Public health, a multidisciplinary field, is growing at an exceedingly rapid rate. In the United States, growing populations, the aging of the Baby Boomers, rapid transportation aiding in the spread of illness and diseases, natural and environmental disasters and community emergencies, have made public health is solid and dependable career choice.
Depending on the graduate specialty, public health professionals work in a wide variety of environments from non profit agencies to private corporations and companies. The information below, although certainly not exhaustive, is based on some of the most prevalent public health work environments based on specialty. Other areas of public health study are available to train public health professionals in administration, education, health program design, nutrition, nursing, toxicology and research. In short, public health is a broad and developing healthcare field.
(Note: Students with a bachelors degree may find entry-level employment, but job opportunities expand for those with a Master of Public Health degree. Best Medical Degrees ranked 10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor of Public Health Degrees which will be of help for those interested in public health).
Biostatistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 25% of biostatisticians are employed in colleges, universities and professional schools, insurance companies and/or local or state government agencies. Twenty-percent are employed in the federal government in areas such as U.S. Department of Commerce, Agriculture, Health and Human Services or the Centers for Disease Control. Nearly 15% work in the private sector in scientific research and development.
Epidemiologists
These public health professionals work in offices and laboratories with local or state health departments, hospitals and colleges and universities. Some public health epidemiologists work in the field in emergency situations or clinical settings. Some epidemiologists will find employment with private sector research and development companies.
Environmental Health
The Bureau of Labor Statistics records 23% of environmental health professionals work in consulting services in the areas of scientific, technical and management. Twenty-two percent work in state government agencies and 13% find employment with local agencies.
Social and Behavioral
Although not a specific category examined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MPH specialists in social and behavioral health work in communities with local governments, public health agencies, elementary and secondary schools, hospitals and nursing facilities and with individuals and families.
Disaster Management & Emergency Preparedness
Fifty-two percent of MPH prepared specialists in Disaster Management & Emergency Preparedness work with local governments and 12% find employment with state governments and agencies. There are also employment opportunities in healthcare systems, nonprofit agencies, colleges and universities and private companies.
Best Medical Degrees has researched and developed a ranking of 25 Most Affordable Online Master of Public Health degrees which provides information on programs including base tuition cost, length of program, accreditation and rankings/recognition from such educational rating programs as U.S. News and World Report, Kiplinger Report, Forbes magazine, etc. All programs researched by Best Medical Degrees are Counsel on Education for Public Health accredited.
Good luck on your search!