion.
Well-Compensated MPH Career Options
Two popular professions for MPH graduates include biostatisticians and epidemiologists.
Epidemiologists investigate patterns, causes of disease, and injury. Epidemiologists typically work in offices and laboratories for colleges, universities, health departments, hospitals, and governments.
The job outlook for epidemiologists is projected to grow 30% from 2020 to 2030, with 900 employment openings estimated yearly.
In May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listed the median annual wage for epidemiologists as $78,830. The average salary for epidemiologists in Connecticut the same year was $102,820.
According to the BLS, biostatisticians primarily analyze data and apply computational techniques to problem-solve. Biostatisticians work predominantly in the federal government and scientific research companies, working alongside engineers, scientists, and specialist teams.
An in-demand field, employment for biostatisticians is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, with 5,200 openings projected each year.
The national median wage for statisticians in 2021 was $95,570 per year, while statisticians working in Connecticut made $123,490 annually.
Benefits of Being an MPH Graduate
Through instruction and inspiring on-the-job internships, MPH programs equip learners with the knowledge and skillset for future leadership positions.
Earning a master’s degree in Public Health makes applicants more marketable, expands employment opportunities (even in a competitive job market), elevates the potential for advanced salaries, and reduces the likelihood of unemployment.
Public health professionals help populations on a large scale by promoting community wellness. A fulfilling field for any dedicated MPH student, earning a graduate degree in public health instills a powerful sense of pride and purpose — propelling graduates well into their future careers.
Don’t press pause on your potential.
Earn an education. Explore your possibilities.
Are you interested in a profession that promotes health and well-being for all? Click here to learn more about a meaningful Master’s in Public Health career!