What Is a Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree?

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7 Mar 2024

What Is a Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree?

January 2, 2024 | Purdue Global
Considering a career in public health? Not only is it a growing field, but it’s also a diverse one. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently lists more than 170 different public health job categories. This extensive range highlights the sector's adaptability and breadth. As public health challenges evolve, so do the opportunities for professionals to make significant contributions to community well-being.
A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a crucial stepping stone for those aiming to take leadership roles in this vital sector. Nicole Heim, MPH, MSHEd, CHES, CPH, REHS, faculty in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global, offers insights into the world of public health, the potential of an MPH degree, and the transformative impact it can have on your career.

What Is Public Health?

Public health is an interdisciplinary science that's concerned with the health of populations. Heim explains that population can be defined in many ways, including age, gender, ancestry, or a combination of those characteristics.
The overarching objective of public health, according to Heim, is to "identify health problems, determine causes, and then recommend or develop solutions that can be implemented to improve the health of that population." Once these solutions are in place, it’s important to evaluate them to see if they are working as intended.
At its core, public health aims to ensure the well-being of the population — in part, Heim says, because this enables a productive society.
“When people are injured or sick, they can't work or attend school, diminishing their contribution to society, even if temporarily,” Heim says. “The goal is to reduce disability and mortality, ensuring a thriving society powered by a robust economy and healthy individuals who actively contribute using their talents."

What Can You Do With an MPH Degree?

An MPH degree can pave the way for various roles in hospitals, health care facilities, and organizations. Some of these roles include:
Medical and health services managers: Those working in this role are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating various medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, and similar organizations. They also ensure that health care facilities run efficiently and comply with regulations.
The BLS projects 28% job growth for this role from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average.
Health education specialists: Professionals in this capacity are tasked with designing and implementing programs that promote behaviors conducive to wellness. They also work closely with communities and groups to provide necessary health information and resources.
According to the BLS, the anticipated job growth for this role is 7% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average.
Community health workers: Individuals in this role serve as vital bridges between communities and health care providers, ensuring that community members receive the care and information they need. They also gather data, provide health education, and advocate for community health needs.
The BLS projects 14% job growth for community health workers from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average.
What Is It Like to Work in Public Health?
Public health is a dynamic field that requires you to be actively engaged within the community. Heim emphasizes that public health roles are not deskbound. “Even administrators are actively engaged in the community, networking, and fostering collaborations,” she says.
Emphasizing its hands-on nature, Heim recalls the early days of her public health career. After obtaining a biology degree, she joined a health department initiative on West Nile virus. Instead of being confined to a desk, her days were filled with community engagement: She set mosquito traps, collected samples, and went door to door informing residents about potential risks in their neighborhoods. She had a desk and an office, but the majority of her time was spent out in the field.
Whether it was environmental health or disease prevention, the essence of public health work, as Heim experienced, was being actively involved with the community, making tangible differences.

What Do You Learn in an MPH Program?

An MPH program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle real-world public health challenges. Students in an MPH program will learn about health behavior, epidemiology, environmental health, public health administration, data analytics, and more.

Earn a Master of Public Health With Purdue Global

Pursuing an MPH degree at Purdue Global equips graduates with a comprehensive skill set tailored for the dynamic world of public health.
"The passion our faculty holds for public health is evident,” Heim says. “Our primary aim is to ensure students graduate with the confidence and knowledge to excel in public health from day one. This practical and comprehensive approach is a hallmark of our program."
If you're interested in leveraging education to improve the health and wellness of communities, an MPH may be the right choice for you. Learn more about Purdue Global's online master's in public health degree program or reach out today for more information.
SEE NOTES AND CONDITIONS BELOW FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
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NOTES AND CONDITIONS
Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.
Job Growth Projections: National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual growth.
Views Expressed: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the faculty member/individual and do not represent the view of Purdue Global.