The US public health system is the largest globally, with about 1.2 million employees managing more than 16.9 billion taxpayer dollars. That’s approximately 12,000 times more than what Jakarta spends on public health. These massive stakes make the public health system very influential and important. A master of public health degree allows you to improve community health and help improve society. More than 17,000 students are admissions to an MPH program across various accredited schools in the United States every year. This blog will give you a complete understanding of Masters in Public Health in US. Let’s start with the basics!
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Overview of Masters in Public Health Degree
A master’s degree in public health is a graduate program curated to help students hone their medical skills and become future public health leaders. It gives you the flexibility to work at either end of the public health spectrum. You could be a researcher before going into policy-making or a front-line warrior bringing health policies into effect.
It is a two-year full-time professional degree course that offers many specialisations such as nutrition, epidemiology, microbial diseases, health policy, nursing, biostatistics, and environmental health.
Top Universities for Masters in Public Health with Average Cost
Now that you have a fair understanding of the academic requirements of MPH and the bright future that lies ahead, let’s take a look at the top universities for a Master’s in Public Health in the USA according to the QS Rankings 2022.
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Harvard University (5th)
The world-renowned university offers the best-in-class programs. An MPH program at Harvard University costs between $65,000 to $85,000.
University of Chicago (10th)
The University of Chicago offers an MS in Public Health Sciences for Clinical Professionals with proven experience. The program is a two-year course that costs approximately $99,500.
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University of Pennsylvania (13th)
The University of Pennsylvania offers a two-year program in Global and Environmental Health for candidates inclined toward the betterment of society. The course costs $63,000.
Yale University (14th)
Yale University gives applicants many specialisation options such as studying Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Microbial Diseases, and Health Policy. All courses are two-year programs with costs amounting to around $95,700.
Columbia University (19th)
Columbia University offers a two-year Masters in Public Health program, which costs $80,000.
Cornell University (21st)
Cornell University MPH course specialises in Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Food Systems & Health. Both these courses are two-year programs that cost approximately $76,700.
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (23rd)
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, offers a comprehensive curriculum to students for MPH in Hospital & Molecular Epidemiology and Global Health Epidemiology. These are two-year courses that cost roughly $76,700.
The University of California, Berkeley (32nd)
The University of California, Berkeley, offers an MPH program that runs for two years and costs $22,900.
The University of California, Los Angeles (40th)
The Los Angeles campus of the University of California offers an MPH in Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, and Epidemiology. These courses are two-year programs with a cost of around $64,750.
Also Read: Masters of Healthcare Management in Canada
Masters in Public Health vs. Master of Science in Public Health
The field of study in public health can be categorised as a master of public health and a master of science in public health, which is two different things.
A master of science in public health (MSPH) degree prepares students for a research-driven career that creates paths for a doctorate or career in teaching. An MSPH degree requires students to present a well-researched thesis to pass the course.
A master’s in public health program prepares students for an on-field role working with various parties involved in healthcare policies. An MPH degree course generally requires a capstone project to graduate.
Masters in Public Health Jobs
As we navigate our lives post the COVID-19 pandemic, public health is a top priority. The health industry is expected to witness 16% growth between 2020 and 2030.
A master’s degree in public health opens up many opportunities for a bright future. Irrespective of the specialisation you choose, with an MPH degree, you are embarking on a meaningful career working for the greater good of society.
Let’s look at a few career paths for students after a masters in public health in the US, based on different specialisations:
Community Health
A specialisation in community health leads to a professional career as a health worker, outreach specialist, community care coordinator, peer counsellor, patient navigator, or public health social worker.
These jobs involve engaging with different communities, analysing and understanding their requirements, and spearheading healthcare policy implementation.
Average Salary: $54,843/year
Public Health Education
As a public health educator or health teacher, your job will involve understanding the existing health status of communities and organising awareness drives to help residents adopt and promote healthy practices in the community.
You will be in charge of collecting data and analysing it to create health education programs that suit the diverse needs of various communities.
Average Salary: $45,000/year
Emergency Management
Emergency management professionals mitigate health risks during emergencies such as virus outbreaks, natural disasters, and war. You could become a disaster relief coordinator, emergency management specialist, or emergency preparedness researcher.
