Is a Public Health Degree Worth it?

Read More: 7 Reasons to Get a Job in Public Health

With a Public Health Degree, You Can Make an Impact On Your Community

MPH degree-holders can exert positive influence on their local and regional communities, which can mean working with community members directly or behind-the-scenes. Below are some examples of career opportunities for public health practitioners who want to affect change.

"In general, I find that people who are drawn to public health tend to be community-oriented and service-oriented," says Lee. "That said, it's not always glamorous or highly paid work," he adds. "After all, it is about public service."

Many Jobs in Public Health May Require a Graduate Degree

"While there are entry-level roles for those with bachelor's degrees, most public health careers these days expect a graduate degree," says Lee.

There is also strong competition for entry-level jobs in public health. However, with an MPH and an internship or job experience, you can easily compete in the market. Entry-level roles requiring only a bachelor's degree in public health include the below options:

• Emergency Response Planners
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and Technicians
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Health Educator and Community Health Workers
• Medical and Health Services Managers (often requires an MPH)

As Lee points out, most people working in public health are service-oriented and seek a greater level of influence. Those who have a master's or doctorate in public health may hold the following jobs:

• Epidemiologists
• Medical and Health Services Managers
• Healthcare Consultants
• Public Health Analysts
• Postsecondary Teachers

Is a Master's in Public Health Worth It?

Cost, return on your investment, job opportunities, and whether job options align with your career goals are factors to examine as you make your decision to pursue an MPH.

Cost of the Program

Tuition and fees for MPH programs depend on the type of program (such as on campus or online) and school. "While MPH programs tend to be less expensive than some clinical degrees, they may still be a significant investment, especially at [a] private school," says Lee.

For example, two-year on-campus programs can cost between $15,000-$35,000. Programs at private universities can cost significantly more; at Boston University, the 16-month accelerated and two-year programs cost $87,840.

Return on Investment

A master's program can get expensive, but in the long run the degree tends to lead to higher-paying roles in public health:

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Goals

As you consider your career path, it's crucial to evaluate the degree that will help you achieve your goals. In some cases, Lee notes, a graduate degree in public health might not even be necessary.

"If you want to be a health educator, for example, you can do that with other degrees. You don't need to get an MPH in health promotion per se," he says. "However, if you want to be an epidemiologist, then formal public health training is likely warranted."

Some common alternative degrees to an MPH degree include a master of healthcare administration (MHA) or a master of business administration (MBA) with a focus in healthcare.

The Bottom Line

A public health degree offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on community health while providing you versatility and flexibility in your career choices. Although there are entry-level positions for people with a bachelor's degree, most employers are seeking candidates with a master's degree.

Whether a public health degree is a worthwhile investment depends on the interested individual's intrinsic motivation, how much time and money they are willing to spend to achieve their goals, and their desired career path. In the end, when you do your due diligence and investigate your options, it becomes easier to see the path you should take to achieve your goals.

"If you think you may want to pursue a career in public health, go gain experience, whether that is through a job, an internship, or volunteering," says Lee. "Talk to people in the field. Understand what the work entails on a day-to-day basis. Learn about their career paths, and get their perspectives on the challenges they face."

Meet Our Contributor

Christopher K. Lee

Christopher K. Lee is the founder of PurposeRedeemed, which helps individuals find clarity in their careers and businesses. Lee holds a BA in psychology and social behavior from UC Irvine and a master of public health from San Diego State University. He has worked in a number of public health and healthcare settings including an academic medical center, a community clinic, health IT startups, and advocacy organizations. He has been quoted in media outlets such as HuffPost, Medscape, Becker's Hospital Review, and Yahoo! News.

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