Every Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program offers its own concentrations. Some schools offer narrowly focused options like Global Maternal Health or Health Leadership in Humanitarian Crises. In general, most public health schools focus on biostatistics, epidemiology, social sciences, health policy and environmental health. Here are five of the most popular MPH concentrations and more information on what each area involves.
Biostatistics & Epidemiology
These two concentrations require a love of mathematics. Students use statistical software to analyze disease trends, research data and clinical results. Some schools offer each subject as a separate concentration. Others offer a dual biostats/epi degree or split each field into its own program. Biostatistics is the highest-paying public health career, with a median pay of $98,800 according to CNN Money. Although biostatistics and epidemiology don’t offer the hands-on, feel-good opportunities of other public health areas, every organization needs data scientists.
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Global Health
Many of the top public health schools in America have responded to student demand and created degree tracks in global health, international health or humanitarian health. For students who want to follow in Dr. Paul Farmer’s footsteps and work in developing countries, these programs offer important technical skills with a focus on application. Students can expect to complete an internship overseas after one to two years of coursework focused on low-resource, high-need environments.
Social and Behavioral Science
Public health researchers want to know why patients don’t take their medication, how hospitals can improve their efficiency and whether advertising campaigns are having an effect. Social scientists answer those questions by combining sociology and psychology with the rigorous methodology of public health methodology. A master’s of public health with a focus in social and behavioral sciences is perfect for students who never want to stop asking “why?” Non-profit organizations also love these graduates because of their cultural competence and soft skills. Because some universities focus on research skills and others push graduates towards applied knowledge for the workforce, prospective students should carefully select the right program for their long-term career goals.
Environmental Health
What do the Love Canal, Harlem asthma rates and Woburn, Massachusetts, have in common? Each is a famous issue in environmental health. Pollution is a major factor in human health. Environmental health scientists document the effects of pollution, promote awareness campaigns and work with government regulatory agencies to keep people safe. This public health field requires a strong knowledge of chemistry and public affairs. Graduates typically work for government agencies, non-profit organizations and private environmental consulting firms.
Health Administration
Health organizations need managers who can maximize profits without harming patients. Healthcare administrators with a strong background in public health are snatched up by hospitals and long-term care facilities wanting to build a culture of caring. Other graduates work for county or city health departments in management roles. Some universities offer aanMHA/MPA degree that combines a master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA) with a public health degree.
With so many options, choosing the right fit can seem intimidating. Students shouldn’t worry. Employers are focused on whether an applicant has completed a Master’s in Public Health degree, not whether the focus was International Health instead of Global Health.
