Online Master of Public Health Program

The online Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on general public health practice is an interdisciplinary graduate degree program designed for healthcare professionals. This degree gives them the tools they need to assume broad leadership roles in positions involving public health. Online MPH in Public Health Practice degree programs typically have a diverse range of health care professionals studying together. Students could work with professionals such as physicians, physician assistants, nurses, laboratory technicians, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists, dentists, and many others to earn their MPH.

The typical curriculum in an online MPH in Public Health Practice is broad-based. Students can expect to take courses in such core subjects as Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Policy Management, Environmental Health Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Most programs also offer a variety of electives, giving students an opportunity to study subjects that interest them, or are relevant to their careers.

The online MPH in Public Health Practice typically requires the completion of 45 credit hours to graduate. Some programs offer all of the required coursework online, allowing students to complete all degree requirements without having to visit the school. There are some online MPH in Public Health Practice programs, however, that do require a short visit to the school to complete a capstone course or short practicum. Since these programs are designed for working professionals, the on-campus visits are very brief and infrequent so as not to be disruptive to any student’s career. Typically, the on-campus visits are usually no longer than one week per year (or less), allowing students to use their vacation time to fulfill this requirement.

Public Health Practice Career Path

The career path for those pursuing an MPH in Public Health Practice varies. The program prepares students to assume leadership roles in public health, to become public health researchers, public health educators, and to serve in other public health roles. An example career for graduates would be working as a health educator, teaching infant care to new mothers. Another option would be in a leadership role directing a new public health initiative in a developing country. Moreover, another potential career path would be working as a grant writer for a non-governmental organization that increases access to healthcare for those who do not have insurance or are under-insured. There are many great possibilities for MPH in Public Health Practice graduates.

According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2012 the average annual pay for a health educator or someone working in community health is $41,830. The job outlook is considered better than average with a projected increase of 21 percent from 2012 to 2022.

Sources:

http://health.usf.edu/publichealth/onlineprograms/omph_php.htm
http://www.umass.edu/sphhs/programs/mph-php
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/PublicHealth/Academics/degreesandprograms/ip/Pages/LowResMPH.aspx
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm