Careers in public health are vital for improving community well-being, preventing disease and addressing health disparities. Professionals in this field directly impact lives by working on critical issues such as vaccination programs, health policy and emergency response.
A master’s degree in public health equips students with advanced skills, knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for a range of impactful roles in government and nonprofit sectors. The online Master of Public Health (MPH) program from Arcadia University enables professionals to earn their degree while they continue to work. The program features a built-in concentration that focuses on community health.
Public Health Occupations and Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), community health occupations are set to grow by 13% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than average. There are several diverse specializations that have high earning potential, such as epidemiologists, health services managers, biostatisticians, emergency management directors and public health consultants. Below is an overview of the various roles MPH students can qualify for after graduation.
- Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in order to prevent or treat them. They collect, analyze and interpret information and data from observations, interviews, surveys and biological samples. They then communicate their findings to health practitioners, policymakers and the public. Epidemiologists also supervise staff, manage programs and write grant proposals. They typically work in applied public health or in research. Applied epidemiologists work for state and local governments, while research epidemiologists typically work for universities or federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Epidemiologists earn an average salary of $81,390
- Health Services Managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a healthcare facility and maintaining a positive, productive working environment. Their job is to enable employees and team leaders to provide the best patient care possible. Writing grant proposals, keeping records, managing staff, managing budget and coordinating purchases, and developing policies are primary responsibilities in this career. Health services managers can work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, imaging centers or therapists’ offices. The job outlook for this position is 32% between 2020 and 2030, which is more than three times greater than the projected growth for other management occupations. The average salary for a health services manager is $75,395 per year.
- Biostatisticians work with universities, government agencies and other research institutions. They conduct medical research, design research studies, analyze complex data yielded by medical studies, identify potential errors and assist with preparing reports. It’s the biostatistician’s responsibility to make sure that all medical research is quality-driven and that results are presented accurately and clearly. Their job also involves overseeing the work of data entry and research staff, teaching classes and responding to requests from review boards and regulatory agencies. Biostatisticians have a common annual salary of $105,960, according to Indeed.
- Emergency Management Directors plan and manage responses to disasters and emergencies. They develop preparedness plans, coordinate with agencies and responders and secure resources to protect lives and property. Their duties include assessing risks, training staff and conducting drills. During emergencies, they lead response efforts, manage resources and communicate with stakeholders, later analyzing outcomes to improve plans. Emergency management directors can expect an average annual salary of $83,960.
- Public Health Consultants help identify public health issues, develop strategies to address them and implement and evaluate public health programs. They typically work with governments, non-profit organizations and healthcare providers. Public health consultants also conduct education sessions and workshops for the public, healthcare providers and other stakeholders while also coordinating efforts to promote and improve public health. Their duties include researching health data to assess community health issues, developing and implementing health education programs, creating and presenting reports on public health findings and trends, and developing strategies to address public health challenges. Public Health Consultants earn an average annual salary of $71,182.
Arcadia University’s online Master of Public Health program prepares you for in-demand, well-compensated MPH roles—while you continue working.
Become a Public Health Leader With an Online MPH From Arcadia University
The online Master of Public Health program from Arcadia University prepares students for leadership roles in a wide range of settings. Students hone in-demand skills in areas such as health communication, health promotion, program evaluation, program planning and data analysis.
Students complete the program equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities within their communities. Since more than 90% of Arcadia MPH students find an industry-related job within a year of graduation, the degree serves as a worthwhile investment in an impactful career.
Learn more about Arcadia University’s online Master of Public Health program.
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