Public Health

Public health is a diverse and dynamic field. The field challenges its professionals to confront complex health issues, such as improving access to health care, controlling infectious disease, and reducing environmental hazards, violence, substance abuse, and injury.

Public health professionals come from varying educational backgrounds and can specialize in an array of fields. A host of specialists, including teachers, journalists, researchers, administrators, environmentalists, demographers, social workers, laboratory scientists, and attorneys, work to protect the health of the public.

Public health is a field geared toward serving others. Public health professionals serve local, national, and international communities. They are leaders who meet the many exciting challenges in protecting the public's health today and in the future.

The field of public health offers great personal fulfillment. Whereas doctors treat patients' health problems, public health workers try to 'treat,' or maintain, the health of an entire population. Seatbelt laws, flu vaccines, and fluoride in our drinking water are all achievements that fall under the auspices of public health. Public health debates are in the news every day, whether it be the latest outbreak of swine flu or the eradication of trans-fats from entire cities.

Exposure to the Field

Shadowing & Volunteering

There are many options for individuals who are looking to get experience before applying to a school of public health. Working part-time or full-time at a hospital or health clinic, such as working on an immunization program, a reproductive health clinic or a health promotion program. Volunteering for a non-profit direct services organization such as a Whitman-Walker clinic or a local chapter of the American Red Cross. Working at a non-profit organization that is directly involved in public health advocacy and policy. Working or volunteering for a local health department.

The Application Process

While schools of public health look for high graduate entrance exam scores and GPA, other aspects of an applicant's record, such as a career achievement, professional experience, and clarity of career goals, are equally important. Admissions decisions are based on an overall assessment of the ability of applicants to successfully complete the degree track area selected. Each program or track within a given department may set additional requirements for admission; therefore, applicants should refer to the individual programs for details.

Masters Degrees
MHA Master of Health Administration
MHS Master of Health Sciences
MPH Master of Public Health
MPHE Master of Public Health Education
MS Master of Science
MSPH Master of Science in Public Health
Doctoral Degrees
DrPH Doctor of Public Health
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
ScD Doctor of Science
Joint Degrees
MA/MPH Master of Arts/Master of Public Health
MPH/JD Master of Public Health/Juris Doctorate
MPH/MBA Master of Public Health/Master of Business Administration
MPH/MD Master of Public Health/Medical Doctor
MPH/MID Master of Public Health/Master of International Development
MPH/MPA Master of Public Health/Master of Public Administration
MPH/MSN Master of Public Health/Master of Science in Nursing
MPH/MSW Master of Public Health/Master of Social Work
MPH/PhD Master of Public Health/Doctor of Philosophy

Selecting an undergraduate major
In general, there is no one recommended undergraduate major for students intending to apply to a school of public health. Students of public health come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Some MPH core areas programs may require or prefer specific prerequisites. It is important for applicants to refer to specific programs for admission details.

Application
Most programs will require a cumulative undergraduate GPA of a B or better. Your application will consist generally of a personal statement describing your interest in and potential for contributing to the field, a resume, a transcript and 3 letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Most will require one standardized test (e.g., GRE, MCAT, GMAT).

Getting Public Health Experience
Most schools do accept students without prior work experience; however, all schools look favorably on applicants who have at least a little experience. Whenever possible, it is recommended to gain some experience in the field before applying to schools of public health.

 

    Professional Opportunities

    A MPH degree provides innumerable opportunities with multiple specializations within the five core disciplines in a master's of public health degree program.

    • Environmental Health
    • Epidemiology
    • Biostatistics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Health Services Administration or Management

    A career in Environmental Health is focused on how human health can be affected by the natural environment. Biostatisticians and epidemiologists use mathematics and modeling in studying disease and injury in society. Behavioral health professionals address the behavioral, social, and cultural factors related to an individual or population. Health administration professionals combine politics, business and science in managing the resources needed to deliver public health services. Public health professionals come from varying educational backgrounds and can specialize in an array of fields. A hot of specialists, including teachers, journalists, researchers, administrators, environmentalists, demographers, social workers, laboratory scientists, and attorneys, work to protect the health of the public.

    Resources