Preparing for a Career in Public Health


Schools of public health offer a wide range of degrees, including MPH (masters of public health); MHSA (masters of health administration); MS (master of science); and DrPH (doctor of public health). Some schools also offer such joint degrees such as MD/MPH. Distance learning programs are available.

Courses are typically organized around five major areas of public health:

  1. biostatistics,
  2. environmental health sciences,
  3. health behavior and health education
  4. health services administration
  5. epidemiology--a branch of medical science that deals with the incidence, distribution and control of diseases in a population.

Some schools also include such areas as maternal and child health, international health, and nutrition.

For more information about schools of public health and opportunities available to graduates of these programs, see the website of the
Association of Schools of Public Health.