Charting a Career in Public Health With a Master of Public Health Degree
Public health careers allow professionals to explore their passion for health and science while making a difference in their local communities. By pursuing a master's degree in public health, you can begin to take an in-depth look at this dynamic field, all while developing the skills needed to launch your career as a public health professional.
Career Opportunities With a Master's Degree in Public Health
According to the American Public Health Association, public health is defined as a science-based, evidence-backed field in which professionals work to protect all people within a community and promote the importance of overall health and well-being. It is a vast and growing field, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and you will find that there are a wide range of master’s in public health career opportunities to explore. This allows you to personalize your path forward and carve out a career that aligns with your personal interests and passions.
These are some of the most common MPH career paths:
1. Epidemiologist: Guardians of Public Health
Epidemiologists are public health professionals who monitor and track disease activity in a certain area. An epidemiologist is responsible for monitoring the patterns of diseases and investigating the root cause of an outbreak to provide other public health officials with guidance. They often work to provide the public with actionable information about disease outbreaks to reduce the size of the outbreak and prevent further disease. Per the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this field is expected to grow by 27 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than average when compared to other occupations.
2. Biostatistician: The Numbers Behind Public Health
One of the more unique MPH jobs is that of the biostatistician. Combining the study of mathematics and statistics with the field of public health, biostatisticians work to harvest data related to public health and utilize that data to provide meaningful and relevant guidance. Those who work in biostatistics often work with the latest medical and scientific research to collect data from case studies and clinical trials, and then they translate the data that they harvest for other public health officials. The reports generated by biostatisticians are often used to create new health guidance, interventions and public policies. The BLS reports that this field is expected to grow by about 30 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than average when compared to other occupations.
3. Health Policy Analyst: Shaping Public Health Policy
A health policy analyst is defined as a policy analyst who specializes in the field of public health. Most health policy analysts work in government or are employed by non-profit organizations, and some common job responsibilities may include:
- Harvesting public health data related to the current public health policies in place in a given region.
- Evaluating prospective health care initiatives to determine if the benefits will be worthwhile.
- Working to develop new health care policies and strategies and lobbying to move those policies through government.
- Collaborating with health care professionals and public health professionals to develop impactful and effective public health policies.
The field is expected to grow by seven percent between 2022 and 2032. This is faster than average when compared to all other occupations.
4. Environmental Health Scientist: Advocates for a Healthier Environment
Those who are passionate about sustainability and the impact that the natural world has on human health and behavior may want to consider a public health career as an environmental health scientist. Environmental health scientists study the various aspects of the environment that have an impact on human health, such as pollution, occupational hazards, sanitation measures and climate change. The field is expected to grow by about six percent. This growth is faster than average when compared to all other occupations.
5. Global Health Specialist: Improving Health Worldwide
A global health specialist takes a broad approach to the field of public health. Rather than focusing on public health within an individual community, state or country, a global health specialist works to promote healthy lifestyles and habits around the world. Specifically, global health specialists study wide-scale outbreaks, including epidemics and pandemics, to further understand the scope of these outbreaks and to find ways to achieve health equity around the world. The field is expected to grow by about seven percent between 2022 and 2032, faster than average when compared to all other occupations.
6. Community Health Educator: Empowering Healthier Communities
A community health educator is a public health professional who works in a local community and strives to promote public health practices to improve the well-being of the entire population. A community health educator may oversee developing health programs for a particular area and creating factual, reliable and easy-to-digest information about the most effective public health measures. For example, during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, many community health educators worked to provide the public with guidance about hygiene, mask-wearing and social distancing. The field is expected to grow by about seven percent between 2022 and 2032. This is faster than average when compared to all other occupations.
7. Public Health Consultant: Strategy and Innovation for Health
A public health consultant is a public health professional who bridges the gap between this scientific field and the corporate world. Public health consultants often work with corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies and private businesses to provide actionable data and reliable guidance about the most important public health measures. They may be responsible for conducting public health research, interpreting the latest public health data and reviewing current public health policies to help organizations continue to improve and redefine their practices. The field is predicted to grow by about seven percent between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average when compared to all other occupations.
8. Health Informatics Specialist: The Tech of Public Health
Combining the power of technology with the field of public health, health informatics is one of the fastest-growing public health careers. Health informatics specialists utilize data analytics to improve the processes within the healthcare system. This particular field is expected to grow by 16 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than average when compared to all occupations.
9. Occupational Health and Safety Advisor: Preventing Workplace Illness and Injury
Occupational health and safety advisors are public health professionals who work to mitigate risks within the workplace environment. Commonly employed directly by large corporations and businesses, these professionals are responsible for collecting data and developing policies related to workplace safety. The field is expected to grow by 13 percent between 2022 and 2032.
10. Public Health Program Manager: Leading Public Health Initiatives
Public health program managers are professionals work to design and implement large-scale public health programs. They play an integral role in public outreach and education, and often liaise with other public health professionals to implement their programming. This field is expected to grow by about 28 percent. This is much faster than average when compared to other occupations.
Enhancing Your Public Health Career With Specialized Skills
In addition to exploring the various master’s in public health career opportunities, you can begin refining your skill set to specialize in the field.
Integrating Data Analytics for Effective Public Health Strategies
Data is going to drive the healthcare industry forward, and it is also going to have a significant impact on public health strategies. By enhancing and improving your data analytics skills, you will be positioning yourself for success in the field of public health.
Leadership and Management in Public Health
Public health professionals must collaborate and work in team settings, making leadership and management skills crucial to career growth and advancement.
Communication Skills for Public Health Advocacy
The field of public health relies heavily on clear, concise and effective communication. Knowing what information to relay and the best mediums to relay it will allow you to navigate this growing field with ease.
Understanding Global Health Challenges
By considering public health through a global lens, you will be able to develop an advanced understanding of the many health challenges facing people around the world. Cultural awareness and a global perspective will enhance any public health career.
Navigating the Public Health Job Market
In addition to pursuing a master's degree in public health, you will want to begin navigating the job market in this field. Below are some tips on exactly how you can best navigate it:
Identifying High-Demand Public Health Roles
As you begin your degree program and start specializing within the field, you will want to identify the most in-demand public health roles, particularly those in health informatics and biostatistics. Exploring industry reports and attending relevant conferences can provide insights into emerging trends and sectors that are experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals.
Preparing for a Competitive Public Health Job Application
While the field is growing, the competition is also increasing for the most powerful public health positions. You will want to prepare in advance by specializing in niche skills and earning certificates that will help you stand out. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work can significantly enhance your resume and provide valuable real-world insights.
Networking and Professional Development in Public Health
The public health field is naturally interconnected, based on the nature of the work. By getting involved in the industry and growing your professional network, you will be able to access the most exciting MPH jobs. Joining professional organizations and attending workshops can also be beneficial, as these activities often lead to mentorship opportunities and collaborations that can advance your career.
Prepare for Master’s in Public Health Career Opportunities at UofM Global
At UofM Global, we offer an online Master of Public Health degree that prepares graduates for many different types of MPH careers. Regardless of the career path that you want to take, you will find that this degree program offers the comprehensive education and rigorous curriculum that you need to succeed.
Request more information about our online degree programs today.
Sources
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm#tab-1
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm
https://www.careersinpublichealth.net/careers/public-health-policy-analyst/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
https://www.careersinpublichealth.net/careers/public-health-consultant/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registrars.htm
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-health-informatics
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-health-and-safety-specialists-and-technicians.htm
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-can-you-do-with-a-masters-in-public-health-mph
https://www.apha.org/what-is-public-health
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm