Now, more than ever, the health and well-being of our communities is paramount. As we experience the continued impact of COVID-19, many of us are realizing the long term implications that a worldwide pandemic can leave behind. We are seeing and feeling the effects on our lives and in our communities as the health crisis spreads and a growing number of people are isolating in their homes, and we might be wondering: How can I help? Can I do more? Will choosing a graduate education prepare me to make a real difference?
The reality is that we can never know when a pandemic, natural disaster, or other crisis will occur. Many people spend their entire career training for worst case scenarios and, thankfully, never see one. Yet our communities are filled with individuals who spend each day working diligently for the improvement of other people’s lives. And when a disaster strikes, they are prepared to handle whatever may come.
If you’re hoping to leave a positive impact on today’s society and the world of tomorrow, there are some careers that immediately come to mind, such as public health and medical professionals. But the reality is that human health and safety is guarded by an intricate web of professionals who have dedicated their lives to improving quality of life and preventing future devastation. A global pandemic creates shock waves that affect all areas of our lives, and trained leaders are needed to help us recover and thrive.
Here are five graduate degree programs that prepare future changemakers to positively impact the lives of others during a worldwide pandemic or other major crisis:
1. Public Health
As the world faces a surge in health challenges, more than ever, we need dedicated public health professionals who are knowledgeable, efficient, and committed to our communities. Public health encompasses disease prevention, public policy, and community education — all of which are important assets during a global health crisis.
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to solving pressing health concerns and preventing future outbreaks. Whether they are dealing with the worldwide coronavirus outbreak or the national opioid crisis, public health professionals are researching the root causes and creating better recovery solutions. Graduates of a master's degree in public health carry the skills necessary to impact social change in a variety of settings such as health departments, clinics, and federal agencies.
Depending on specialization, public health professionals can expect to make an average salary of about $64,000 with significant growth in earning potential over time.
2. Nursing
Our complex healthcare environment needs great nurses. They work on the front lines in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics to care for the sick and to provide preventative care. The nursing profession is characterized by compassion, service, and a dedication to STEM education, and when a pandemic strikes, they are fierce and relentless in their dedication to their communities.
The West Virginia University School of Nursing envisions optimal health, enhanced quality of life, and excellent health care for the people of West Virginia and the global community. We are engaged in clinically relevant research to better meet the needs of the citizens of our rural state, nation and world. Together, we are changing lives and addressing the concerns of our health care environment, one step at a time.
A Master of Science in Nursing prepares students for jobs in specialized care, clinical research, and healthcare management. Those with an MSN average an annual salary of $94,000.
3. Social Work
In the wake of any disaster, there are impacts on society that go beyond the scope of the initial crisis. In the face of a global pandemic, as families are forced to shelter in their homes, there can also be an increased risk for domestic violence and child abuse. During times of crisis, other needs may arise, including the care and protection of isolated older adults, greater levels of coordination and oversight at food banks, and determining what existing social programs are best suited to generate lasting solutions. Social workers have dedicated their lives to finding and providing solutions for all of these pressing concerns.
West Virginia University's Master of Social Work is an online graduate school program designed for students who are interested in making a real difference in a variety of sectors — public and private, local and international. This program educates graduate students in advanced integrated social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and social administration. The focus of this education is to produce competent and effective practitioners committed to enhancing social well-being and quality of life with particular emphasis on vulnerable and oppressed populations.
The median annual pay for social workers is about $49,000, with the top 10 percent of social work salaries reaching more than $80,000.
4. Public Administration
Many communities face economic, social, educational, and environmental challenges as the result of a prolonged crisis. The repercussions can be devastating to communities ill-equipped to deal with the changes. A Master of Public Administration degree prepares graduates to make a difference through careers in public service in a wide array of settings including government and nonprofit agencies. Professionals in this field typically work on developing and implementing policies and programs to help foster community revitalization efforts and healthcare reform.
Those working in public service can have an impact both locally and globally with opportunities to contribute to efforts in areas including healthcare administration, education administration, urban planning, government affairs, volunteer coordination, and financial management.
The average salary for those holding a Master of Public Administration is approximately $67,000 annually.
5. Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Periods of extreme stress and departure from normalcy can impact an individual’s ability to cope, resulting in many people battling mental health concerns or even resorting to substance abuse. The Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares students to help people overcome physical disabilities, substance abuse disorders, and mental illnesses enabling them to become more productive members of society.
A master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling provides excellent background for working in the world of integrative healthcare. Graduates can provide a comprehensive counseling approach for people in recovery from the traumatic events of a global crisis, including the death of a loved one, loss of employment, and physical disability due to sickness or injury.
Mental health counselors made a median salary of about $45,000, with the top 25 percent of earners making close to $60,000.
Our Dedication to Community at WVU
When communities are in crisis, more can be accomplished when passionate professionals work together, and right now, West Virginia University knows that our society is currently facing some critical issues. That’s why all of WVU’s graduate programs are designed to help you follow your passion, develop essential skills, and prepare you for a career that will impact change.
Note: You can explore more of WVU’s graduate programs, learn tips for applying, and find out more about financing your education by visiting our Resource Library.
If you’re interested in pursuing a graduate degree that will allow you to address today's pressing issues, we hope you'll request more information today, or if you're ready to join the WVU community, you can start your online application today!
Ready to transform your future with a graduate degree from West Virginia University? Download the WVU Application Guide to learn more.
