As the aging baby boomer population needs more care, and our world becomes more and more interested in wellness, there is a growing emphasis placed on public health.

Public health is an integral part of communities, as it encompasses all facets of our lives. Public health is all about ensuring healthy populations, combatting health challenges we face, responding to health emergencies, and preventing illness.

The individuals responsible for leading this charge (and promoting the greater good) are public health professionals with their Master’s in Public Health (MPH). Yet, many wonder what MPH means and what MPH stands for in medical terms.

This article will unpack both of those questions and explain why a Master’s in Public Health degree is beneficial to individuals in the medical field.

What is a Master’s in Public Health (MPH)?

A Master of Public Health, or MPH, is a professional, interdisciplinary graduate degree that prepares students to protect and improve population health.

By studying epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, biostatistics, and more, MPH graduates become influential leaders in our society who collaborate with professors, practitioners, policymakers, and patients to help communities lead long, happier, and healthier lives.

Additionally, as public health is such a broad topic, many Master’s in Public Health degree programs allow candidates to choose a specialization to focus on to further their interests and career goals. For example, at Goodwin University, we offer MPH concentrations in:

• Community health: Best for individuals who want to implement health programs and interface with the public as non-profit directors, local policymakers, and public health educators.
• Global health: If solving significant health challenges in developing countries interests you, the global health concentration is a great choice. Graduates are ready to break down barriers to healthcare access, promote funding for healthcare programs, institute educational initiatives, and strive for the sustainability of healthcare efforts.
• Health policy and management: Health policy managers are responsible for setting up the laws and rules that allow public health systems to work. Students in this concentration focus on public health law, economics, and the diverse applications of health policy.

Are you considering a career in public health? Check out our MPH Get Started Guide to learn more about which concentration is right for you!

How Does an MPH Benefit Medical Professionals?

Graduate school of any kind, including a Master’s in Public Health program, is an investment and can feel overwhelming, but it is also extremely rewarding, achievable, and beneficial to your career field, especially the field of public health.

In fact, individuals pursuing their Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree see a number of benefits, from more job opportunities and greater salary potential to developing a greater voice and impact on our world.

1. More Advanced Job Opportunities

If you already have a medical background and career but want to make an even more significant impact in an advanced role, an MPH degree is a great way to show future employers you are skilled, qualified, and capable.

Graduates of MPH programs go on to exciting and fulfilling careers as:

• Biostatisticians
• Disaster and emergency specialists
• Epidemiologists
• Public health officers and directors
• Non-profit executive directors
• Researchers

Additionally, graduates fulfill these roles and more in community clinics, federal, state, and local health agencies, hospitals, non-profits, private foundations, and more.

2. Greater Salary Potential

Securing a more advanced role often comes with a higher salary, and the field of public health is no different.

Candidates with their Master’s in Public Health (MPH) obtain higher-level public health positions with higher salaries, making their initial investment in their degree well worth their money, time, energy, and efforts.

Here are some examples of careers and salaries, all reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), that students can expect to earn with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH):

• Biostatistician: A median annual salary of $112,110, with the highest ten percent earning more than $171,540.
• Epidemiologist: A median annual salary of $78,520, with the highest ten percent earning more than $123,430.
• Medical and health services manager: A median annual wage of $104,830, with the highest ten percent earning more than $209,990.
• Emergency management directors and disaster and emergency specialists: A median annual wage of $79,180, with the highest ten percent earning more than $147,870.

3. Making an Impact

Individuals pursue a career in healthcare because they care about people and want to improve the lives of others. Public health professionals take this a step further by addressing the needs and having an impact on communities and populations around the world.

As such, public health professionals can influence people, communities, and populations and have the great responsibility and honor of combating many public health issues head-on.

By earning a Master’s in Public Health, graduates prove their credibility and earn the respect of those in and outside their industry with this advanced degree. Plus, great Public Health degree programs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to feel empowered to use their voice for more significant change.

Obtaining the MPH designation can take an individual’s career in the medical field to new heights and expand the scope of their impact in their community and world.

And this all can start at Goodwin University, where our flexible and affordable Master’s in Public Health program allows you to pursue your education and still fulfill all your work and family obligations. Our classes are offered in accelerated seven-week formats, and students can complete the program entirely online in as few as twelve to fifteen months. Plus, we offer six program starts per year, and students can choose to attend full or part-time.

Take the next steps to advance your career and make a more significant, positive impact by earning a Master’s in Public Health at Goodwin University.