Is a Public Health Degree Right for Me?

Public health is a dynamic field with a growing demand for qualified professionals, and a public health degree can help you land your dream job in the industry.

Now is a great time to join the field of public health as the demand for qualified public health professionals is growing rapidly. Due to an aging population, the need for public health workers is booming and those with a public health degree will be highly sought after.

Public health is a great choice for anyone interested in the field of healthcare, whether they have an interest in mental health, public policy, or disease prevention. There are numerous job opportunities and areas of specialization to pursue with a public health degree, and even more opportunities available if you earn a graduate degree.

The coursework in a public health degree varies depending on the university and the focus of the program. Choosing the right program is important, so take some time to think about the specialties within public health that you find interesting and what job title you want to have after graduating. Always make sure to enroll in an accredited degree program to ensure your degree will be accepted and respected by employers.

What Is a Public Health Degree?

A degree in public health is focused on looking closely at how people live and how their home, work, and overall environment impact their health both on a personal level and on a communal level. After conducting research, you'll learn how to use data to create health interventions and improve the health and well-being of a community.

There are different levels of public health degrees, and the right degree for you will depend on your career goals. Earning a bachelor's degree in public health can help you become a public health worker, while a master's degree can prepare you to become an epidemiologist or clinical research associate. Whether you intend to pursue grad school or enter the workforce directly after graduation, there are job opportunities for any level of education.

What Does a Public Health Major Study?

Public health maintains an interdisciplinary approach to health. There are many factors that impact someone's health, so as a public health major you might study topics such as:

health policy: the decisions and laws being made to support public health outcomes
global health: global health issues such as pandemics that cross national boundaries
infectious diseases: an area of health science that studies how diseases spread
biostatistics: the area of statistics that relates to living organisms
occupational health: how people's health is related to their working environment
health research: investigating human health and lifestyles and how to improve them
population health: the health outcomes at a larger scale, such as a whole community or people group
epidemiology: the study of why disease occurs more often in some people groups than others

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Public Health

Here are some great reasons why you should consider enrolling in a public health degree program.

Healthcare Workers Are In Demand

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for community health workers will grow by 14% over the next decade, and there will be 1.8 million new job openings in the field of healthcare every year. Whether you are looking for entry-level positions or wish to pursue medical school, there will be job openings available to match your career goals.

Public Health Careers Offer Variety

There are numerous career opportunities in public health, so you can easily switch roles if you don't like the public health job you find yourself in. Getting work experience in different areas or specialties can help you determine what area of mental health you'd like to work in.

The Work Is Meaningful

Working in public health is a rewarding career, as you get to go to work each day knowing you're making a difference. Whether you are doing community outreach, or supporting a nonprofit organization, your role in the healthcare system will benefit society. Having a meaningful role can help you to stay motivated when you face hard times in your career.

Job Stability

The large number of career paths available with a public health degree, paired with the growing demand for healthcare workers, means that those who choose a career in public health will have greater job stability than many other industries. Getting a Master of Public Health degree (MPH) can open even more doors in leadership and management positions.

Opportunities To Travel

If you are passionate about global health, a public health degree might be a great choice for you. Many public health workers are able to travel to other countries and provide health education to developing nations. These initiatives allow you to travel while doing what you love. Participating in international opportunities can also help you to learn valuable skills such as cultural competence and intercultural communication.

Job Opportunities for Public Health Degree Majors

There are many career options for public health majors. You can work in health departments such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in hospitals, nonprofit organizations, schools, or even overseas. A degree in public health can help you become a:

Public Health Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are considering a career in public health:

Am I interested in learning about health promotion?
Do I get excited about solving community health issues?
Do I enjoy working with people and improving their health outcomes?
Do I enjoy doing the same thing every day or facing new challenges every day?
Do I need a master's in public health in order to get the job title I want?
What am I looking for in a public health program?
Do I want to work in a controlled environment such as a research lab, or a more dynamic environment such as a public health clinic or a hospital?