The field of public health is growing rapidly and changes to the healthcare industry have created a number of jobs for those who have completed master’s in public health degree programs in Alabama and other states. In 2014, there were almost 3,000 medical and health service managers in Alabama with an average salary of $100,260 per year, higher than the national average of $96,540. In order to obtain positions as medical and health services managers, individuals often need a master’s degree or higher.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is expected to grow by 17 percent over the next decade, much faster than other industries. Medical and health service managers may work in the private setting or in public agencies. In addition to these types of positions, there are others that could require a master’s in public health degree program in Alabama. These include medical health and health informatics technicians, occupational health and safety specialists and more.
Public health positions have grown significantly since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Even with the changes currently being made with the passage of the American Health Care Act, public health positions will still continue to grow. Therefore, individuals who successfully complete master’s in public health degree programs in Alabama will have many opportunities to succeed in their chosen field.
Samford University
School of Public Health
The School of Public Health is one of the newest at Samford University. Programs offered through the School of Public Health include nutrition, dietetics, public health and social work. Although the school is fairly new, programs offered are not, as the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics began in 1933 and has earned many distinctions, including a 100 percent placement rate in dietetic internships and a 91 percent certification pass rate in that area.
Master of Public Health
For those who are called to serve in public health, the Master of Public Health program prepares them for leadership roles that address current global health issues. The program is a multidisciplinary approach that helps students apply the latest scientific knowledge in order to create solutions and resolve threats to human health. Students are able to apply epidemiologic methods to measure disease rates, disease prevention and evaluate health programs. They are also able to use statistical methods and explain the basics of correlation and regression. Students develop knowledge in environmental contaminants and how they interact with biological systems as well as how they affect humans. Students develop an understanding of health policies and their impact on social, political, technological, economic and cultural aspects of communities. Courses required include:
- Biostatistics for Public Health Professionals
- Burden of Disease in Developing Countries
- Communication Skills for the Health Professional
- Cultural Dimensions of Health
- Environmental Risk Analysis
- Global Health Systems
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Leadership Skills for the Health Professional
- Management of Public Health
- Public Health Overview
- Social and Behavioral Science
Students must also complete a Public Health Capstone course as well as an internship.
Fast Track Master of Public Health
Samford offers a fast-track option in public health that allows students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major as well as a Master’s degree in public health. The length of the program depends on the student’s undergraduate major. The first three years are dedicated to completing all undergraduate courses. Students then enroll in public health graduate-level courses during their senior year of undergraduate study which also satisfy general and elective requirements for the undergraduate degree.
Participation in the program requires careful advisement as well as permission of both the department chair of the undergraduate program and the chair of the Department of Public Health.
Accreditation
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
Master of Public Health:
Marian Carter, Ph.D.
Enrollment Management and Student Services
Telephone: 205-726-2611
Email: mwcarter@samford.edu
Dual Program:
Melissa Galvin Lumpkin, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Public Health
Telephone: 205-726-4459
Email: mlumpki1@samford.edu
University of Alabama at Birmingham
School of Public Health
The School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is an innovative school of public health where big ideas are being used to solve even bigger problems. The program focuses on collaborative teams that work to solve the problems communities face in the area of public health. The school understands that public health has the power to shape civilization for many years to come. Students are provided the opportunity to join a vibrant group of professionals who are working to resolve issues as in-depth as AIDs/HIV, obesity, cancer and drug addiction. Graduates of the school have gone on to become leaders in their chosen field. The school received more than $29.5 million in research grants in 2015 and it is the only accredited school of public health in Alabama.
Master of Public Health
The School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is an online degree program that focuses on creating practice-based skills. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to critically examine and address the breadth of public health challenges. Students must complete 42 semester hours of credit all offered in an online format. Core courses required include:
- Biostatistics
- Fundamentals of Environmental Health Sciences
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Introduction to Public Health
- Public Health Integrative Experience
- Social and Behavioral Science Core
- Writing and Reviewing Research for MPH Candidates
The remainder of required courses are in electives related to the concentration chosen by the student. Concentrations may be in Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Health Care Organization and Policy. Students are also required to complete an internship.
Master of Science in Public Health in Clinical Translational Science
The Master of Science in Public Health in Clinical and Translational Science is a post-medical or other health science degree designed for fellows and faculty members who wish to develop clinical research skills. Students develop and understanding of how to develop and lead independent research programs as well as the management requirements of such programs. Students design, conduct and evaluate clinical studies in order to develop an understanding of data collection and study management. Students follow appropriate polices related to using human subjects in experiments and prepare competitive applications for extramural research funding. Students also learn how to develop manuscripts for publication and how to critically evaluate research.
Master in Public Health in Biostatistics
The Master of Public Health in Biostatistics is designed for students who wish to emphasize their master of public health studies in statistical methodology. The program is designed for those who wish to enter decision-making positions in healthcare settings as well as those who wish to focus on data management and analysis. The degree can be completed in two years and is offered in an online format. Students must complete three credits in School of Public Health requirements, nine credit hours of biostatic electives at the 623-level or higher and a minimum of three credits in electives in a field related to Biology, Public Health or Medicine.
Master of Science in Public Health
The Master of Science in Public Health provides students with the skills and knowledge to become research-oriented scientists who anticipate career performing data management and statistical analysis. Students choose from concentrations in Clinical and Translational Science, Outcome Research, Environmental Health and Toxicology, Industrial Hygiene, Applied Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Research. Students must complete Biostatistics I and II as well as Principles of Epidemiologic Research. A minimum of nine credit hours in research methodologic instruction, six credit hours in the specialization and nine credit hours in a research project and thesis are also required. The entire program is available online.
Accreditation
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
University of Alabama at Birmingham
School of Public Health
Ryals Public Health Building
1665 University Boulevard
Birmingham AL 35294-0022
Telephone: 205-934-4993
Email: maxm@uab.edu
With many changes occurring in the field of public health, individuals who have successfully completed master’s of public health degree programs in Alabama will find that they are sought after in the job market upon graduation as opposed to those who have not completed such programs.
See also: Top 10 Best Online Masters in Public Health Degree Programs
