Masters in Public Health courses are designed to provide health care professionals with a clear picture of the ever evolving health care industry. These programs’ curricula will equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the expanding needs and challenges of the industry.
Masters in Public Health Degree Programs
A Master of Public Health degree is a widely recognized credential for health care professionals who wish to work in a managerial or leadership positions in non-profit, public and private organizations. These programs are designed to develop the appropriate ethical, professional and administrative skills to uphold public health, provide health education and participate in legislative changes. A Masters in Public Health Degree program offers excellent benefits for the student. For example, they will gain a competitive edge in the job market, open doors for career advancement and increase their lifetime earning potential. Keep in mind that any management or upper administrative health care position will require a master’s degree in an applicable field.
Public Health Degree Courses
Master’s in Public Health programs typically start with an introductory public health course that examines the field of public health from an all-inclusive perspective. Students are introduced to the fundamental skills and tools needed to be a successful public health professional. Students typically build their public health skills through self-designed projects that evaluate a community health issue and propose an appropriate corrective action plan. Next, students will study the theoretical concepts behind individual and collective health behaviors. These courses typically emphasize the use of socio-psychological models and theories of health behavior that public health professionals use in their practice and research.
Students will also study how to apply these theories and models to real-world scenarios commonly encountered in public health. Finally, a basic epidemiology course will introduce the issues, concepts and methods that are essential for the accurate assessment, evaluation and interpretation of public health data. Students will study advanced, computer-based epidemiologic methods that are used to observe, investigate, screen and prevent epidemiologic outbreaks. Some classes may even cover bio-security risks, biological dangers and bio-terrorism threats. There may also be classes in public health care statistics, informatics, administration and bio-statistics.
What are Potential Careers with an MPH?
There are dozens of careers available for students with a MPH degree. Science-based careers include assistant environmental scientist, which involves researching public health hazards, and epidemiologist, which involves researching certain infectious diseases. Public service jobs include being a health legislative assistant who lobbies senators and congressmen regarding public health issues, and political scientist, who researches how public policies affect overall public health. Health care organizations employ MPH holders as infectious disease specialists, who work with infected patients, and Chief Medical Officers, who oversee staff and programs.
Academic jobs include an assistant professor of epidemiology, which involves teaching advanced students about specific epidemiology risks, and assistant public health professor, which involves teaching new students about general public health. Public education jobs include childbirth health educator, which often involves teaching expecting mothers through non-profits, and health educator, which involves conducting community outreach programs.
On the whole,a Master’s in Public Health is the key to career success for public health professionals. Masters in Public Health courses include basic classes, such as public health skills, and advanced classes, such as public health leadership.
