Online master's degree programs in public health

• Public Health
• Health Systems & Science
• Nursing
• Social Work & Human Services
• more

Public health focuses on the physical and psychological health of a population. Online master's of public health degree programs can help you expand your professional capabilities to promote the general welfare of your community.

What to expect from online master's of public health degree programs

The average lifespan of a U.S. resident increased by 30 years during the 20^th century. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) credits 25 of those years to advances in public health education. Public health professionals have also been at the forefront of many awareness and prevention campaigns, including:

• Vaccinations
• Workplace and motor-vehicle safety
• Heart disease and strokes
• Family planning
• Water fluoridation
• Risks of tobacco

Online master's degree programs in public health, such as an online Master of Public Health (MPH) in epidemiology degree program, offer you the opportunity to continue to promote and advance the quality of human life that we have come to know in the 21^st century.

When pursuing a master's degree in public health, your coursework will vary depending on your specific school and specialization. Some common curriculum may include:

• Biostatistics
• Environmental health practices
• Principles of epidemiology
• Principles of public health
• Research methods

This course of study will help you develop the skills and abilities you need to make a difference in the lives of others. You should investigate any potential program for pertinent topics. Visit WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to Majors in Public Health for more information.

Career outlook for graduates of master's of public health degree programs

After completion of online master's of public health degree programs, you will be able to pursue a variety of occupations that contribute to the well-being of humans. Below, you will find some potential careers, along with May 2009 mean annual wages, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Medical and health services managers: $90,970. Also known as healthcare administrators, these public health professionals direct, organize and supervise health departments, programs and facilities.


• Health educators: $49,060. Health educators promote wellness and prevention within various populations and communities. Their instruction includes behavioral, nutritional and other lifestyle habits, taking into account the cultural norms of the targeted group of people.


• Medical and public health social workers: $48,340. Serving chronic, acutely or terminally ill clients, these professionals provide psychosocial support to patients, families and caregivers. Their services may also include education, counseling, referrals or advisement.


• Biostatistician: $75,220. These practitioners are specialists in mathematics and statistical methodologies. They apply their technical expertise as statisticians towards issues and initiatives in public health programs.

Furthering your career and education with an online master's degree in public health could enrich countless lives. Health service careers in general, and public health specifically, are expected to see faster-than-average industry and occupational growth. Coupled with new federal health care initiatives, such as the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, the job market looks very favorable for students that complete master's of public health degree programs.

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