Pursuing a career in public health can be a transforming journey that impacts not only your career but also the health and well-being of entire communities. Far from a simple academic path, serving in the public health sector demonstrates determination, personal growth, and empathy that will draw countless parallels in your professional journey, characterized by dedication, perseverance, and strategic decision-making!

While many students enter public health by studying for a master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), some know they want to work in public health during their undergraduate education. As such, some students pursue a bachelor’s in Public Health and begin learning how to contribute to public health initiatives as soon as possible.

Choosing any career path is a weighty decision, not to mention an investment of time and money. Potential public health students must assess the worth of a public health degree, as well as the longevity of their career choice. So, is public health a good career choice?

Let’s explore why pursuing a career in public health might very well be a worthwhile career choice for you.

Why is public health a good career choice?

Public health offers a multifaceted career path that allows individuals to make a tangible difference in the health and well-being of communities. This is why so many people pursue this career choice! They desire a career where they can help people and change the lives of those in need.

With a wide range of specialties and roles available, from epidemiology to health policy, public health professionals also enjoy a diversity of pathways within this career choice. They have the opportunity to find their niche and pursue their passions within the field. Whether it’s combating infectious diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles, or advocating for health equity, public health offers avenues for impactful work that resonates on both local and global levels.

But this isn’t all. The field of public health offers great job security and stability as societies face increasingly complex health challenges. With the demand for skilled health professionals on the rise, due to an aging baby boomer population and advancements since the pandemic, individuals pursuing careers in public health can expect a wealth of job opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, academia, and the private sector. This stability, coupled with the ever-evolving nature of public health, ensures that professionals in the field remain engaged and challenged throughout their careers as they adapt to new advancements and emerging health threats.

Beyond job security, public health careers offer personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose. Knowing that one’s work contributes to the larger act of improving population health and reducing health disparities can be deeply rewarding. Public health professionals often find satisfaction in the knowledge that they are part of a larger movement working toward the common good, making a lasting impact on the health outcomes of individuals and communities.

Why is a degree in public health worth it?

Serving the community in a public health career will require you to confront challenges regularly while also balancing existing obligations and embracing transformation. Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Public Health or an MPH graduate degree can involve many sacrifices, too, and for good reason.

You may struggle to balance academic pursuits alongside personal and professional responsibilities. But the transformative potential of the public health career path, and the future possibilities in the field, are decidedly worth it. Career opportunities abound. Salaries regularly exceed six figures. And public health graduates enjoy high levels of career satisfaction and community involvement for decades to come.

Learn how to become a public health professional through Goodwin University.

Career opportunities for public health graduates

One of the most significant advantages of pursuing a degree in public health is the doors it opens to a diversity of career paths, providing graduates with essential skills for impactful roles in public health.

Depending on the level of your degree, your career opportunities will vary. Those with a Master’s in Public Health, for example, might take on impactful leadership roles in administration and management, with titles such as Public Health Director, Researcher, Biostatistician, Epidemiologist, or even Congressional Staffer. These public health leaders have the power and the voice needed to facilitate change in our healthcare systems.

With a bachelor’s degree in Public Health, career opportunities are also plentiful. Bachelor’s degree holders can pursue meaningful titles as Health Promotion Specialists, Public Health Advocates, Research Associates, Emergency Response Planners, and more. Typically, entry-level careers are secured with a bachelor’s in Public Health, while more advanced and managerial positions require a master’s degree. However, many view a bachelor’s degree as a stepping stone to an MPH, and to a gratifying and successful career in public health.

No matter the type of public health degree earned, graduates can find work in an array of settings, such as:

• Government agencies
• State and local health facilities
• Health and non-profit organizations
• Research laboratories
• Hospitals and clinics
• Nursing homes

Career opportunities abound, whether you want to work in a clinical setting, behind a desk, or one-on-one with clients and patients. And with the advanced coursework and expanded skill sets, public health graduates are well-prepared for leadership positions and meaningful contributions across various sectors, contributing to improved population health outcomes across the globe.

Investing in a public health education

Investing in your education, particularly in pursuing an MPH, is a strategic move that addresses common financial concerns while offering promising returns. And while many individuals experience apprehensions surrounding the cost of a college degree, and may hesitate to pursue their goals due to perceived financial constraints, keep in mind the high salary potential available in public health. Medical and health services managers, for example, make an average of $110,680 yearly. Epidemiologists earn over $81,000 annually, while statisticians earn $104,680 per year. These high public health salaries underscore the fact that public health can be a great career choice that is both personally and financially rewarding.

The high salaries associated with public health careers highlights the need for experts in the field, which should help assuage any concerns about the initial investment. A public health degree is an initial investment that rewards students with both long-term financial stability and professional growth.

So, is public health a good career?

We say a resounding YES! Beyond the aforementioned salary prospects and career options, the value of studying public health is clear.

In pursuing this career choice, graduates are inspired to pursue (and subsequently gain) the knowledge necessary to create real change and meaningful impact in their communities. With the comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills gained while in school, graduates possess the expertise required to take on many public health issues confidently and effectively. They acquire the power to make a real difference in the lives of individuals, as well as communities and even entire populations.

With specialized training, public health degree holders can lead initiatives, implement interventions, and advocate for health equity policies. Graduates can also significantly impact how public health develops in the future through knowledge and influence.

How to start a public health career you love

To begin your journey toward a career in public health, consider starting with a specialized undergraduate degree. This can be foundational to a great public health career. Later on, like many students, you may decide to pursue graduate studies to qualify for leadership and managerial positions.

To apply to the bachelor’s program in Public Health at Goodwin University, the admissions requirements are simple and similar to any undergraduate program. You must:

• Complete an application for admission into Goodwin University.
• Interview with an undergraduate admissions officer.
• Submit proof of graduation from high school, or an equivalent.
• For those with previous college experience, submit an official transcript from your prior college or university.
• Submit proof of immunizations, including measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccinations.

To apply to the MPH program at Goodwin University, there are a few key steps. First and foremost, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, regardless of your field of study. Next, complete a statement of goals outlining your motivations for pursuing the MPH program. Additionally, applicants must:

• Complete a graduate application for admission.
• Provide a professional resume.
• Submit proof of immunizations (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella).
• Submit an official or unofficial transcript verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the equivalent of this degree from another country.

As you consider furthering your education, keep in mind the value of pursuing a public health degree. From unlocking diverse career opportunities to amplifying your impact within the public health industry, the public health career choice offers a pathway to personal and professional fulfillment.

Through the field of public health, you can make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of communities. By putting in the necessary effort and persistence now, you can effect positive change and leave a lasting legacy.

Learn more about public health programs at Goodwin University to see if public health is a good career choice for you.