Get the Right Public Health Degree for You When you're considering a new career path, it's sometimes difficult to know if you should invest the time and money in advanced education or simply try to get entry-level experience in the field and work your way up. While both approaches can work, if you're ready to start a public health career, you'll find that a Master of Public Health degree will open a lot of doors for you in the job market. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for a career in public health; however, a master's degree in public health (or a related field) has become the standard for many positions. And if you're drawn to research-level positions, you'll need a doctoral degree to qualify.  Public Health Degree Options Which public health degree is right for someone with your level of education and previous experience? Read the descriptions of the different public health degrees below, and discover which one makes the most sense for you. Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) These 4-year programs often have a particular emphasis, such as nutrition, environmental science, health administration or health information management. Graduates often go on to earn advanced degrees in health fields such as nursing, medicine, dentistry or physical therapy. Master of Public Health (MPH) The Master of Public Health degree is the main professional degree within public health. You can generally complete an MPH in one to two years. At some schools of public health, programs are geared toward professionals who already hold advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, law, biology, behavioral sciences or the social sciences. Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) The Master of Science in Public Health is a 1- to 2-year initial program for the student who enters without an advanced degree and who plans to continue for their PhD. Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) The Doctor of Public Health degree is a professional degree that usually takes three to four years to complete. Candidates must have at least a master's in a related field to qualify for this degree program. DrPHs must have a comprehensive body of knowledge in the field of public health and related disciplines, and a proven ability to initiate, organize and pursue the investigation of significant problems in public health practice. DrPHs are qualified to assume leadership positions that have major influence on the policies, programs and institutions of public health through the analysis, development and implementation of public health programs. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health The PhD degree represents the highest level of academic achievement in the field of public health. Students seeking careers in research typically choose to pursue a PhD degree. Recipients of this degree are qualified to assume leadership roles in developing and conducting research or in teaching at the university level. PhDs generally specialize in an area such as epidemiology, biostatistics or nutrition. Why Attend an Accredited School of Public Health? Accreditation creates a gateway for students to participate in federally funded and state loan programs. Graduates from accredited institutions also qualify to attend other accredited schools if they choose to pursue further degrees, including master's and doctoral programs in public health. Since some employers prefer to hire graduates of accredited public health programs—whom they know to have trained under nationally established standards—a degree from an accredited school of public health also has the advantage of making you more competitive in the job market. What to Look for in Public Health School Accreditation The accrediting body for schools of public health is the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the US Department of Education to accredit schools of public health. These schools prepare students for entry into careers in public health. Take the First Step Once you've decided which degree fits you best, find out more by requesting information from the schools of public health that interest you. They'll give you specific program information that will help you choose the school that's right for you. Related Reading:
Public Health Resource Home | Find Public Health Degrees and Schools |
