is a masters in public health a good degree

Is Public Health a Good Career Choice for Me?

If you’ve been alive during 2020, there is no way that you haven’t heard of the CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But did you realize that, by definition, the CDC is the nation’s leading public health agency? The CDC is responsible for so much more than managing research, messaging, and information distribution related to COVID-19. Besides responding to imminently pressing health threats, the CDC is also tasked with tackling big health problems for Americans, such as those that result in disability or death. In other words, the CDC has its stethoscope out and pressed to the heart of America. If you’re impressed by the CDC’s mission, and you’re on the hunt for a rewarding career, it shouldn’t take much more than a reflection on your personal experiences to make you wonder, “Is public health a good career choice for me?”

In the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest summary of employment projections for 2019-2029, we learned that out of the six million new jobs anticipated, the majority are related to healthcare and social assistance. Aging baby boomers and people with chronic conditions are the main causes for such a spike in growth for the healthcare sector. The services and programs required by these populations are met by the work of public health professionals, and delivered in a variety of environments. For example, public health services can be found in:

  • Government agencies
  • State and local health facilities
  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Nursing homes

Public health professionals in these environments might take on leadership roles in administration and management, with titles such as Public Health Director, Researcher, Biostatistician, Epidemiologist, or even Congressional Staffer. With a Master’s in Public Health (MPH), a medical and health services manager’s salary – that averages $104,280 annually – is an attainable goal. Pay varies by environment, and government careers in this area pay the highest, at $116,380 per year. Meanwhile, you can make $112,870 in a hospital, $100,690 in an outpatient center, $94,240 in a physician’s office, or $89,880 in residential care facilities annually. There are distinct job function and demographical differences between working in any of these areas, but one thing they all have in common is excellent compensation.

It’s clear that public health is a great career choice, both personally and professionally. It allows individuals the chance to make an impact in their communities, on the healthcare system, and amid global crises, as well. A Master’s in Public Health also promises great earning potential, no matter which path you take within the field. The question now is, “Is an MPH a good degree for you?”

An MPH is a good degree path for those who want to land a meaningful management career in public health. It is also a great degree if you seek to obtain knowledge that is adaptable. MPH students at Goodwin University can choose one of three concentrations: Community Health, Global Health, or Health Policy and Management. The core curriculum, which includes the cornerstones of public health such as Research Methods, Principles of Epidemiology, Emergency Management Health Issues, and Public Health Policy, is followed by concentration-specific courses that help you begin defining your career. You’ll learn how to attack the top public health problems today, including food safety, heart disease and stroke, motor vehicle injuries, nutrition, and mental health, from the position of your specific area of expertise, which you’ll put to the test after graduation.

More than other healthcare disciplines (which often require a specialized, targeted trajectory to earn certification or licensure), the public health career is ubiquitously flexible. This is evident in the array of environments and concentrations available to those with an advanced degree in public health. Studies of business have shown that one’s aptitude and attitude towards adaptability, versatility, and flexibility help promote a successful professional life. For people who are interested in health, but are curious about environments and approaches that diverge from the traditional clinical route, public health is a fantastic choice. Your adaptability is certain to lead you upwards towards leadership roles and rewards.

Now, how do you make your way in this career path?

To apply to Goodwin University’s MPH program, you’ll need to meet a few requirements which ensure that you’re ready for advanced study:

  1. Submit a graduate application.
  2. Supply a professional resume.
  3. Prove that you are immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella.
  4. Include a transcript of your bachelor’s degree from a Council for Higher Education Accredited college or university, which shows your achievement of at least a 2.0 GPA.

We also recommend that you write 500 words about why you’re interested in studying public health. Unlike other master’s programs, GRE scores are not required for admission to Goodwin University, and neither are letters of recommendation or interviews. The MPH pathway is a great next step for people with all varieties of undergraduate backgrounds, such as nursing, law, social sciences, environmental policy, education, economics, political science, communications, and business degrees.

As you can see, there are so many reasons why an MPH is worth it. For those who want to carve out a career that they care about, that will affect lives in a positive way, that is flexible and adaptable, and that will support them financially, the public health sector is a great option.

To learn more about how to get move forward with this impactful master’s degree and how you can start making a difference, please learn more online, or call 800-889-3282 to speak with an admissions representative today!