Graduate Programs

With the growing need of public health professionals and the United States’ increased concentration on public health education, it’s no wonder that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has stated that employment of healthcare occupations in the U.S. is projected to grow by 14 percent from 2018 to 2028 – an addition of about 1.9 million new jobs!

There are many opportunities available for those interested in receiving their graduate degree since public health is such a broad field of study. A common degree in the health care field is field is a Masters in Public Health (MPH). This degree prepares high-level professionals for the emerging need of achieving a healthier public and is an option for those interested in health and health care on a broader scale than provider-to-patient care. 

Below, we have compiled a full list of areas of study and graduate degree programs that aspiring professionals in public health can consider pursuing. Explore the many options to see which one best suits your needs: 

MPH – Masters in Public Health

A Master’s in Public Health, or MPH, is a general degree for those students interested in the health of large populations, and has a broader scale than degree fields focused on provider-to-patient care. One of the great things about a Masters in Public Health is its customizable nature – many different specializations exist within the overarching umbrella of public health. 

MPH/RD – Master of Public Health/Registered Dietitian

Master of Public Health/Registered Dietitian, or MPH/RD program is a graduate-level coordinated program, which combines an education of research and hands-on training in nutrition and dietetics with foundational knowledge and skills in public health. Getting this degree provides the opportunities for students to become a registered dietitian with interest in public health at the same time.

MHA – Masters in Health Administration

A Masters in Health Administration, or MHA, is a degree that is typically well suited for those who want to advance their careers on the administrative side of a function of healthcare. For example, registered nurses might enroll in MHA programs in order to fastrack their path to become a healthcare administrator, or similar position in healthcare management. 

MHI – Masters in Health Informatics

A Masters in Health Informatics, or MHI, is a masters degree that takes a more analytical and statistical approach to making healthcare decisions and solving problems with public health. Focusing on data, survey results, and statistics, health informatics is a dynamic and ever-growing field. 

MSW – Masters in Social Work

A Masters in Social Work, or MSW, is a degree that is well suited towards critical thinkers who want to make a difference helping vulnerable populations across a wide range of communities. Masters programs in social work can equip professionals enter careers in school, clinical, or governmental settings. 

MCD – Masters in Communication Disorders

A Masters Degree in Communication Disorders or, as it’s commonly referred to, Speech Language Pathology, focuses on equipping students with the ability to create strategies to develop communication mechanisms in individuals who struggle with their speaking skills. 

MHIHIM – Health Information Management 

A Masters in Health Information Management is designed to properly train professionals in the healthcare sector to store information and manage computer systems to provide the most efficient care possible to patients. 

MPP – Masters in Public Policy

A Masters in Public Policy focuses on developing the minds of aspiring leaders with a specific interest in government operations. Some of the topics covered might include policy development, budgeting, and management. 

MHS – Masters in Health Science

A Masters in Health Science might be a good option for someone who wants to understand aspects of human health, preventative methods and treatment plans, and disease prevention – this may open the door to careers in hospitals or research centers. 

MOH – Masters in Occupational Health

A Masters in Occupational Health program is well suited for those interested in creating safe and welcoming work environments across a variety of industries. Occupational health workers might enforce regulations, develop safety plans, and analyze working conditions on any given day. 

MHSA – Masters in Health Services Administration

A Masters in Health Services Administration is similar to an MHA program and is a great fit for those who want careers within a wide range of healthcare settings – from hospitals to private clinics.

MSEH – Master of Science in Environmental Health

A Master of Science in Environmental Health focuses in on one of the many factors that affects public health – the environment. Students in environmental health programs will study how hazards within the living environment affect vulnerable populations. 

MPH&TM – Public Health & Tropical Medicine

A Masters of Public Health and Tropical Medicine focuses specifically on a wide range of health related concerns in tropical regions around the globe. This degree field is well suited toward those who want a very in-depth look at a concentrated problem within the public health community.

Dual Masters Degrees in Public Health

Dual Masters Degrees in Public Health exist for those who want to pair their passion for public health with another area of interest – such as business, social work, or public policy. Dual degree programs are a great option for those who want to efficiently gain two degrees in compatible fields. 

Research-Focused Masters Degree Programs in Public Health

For those more interested in the research and development side of public health, there are specific Research-Focused Masters Degree Programs in Public Health that might be a great fit. These research-focused degrees include Master’s of Science in Public Health (MSPH), Masters of Science (ScM), and Masters of Science in Critical Research (MS-CR). 

The above list is not a complete set of public health areas of study and many health-related programs can circle back to the public health field. Another thing to note is that some universities may have different names and degrees for their graduate-level programs or they may have an overarching program with concentrations. For example, occupational health may be called industrial hygiene, and epidemiology can be a Masters of Science degree or an MPH concentration – it all depends on the school and your decided focus area/passion.

At PublicHealthDegrees.org, we have gathered and compiled a database of public health graduate programs in the US to help with your search for a masters-level public health degree. 

Information updated as of April 2020