Public health issues, big or small, affect every individual and community around the world. There is no greater example of this than the current public health emergency we are facing, COVID-19. This unprecedented global pandemic has affected every single person in the world, in one way or another. Times like these have reminded us that sometimes we can never fully predict the scope and impact that an issue will have on our lives. That said, these times have also reminded us that although we cannot always predict certain threats or issues, we can still prepare for them by gearing ourselves up with the education and skills necessary to handle whatever may come our way. This pandemic has required leaders at all levels, across all industries, and across different continents to work together to combat this invisible enemy. Public health professionals are among these key leaders, leveraging their education, skills, and resources to keep our communities safe.

Now more than ever, we are reminded how valuable public health professionals, as well as their services and know-how, are to our population. During these times, they are also reminded of how valuable a graduate degree in public health has been to their careers. In fact, a Master’s in Public Health is what got many of these professionals to where they are today.

If you are considering a graduate degree in public health, you are making a wise choice for your future. Of course, you may have many questions about what you can expect when researching, applying to, and entering a potential public health school. Below, Goodwin answers a few common questions that potential students have when pursuing this advanced degree path.

What is public health, and what is a Master’s in Public Health?

Public health is a field in which professionals protect and improve the health and lives of individuals and their communities. Therefore, a Master’s in Public Health — commonly referred to as an MPH degree — provides students with the education needed to protect the wellbeing of populations both big and small. Graduate students develop the skills to tackle the many public health issues affecting individuals, communities, countries, continents, and the world.

Depending on the college or university, graduate public health degrees are available in several formats. Programs can be offered in-person, online, or as a hybrid of both. The length of the program will also vary based on the requirements of each individual institution and a student’s availability to take a full-time or part-time course load. Some accelerated programs can be completed within a year, and some full-time programs can take up to two years to complete. At Goodwin University, your Master’s in Public Health degree can be completed entirely online, in just 16 months full-time.

Which classes are covered in a graduate public health program?

A Master’s in Public Health program offers a robust curriculum that builds upon the foundations of key public health topics. Students pursuing a graduate degree in public health can expect to take courses focused on biostatistics, epidemiology, public health administration, policy and resource management. Graduates will also come to understand all of the complexities involved in local, state, federal and global public health systems. Some typical MPH courses may include ‘Public Health Policy’, ‘Public Health Economics’, and ‘Public Health Preparedness’. You can view Goodwin’s full MPH curriculum here.

What should one expect upon completion of a graduate degree in public health?

A graduate degree in public health is more than just a piece of paper. Students who earn their advanced degree walk away with a deep understanding of complex issues that our communities and world face now – and will face tomorrow. Even more, they walk away with the tools and resources needed to take action against those issues. Due to the increased demand in public health professionals, MPH graduates will also qualify for many advanced positions in the field such as:

• Epidemiologist
• Public Health Director
• Sanitarian
• Biostatistician
• Disaster and Emergency Specialist

All of the above MPH careers come with the ability to make a greater impact in the community — a great personal reward — in addition to high earning potential. There are many great MPH programs offered, and now is the time to take the next step in your public health career. To learn more about what to expect from Goodwin’s MPH program, contact Goodwin University today at 800-889-3282. You may also visit us online to request more information.