As populations continue to increase and flu seasons become more severe, the need for public health professionals has never been more prevalent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that community health workers will see a 13 percent increase in jobs over the next decade. This projection and the public’s increased desire to be active participants in their wellness mean public health careers will remain in demand for years to come.
But what jobs can you pursue with a public health master’s, and what does a public health master’s degree involve?
Learn more about where STEM is going and how you can join the industry in our guide,
A Guide to STEM Graduate Programs and Careers.
What Does a Public Health Master’s Degree Teach?
A master’s degree in public health focuses on key aspects and competencies in science to improve communities' health. From research to work in clinics, a graduate degree in public health prepares students to make an impact on their communities and lead changes toward a healthier world. Some public health degrees include emphases on different areas of public health, including:
- Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics:
This concentration is designed for those who wish to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for epidemiologic and biostatistical practice and research. It is most appropriate for students interested in active practice, not just research. - Public Health Practice and Leadership:
This emphasis is focused on examining social and political systems that influence population health status and then learning how to influence and/or design, implement, and manage broad, system-level instruments to improve population health outcomes. These instruments might include programs in public health agencies, not-for-profit organizations, healthcare provider settings, or policies at the local, state, national, or international governmental levels. - Social and Behavioral Sciences:
This concentration addresses the behavioral, social, and environmental factors related to individual and population health and health disparities over the life span. Research and practice in this track contribute to the development, administration, and evaluation of programs and policies in public health to promote and sustain healthy environments and lives for individuals and populations.
Check out some of the most common career fields for public health professionals.
4 Master’s in Public Health Careers
Health Education
Health education professionals work in schools or community centers to help people understand the tenets of health. They can lead sessions on the importance of staying well, eating healthy foods, and being responsible when using alcohol. Health education professionals are essential to keeping healthcare accessible and bringing important health and wellness information to communities.
Health education professionals might find jobs as:
- Health Educator
- Health Coach
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Community Health Advisor
Epidemiology for Public Health Practice
Those working in epidemiology research infectious diseases and health-related events. Their work helps communities stay healthier and combat outbreaks. Epidemiologists research emerging diseases and compare data from different regions of the country and world to help track the spread of sicknesses. Their work helps local and national governments make informed choices about responding to public health crises.
Epidemiologists can find roles as:
- Environmental Epidemiologist
- Epidemiologist Investigator
- Infection Preventionist
- Clinical Epidemiologist
Environmental Health
Environmental health specialists advance and protect public health by researching health risks, educating communities, advising officials on sanitation practices, and more. Their work is essential to improving a community’s overall environment, from restaurant food safety practices to regulation enforcement. Environmental health specialists identify and address potential health hazards and mitigate the risks.
Those working in environmental health can have jobs like:
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Toxicologist
- Air Pollution Analyst
- Groundwater Protection Specialist
Policy Advocacy
Policy advocates work to push public health policies through on local and national government levels. Their work helps raise awareness for issues related to public health and improves future policies. Advocates in this field help improve access to healthcare and social determinants of health, often by working with their community and local policymakers to raise awareness and build support for evidence-based solutions to health crises.
Professionals in the policy advocacy field can find careers as:
- Health Policy Analyst
- Health Equity Advocate
- Research Analyst
- Maternal and Child Health Policy Specialist
Get Started with a Master’s Degree in Public Health at West Virginia University
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of those in your immediate community and worldwide? Working in public health is one of the best ways to impact change for generations. From helping enact policies for the vulnerable to getting out in the field and working directly with your neighbors, there are many ways to improve public health through your expertise.
West Virginia University’s STEM programs prepare students to develop their professional skills and passions, aiming to improve their communities. Our Master of Public Health program equips you with the tools to make a difference.
Our Master of Public Health includes a core curriculum, and students choose from one of three areas of emphasis for their other coursework.
The three areas of emphasis to choose from for the in-person MPH are:
- Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Public Health Practice and Leadership
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
WVU’s public health program prioritizes applied practice experience, giving students 180 hours with a public health-related agency or organization supervised by an approved preceptor. This real-world experience prepares you for what your day-to-day may look like as a public health professional.
To learn more about our STEM programs and the careers they prepare you for, download our guide, A Guide to STEM Graduate Programs and Careers. You can also request more information or explore our application requirements.
