When you look back on all of your accomplishments in life – big and small – it is also important to reflect on the journey you took to achieve those accomplishments. Chances are, that journey consisted of some sacrifices, hard work, and determination. But once you reached your goals, the journey (and all of its challenges) became worth it.

This is very similar to how many feel when seeking to advance their careers by earning a graduate degree. Going back to school for a master’s degree can feel overwhelming, let alone impossible for those who are already occupied with other obligations. However, it is indeed achievable and, in many fields, it is worth it – particularly public health, where the work is so impactful to so many.

Some wonder if the educational journey is really worth the reward for public health professionals? Specifically, is a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) worth it? Yes! Those who pursue an MPH degree are likely to see incredible salary potential and job opportunities after graduation. Most of all, they develop a greater voice in the field and in turn, tend to have a greater impact on the world.

If you’ve been working towards that advanced title, but need more edge and experience to land it, then an MPH degree could be a great next step for you. With an MPH degree, you will qualify for more advanced job opportunities in the public health field, such as:

• Epidemiologist
• Biostatician
• Public Health Educator
• Public Health Director
• Sanitarian
• Disaster and Emergency Specialist

These positions might otherwise be unavailable to you, without a Master’s in Public Health. For example, Epidemiologists must have at least a master’s degree from an accredited university, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most Biostatician careers require a graduate degree, as well. With an MPH degree in hand, you will qualify for expanded job opportunities. You will also better stand out in the workforce, with the advanced coursework under your belt.

Another common question we hear is, “Is the financial investment of an MPH worth it?” In other words, is an MPH worth the cost? Fortunately, these higher level public health positions most always come with a higher salary potential – securing a return on your investment. For example, Epidemiologists across the U.S. make a median salary of $69,660 per year. However, Epidemiologists in Connecticut earn upwards of $86,000 annually. Biostaticians typically earn six-figures each year in the United States. All this said, the money you could be earning with an MPH degree outweighs the cost of your education.

Another reason (and potentially the most important) why an MPH is worth it, is the greater amount of impact you can have in your community. With a Master’s in Public Health, you will inherently have a higher amount of credibility and respect in your industry. Why? For one, a master’s degree says, “I worked hard to be where I am today, and I am a capable professional.” It also has the coursework to back it up. In your MPH program, you will gain knowledge in subjects like science, research, ethics, and policy. You will gain the knowledge – and the confidence – needed to empower your voice. After graduation, you can expect your voice to be heard, your ideas to be visualized, and your plans to be implemented.

A Master’s in Public Health program, like Goodwin University’s MPH, provides students with a curriculum that focuses on biostatistics, epidemiology, and resources management. Students will finish the program with the knowledge and skills needed to apply their learnings to broad and hyper local community health issues, and have a greater hand in making a difference within the community.

For those wondering, “Is an MPH worth it, with my already busy schedule?” – this is another common question we get. And the answer is yes. Earning an MPH degree isn’t as complicated as you might think. There are flexible, online degree programs available. Goodwin’s 45-credit MPH program, for example, can be completed fully-online in as few as 16 months. This flexibility allows students to complete their degree, work, and balance other priorities without the stress of needing to be on-campus for class.

So, is an MPH worth it? As with most things in life, in order to achieve greatness and continued success, it takes hard work. But most times, the risk and effort are well-worth the reward. For public health professionals, a master’s degree can have a big impact on their careers, pockets, and ability to make a difference in our communities.

For more information about earning an MPH degree, contact Goodwin University at  800.889.3282, or visit us online to learn more.