Master of Public Health degree: What is it?
Have you ever thought about how much of an impact you can make in the world of public health? Whether it's addressing global health issues, managing pandemics or improving healthcare access for underserved communities, public health is full of opportunities to make a difference. One of the best ways to get started? Earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.
Explore a career in healthcare with a degree from Central Michigan University.
If you hold an undergraduate degree and have a passion for improving the well-being of others, pursuing an MPH could be the next step in your career. This degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing public health challenges, no matter your previous academic background.
What is a Master of Public Health degree?
If you're passionate about making a positive impact on the health of communities and populations, an MPH is the perfect fit for you. This degree focuses on improving public health on a broad scale, from researching disease outbreaks to shaping policies that promote healthy living. You’ll study areas like epidemiology (tracking disease patterns), environmental health and health policy to help you understand the big picture of health
In other words, it’s a degree that gives you the tools to not only understand the health challenges of today but to do something about them. Whether you're interested in healthcare, education, research or policy, an MPH sets you up to make an impact wherever you go.
Master of Public Health jobs
The beauty of an MPH degree is the variety of careers you can pursue. Here are just a few examples:
- Epidemiologist: Ever wonder how we track and control disease outbreaks? That’s the job of an epidemiologist.
- Health Educator: Help communities understand and embrace healthy behaviors.
- Public Health Policy Advisor: Influence the laws and regulations that impact public health on a local, national or even global scale.
- Environmental Health Scientist: Investigate how environmental factors like pollution and climate change affect public health.
And that's just the beginning! MPH graduates find themselves working everywhere, like government health agencies, hospitals, nonprofit organizations and even international NGOs. With the right experience and network, the possibilities are endless.
MPH degree salary
When it comes to salary, MPH graduates can expect a range of opportunities, depending on their role and location. On average, salaries for public health professionals range between $50,000 and $75,000 per year. For those in specialized positions, like an epidemiologist or public health director, salaries can climb even higher, reaching upwards of $90,000 annually.
Why choose public health?
If you’re someone who loves a good challenge and has a passion for helping others, public health is the perfect field. The issues you’ll face are real—think health disparities, access to care and global pandemics. With the right tools and knowledge, you’ll be ready to tackle them head-on.
Plus, with a Master of Public Health degree, you’re not just following a career path. You’re choosing a future where you can lead efforts to make communities healthier and more resilient.
MPH degree at Central Michigan University
At Central Michigan University (CMU), the MPH program is designed with one goal in mind: to prepare you for the ever-evolving world of public health. The program gives you practical learning opportunities, like working alongside experienced professionals and engaging in community-based projects. You won’t just graduate with knowledge—you’ll have the skills and experience to hit the ground running.
Our MPH degree is one of the few programs in the country with an emphasis on rural health and underserved communities. You'll be well prepared to manage and lead public health organizations and/or design culturally responsive behavioral and social interventions to address health challenges affecting populations across the state, country and the world.
This program is designed to prepare you for success in the field. So why wait? Take the first step toward a rewarding and meaningful career in public health. Start your journey today!
Starting your career
As we navigate a world with increasing public health challenges, the need for dedicated and knowledgeable professionals has never been greater. If you're ready to step up and be part of the solution, earning a Master of Public Health degree is the way to go. Whether you want to work in policy, research or community health, this degree opens doors to a range of careers.