According to the CDC’s website, public health experts work to improve the health of individuals and communities. They serve populations of all sizes, spanning from small towns to entire continents. They strive to create a better future for mankind through research and community education.
Public health experts can expect to find employment in:
- Non-profit organizations
- Governmental agencies
- Hospitals and other healthcare facilities
- Private companies
The overall global population is growing rapidly, and the public health industry is expected to grow 22% by 2028. As our population continues to age, public health jobs are expected to become even more in-demand.
Why pursue a Masters in Public Health?
By refining your skills through a master’s program, you’ll be qualified for many high-paying jobs across the country. Compared to what you can earn with a bachelor’s degree alone, the Masters in Public Health salary is highly competitive.
Here are some Masters in Public Health jobs you’ll be qualified for after earning your degree:
- Health Care Administrator – Median salary: $99,730
- Biostatistician – Median salary: $90,000
- Epidemiologist – Median salary: $86,452
- Health and Safety Engineer – Median salary: $84,600
- Genetic Counsellor – Median salary: $77,480
Aside from opening the door to countless new job opportunities, your Masters in Public Health will give you the skills you need to make a difference in your community and the world.
What are the best graduate public health programs in the United States?
Since public health professionals are in such high demand, there are many respected programs available across the country. We’ve put together this list of some of the most popular programs for prospective students.
While ranking public health programs, we considered the following factors:
- Scholarship potential
- Research opportunities
- Cost of attendance
While reading, it’s important to remember that each school has different Public Health Masters program requirements. Be sure to research all your options thoroughly before committing to a program. Whether you’re planning to pursue your Public Health Masters programs online or on-campus, these schools are a great place to begin your search.
1. Johns Hopkins University
Tuition: $69,720 (on-campus) and $72,960 (online)
The Masters of Public Health program at John Hopkins University has been ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report since 1994. Since students can choose between studying on-campus or online, this program is ideal for working professionals. Johns Hopkins understands the importance of flexibility, so you can also choose to pursue your degree part-time or full-time.
Johns Hopkins University is an ideal choice for students interested in a research track. As you earn your degree, you’ll be able to work with researchers in over 130 countries. The program places a strong emphasis on global public health, so you’ll have the opportunity to exchange data with students from around the globe.
You can learn more about the MPH program at Johns Hopkins University here.
2. University of Minnesota
Tuition: $18,941 (in-state) or $28,485 (out-of-state)
The School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota has been working to improve global health for 75 years. They offer a wide variety of graduate degrees, including:
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
- Master of Science (MS)
- Doctoral (PhD) programs in Public Health
The program takes pride in its $70-million-dollar global health campaign that changes lives across the globe. The School of Public Health also offers many competitive scholarships that set it apart from the competition. Best of all, graduate students will have the opportunity to assist researchers in cutting-edge clinical trials for HIV and cancer.
Learn more about the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota here.
3. Columbia University
Tuition: $48,390 per year
At Mailman School of Public Health, over 150 faculty members work to enrich the student experience. Students can pursue a regular MPH, or choose to follow accelerated or executive tracks.
Columbia University takes the MPH curriculum so seriously that they recommend that students don’t work during the first semester. The Mailman School emphasizes on integrating science and practice, so students interested in a research track would do well at Columbia University.
You can learn more about the Mailman School at Columbia University here.
4. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
Tuition: $13,073–$18,573 per year
At the UNC Gillings School of Public Health, you’ll gain sharpen your research skills alongside the experienced faculty and staff. A whopping $193.7 million was granted for research in the 2018-2019 school year alone.
If you choose to study at UNC, you’ll be able to choose from an impressive 12 concentration areas including:
- Epidemiology
- Maternal, Child, and Family Health
- Nutrition
- Public Health Data Science
The Gillings School also has promising graduation stats for its Public Health students: 99% of alumni find jobs within six months of graduation. With the chance to work in all 100 counties in North Carolina, as well as 62 countries around the world, it’s no wonder UNC graduates are so highly sought after.
Learn more about the Gillings School of Public Health at UNC here.
5. George Washington University
Tuition: $62,555 per year
The Miken Institute of Public Health at George Washington University offers a wide variety of MPH degree program options. It even offers an entirely online masters program for students who are too busy to attend classes on-campus. The many scholarship and funding options for all students make it clear why George Washington University was ranked #12 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Public Health Graduate schools.
Find out more about the Miken Institute at George Washington University here.
6. Ohio State University
Tuition: $12,424 (in-state) or $36,052 (out-of-state)
Ohio State University offers a well-regarded Masters in Public Health program with eight areas of specialization. Students will also have the opportunity to take on an MPH culminating project. This unique experience allows them to work with an advisor to apply their knowledge while aiding the community.
Learn more about the Masters in Public Health at Ohio State University here.
7. Rutgers University
Tuition: $15,624 (in-state) or $23,418 (out-of-state)
Rutgers University is known for its world-class research institutes, so it’s no surprise that their Masters of Public Health program has earned so much respect. Students will have the opportunity to conduct research in their many facilities, including:
- The Center for Public Health Workforce Development
- The Center for Tobacco Studies
- The Center on Gun Violence Research
- The Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies
In addition to offering many research opportunities and specialized degree programs, students also have the opportunity to earn valuable certificates alongside their degrees.
Learn more about the Rutgers School of Public Health here.
Erica Ciko Campbell
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology| Utica College
Associate of Science (A.S.)| Herkimer County Community College
October 2019
More Articles of Interest:
- How Long Does it Usually Take to get a Master’s in Public Health?
- What is the Difference in a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Public Health?
- What Jobs are in-demand with a Degree in Public Health?
- What Degree Do I Need to Be a Genetic Engineer?