Your work will include analysing the impact of different emergencies and preparing in advance by working closely with healthcare institutions and government authorities.
Average Salary: $69,165/year
Epidemiology
Epidemiologists identify public health patterns and help create progressive policies to improve the response to future epidemics. After studying epidemiology, you can become a clinical trial researcher, field epidemiologist, veterinary epidemiologist, and epidemiology investigator.
Average Salary: $67,000/year
Similarly, there are many career paths with other specialisations such as Global Health, Public Policy, Medical Practice, Environmental Health, Behavioural Science, and Biostatistics. Based on the field of study, your performance in coursework, and the university of your choice, you can kickstart your career with a high-income job in a field you love.
Also Read: Masters Of Healthcare Management in UK
Job Role with Average Salary for Public Health Professionals In USA
| Professionals | Average Salary p.a. |
|---|---|
| Public Health Educator | $45,500 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator | $53,800 |
| Epidemiologist | $67,000 |
| Public Health Consultant | $57,000 |
| Biostatistician | $72,817 |
| Public Health Analyst | $63,524 |
| Clinical Research Associate (CRA) | $62,394 |
Getting Admission in an MPH
The admission process for a master’s in public health in the US is pretty simple. Students must have a 3-year bachelor’s degree, ideally in a related field with qualifying scores in TOEFL iBT/IELTS and GRE for colleges along with institute-specific requirements, if any.
Apply for Master in Public Health in USA
Applications for an MPH in US universities are made in two parts. First, you must go to the official university website and fill out an online application form. Then, you should download your application form, collect all the required documents, and send it via mail or post to the university’s official address.
Eligibility for MPH in USA Admission
To study public health, applicants require a solid academic background with a proven inclination towards public health as a subject. Following are the eligibility criteria to get admission for a master’s in public health in the US:
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS: 6.5 to 7.0 and TOEFL iBT: 90 to 100)
- 3-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Depending on the specialisation and university of your choice, a minimum 12 months course in statistics, algebra, or human biology might be required. Most universities ask for GRE scores, but there are a few college options where students can get admission without it.
Documents Required for MPH in the USA
Documents are necessary to prove your candidacy for admission. Here are a few documents required for MPH in the USA:
- Official Bachelors Degree mark sheets and degree certificate
- English translation of local vernacular transcripts from an accredited agency.
- Credit evaluation of transcripts by a university-recommended authority.
- Letter of Recommendation from faculties, peers or colleagues (2-5).
- A strong SOP, introduction essay, and other supporting documents to show your goals and ambition after doing a master’s in public health in the US.
- Proven work experience in the relevant industry.
Cost of Studying Masters in Public Health in the USA
The total program fees range from 11,000 to 90,000 USD, translating into 8.5 to 68 lakh INR. Students from every financial background can find a suitable option to study master’s in public health in the US.
Conclusion
A master’s in Public Health is a stepping stone to a bright future in the USA given that you choose your college wisely. Choose educational institutes that offer specialisations you want to study taught by expert faculties.
We hope that this article helps you to find the best school for your needs. If you need more help, book a counselling session with LeapScholar experts today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get admission for a Masters in Public Health in US without GRE?
While most of the colleges require a GRE score, there are a few that consider applicants without GRE such as Baylor University and Tufts University.
2. What would be my salary after completing a master’s in Public Health?
Graduates can earn an average salary of $90,000 USD per annum after completing their master’s in Public Health.
3. Will a Master’s in Public Health degree make me a Doctor?
No, a master’s in Public Health alone will not make you a Doctor. Depending on the job roles you take, you may become a public health practitioner. But you will not become a Doctor with this course.
4. Are there scholarships available for Masters in Public Health?
There are many scholarships available for Masters in Public Health with varying benefits. Some waive off the entire tuition fees while others offer a specific amount. Here are a few scholarships you can apply for, YSHP Yale, School of Social Service Administration Scholarship (University of Chicago), Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program (University of Pennsylvania), Reed Frost Scholarship (John Hopkins University).
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