What Can I Do with a PhD in Public Health?

<h3 id="section---OverviewOfCareerOptionsWithAPh.D.InPublicHealth">Overview of Career Options with a Ph.D. in Public Health</h3> <p>Ph.D. programs in public health are offered through numerous institutions across the U.S. These programs often allow students to pick a concentration ranging from epidemiology or chronic disease to healthcare management or health education. Those who complete a Ph.D. program are generally qualified for management roles in public health or research and academic positions. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts about this Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th>Health Educators</th><th>Epidemiologists</th></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $60,600</td><td>$78,830</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 8% </td><td>26%</td></tr> <tr><td>Certifications/Licensing</td><td>Only required by some employers</td><td>Voluntary</td></tr> <tr><td>Key Skills</td><td>Analysis, ability to instruct a class, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, writing</td><td>Communication, critical thinking, attention to detail, adept at math and statistics, able to teach a class</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---EducationalAndCommunicationsCareers">Educational and Communications Careers</h3> <p>Those with a Ph.D. in Public Health can hold health education and program management careers where they develop public health programs. These programs improve the public's knowledge of public health issues, such as HIV/AIDS and obesity. They also encourage healthier habits, including seat belt usage or good nutrition. Those holding a Ph.D. in Public Health can work as a health educator or health communications specialist. </p> <h3 id="section---PrivateSectorCareers">Private Sector Careers</h3> <p>Public health Ph.D. graduates in biomedical careers work in laboratories to gather and analyze statistical information. They are responsible for researching how to diagnose and treat disease as mental health researchers or laboratory directors. Healthcare administrators combine business with health science to manage healthcare delivery and health-related programs. These professionals work as management policy advisers or healthcare administrators. </p> <h3 id="section---PublicSectorCareers">Public Sector Careers</h3> <p>Graduates who hold a Ph.D. in Public Health can enter epidemiology or environmental health careers to study or control the disease. These professionals work as epidemiologists, state environmentalists or pharmacoepidemiologists. International health professionals work with the third world, rural or low-income populations to provide health education and services. These professionals can work as HIV or tropical disease specialists.</p>