Choose a Public Health Degree Program

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for a career in public health; however, a Master of Public Health degree (or a master's degree in 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.

Which public health degree is right for someone with your level of education and previous experience?

• Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH): These 4-year programs often have a particular emphasis, such as 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, law, 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.
   
• 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. 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.

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 degree programs, a degree from an accredited school of public health also has the advantage of making you more competitive in the job market.

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 U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health.