What can you do with a master’s degree in public health?
There are numerous benefits to getting a master’s degree in public health. Your knowledge in various areas including sociology, environmental science, nutrition, public policy and education will expand and gain depth. This will not only prepare you to take on more challenging jobs or leadership roles, but increase your chances in competing for a higher salary. Below is an overview of what you can expect to do with a master’s degree in public health.
Social Work
A master’s degree in public health will create more job and career opportunities in the field of social work. You can work at hospitals and other health facilities that deal with wellness, illness, nutrition and overall health consciousness. There are also agencies that hire social workers who have a master’s degree in public health that place workers in various departments for case management. It is perhaps the most direct way to engage with the public and see their health improve.
Health Education
With problems like obesity and diabetes showing record high numbers in recent years, the government is encouraging educators to earn a master’s degree in public health in order to help administer health education at schools, nonprofits and private organizations. Public health awareness and education is one of the most effective ways to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and stay wary of diseases associated with careless eating and day-to-day management that can lead to problems like weight gain, sexually transmitted diseases and heart disease. With a master’s degree in public health, health educators will have the know-how to communicate most effectively with those who want to learn more on leading a healthier life.
Nutritionist
Similar to social work and health care education or management, nutritionists and dietitians who have a master’s degree in public health will be able to engage with a larger variety of groups and public members on the importance of healthcare. Nutritionists who have a master’s degree in public health can be hired as supervisors to oversee education agendas, campaigns or departments that bring about greater awareness and change.
Doctors and Nurses
Those who work in the medical field are likely to benefit by earning a master’s degree in public health. They can expand their network and career options beyond just medicine, and work at healthcare organizations, schools, non-profit or other institutions that seek public health insight from a medical professional’s perspective. Doctors like physicians can conduct their jobs with an added layer of perspectives and social issues through a master’s degree in public health. When making diagnoses or offering advice on how to improve patients’ overall health, doctors can help patients with tips on lifestyle choices and eating habits through their public health education. Of course, the medical profession also prepares doctors and nurses with these matters as well, but what makes a master’s degree in public health important is keeping folks up tao date on relevant topics and issues at hand.
Water Quality Manager or Planner
Government professionals who deal with society’s most important resource–water–are required to have an extensive knowledge on public health and policy. A master’s degree in public health equips them with the knowledge on what quality of water is safe for consumption by the public and for the environment. The water quality planner or manager works closely with the government to resolve any water pollution problems or droughts.
Environmentalist
Much like the water quality manager or planner, an environmentalist is responsible for the overall health of the environment. They seek out problems in the environment related to water, air and earth pollutions through the insight they’ve gained during their master’s degree education in public health. They help resolve issues directly linked between the environment and the health of the general population.
Public Policy
Part of the network of public policy are the following specialists: Public Health Practitioner, Public Health Educator, Health Policy Associate and Health Services Administrator. These members help provide effective and direct solutions to public health issues. In order to earn these titles, a master’s degree in public health is necessary. These careers combine various fields including government policy/law, planning, marketing, analysis, finance and administration. All of these topics are dedicated to improving the health of the public. It takes more than one field’s effort to improve public health and safety.
Scholar or Researcher
A master’s degree also gives you the opportunity to pursue a career in academia. Research scholars who write papers and articles are dedicated contributors to the discourse of public health and policy. Without research, the profession would not expand. Academics provide data and information related to public health lab, policy, environmental issues, social issues, and issues around medicine and disease. The studies and analyses that researchers provide are invaluable to the public health community. They make sure that studies remain relevant and up to date which further informs everyone working in public health.
With a master’s degree in public health, you’ll be able to competently compete in a much more competitive job market linked to government or private organizations. Government jobs or nonprofit careers definitely have their place in the public health community, benefiting the public with education and awareness on diet, exercise and environmental issues, but private sectors are just as important. Private sectors typically raise a lot of funds that offer resources to other organizations that are in need. These types of organizations are key players in the world of marketing and finance. Private sector public health careers are just as important as public and nonprofits. In order to find a job in either sector, a master’s degree in public health will definitely boost your chances at finding a career path.