The public health job market—already robust in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—continues to grow in the aftermath of the crisis. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), community health worker employment should increase by 14 percent over the next decade. Employment of epidemiologists is projected to rise by 27 percent, while health services managers will likely see a 28 percent increase in job opportunities. Workers across these three fields should expect more than 63,000 job postings annually.
You can strengthen your public health career prospects with a master’s degree. The advanced skills and knowledge gained through master’s programs, like the online Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), enables you to become a specialist in your field and qualify for the most sought-after, higher-paying jobs in the public health field.
How will earning a Master of Public Health impact your career? Read on to learn more.
Return on Learning: The Value of Education in Public Health
Public health officials face a constantly changing list of challenges; food insecurity, climate change, and anti-vaccination activism rank high among current concerns. Public health leaders must be agile to effectively address the varied social, environmental, and economic determinants of health at the macro level. They also require the expertise to solve complex problems, manage large-scale initiatives, and develop strategies to coordinate resources across sectors.
An MPH program can prepare you to thrive in this dynamic environment. As an MPH student, you will develop foundational knowledge rooted in traditional public health core competencies and emerging public health ideas. You will learn how to address public health by interpreting data, identifying structural bias and health inequities, advocating for policies and programs to promote healthy lifestyles, assessing population needs, collaborating with other professionals, and managing public health organizations. You will also gain specialist knowledge in your chosen focus area.
Promote Global Health With an MPH From UTK
Earn Your Public Health Degree 100 Percent Online
Can a Master’s Degree Boost Your Public Health Salary?
Advanced degrees can significantly increase your earning potential. Master’s degree holders earn about 20 percent more on average than their counterparts with bachelor’s degrees. This is also true in public health, where leadership roles often require a master’s degree.
As an MPH graduate, you can choose from various career options influenced by your preferred specialization (or concentration) area. Potential job roles include:
- Disaster preparedness coordinators consider the risk factors associated with different types of disasters and find ways to mitigate or eliminate specific risks. Disaster preparedness coordinators earn about $52,000 a year; the highest-paying positions offer more than $120,000 annually.
- Health educators work in various settings, from schools to healthcare systems to government agencies. They develop wellness programs, teach, and work one-on-one with clients. They earn an average annual salary of $66,000; top earners make closer to $90,000 per year.
- Public health administrators manage health programs and organizations to ensure they operate effectively. Public health administrators earn around $64,000 a year, with the top 10 percent earning up to $94,000.
Evaluating High-Paying Public Health Jobs
A good salary is hardly the only benefit of a public health leadership role. The work can be fulfilling; public health professionals make a positive difference in communities by promoting population and environmental health.
The most impactful jobs frequently rank among the most remunerative. These roles typically require (or strongly prefer) candidates with graduate degrees. They include:
- Public health organization directors, who balance the needs of nonprofit organization clients against annual budgets. These public health leaders earn an average of $80,000 annually and can earn up to $150,000.
- Biostatisticians, who use statistical analysis to create data-driven solutions to real-world public health issues. They earn an average salary of $82,000; some make up to $124,000.
- Epidemiologists, who investigate the causes of disease and injury to mitigate and prevent epidemics. According to the BLS, epidemiologists earn approximately $80,000 a year. The top 10 percent make more than $106,000 annually.
How to Identify the Right MPH Degree for Your Goals
If you aspire to a career in public health leadership, an MPH program can help you reach your goals. Consider the following factors when evaluating public health master’s programs to ensure you choose the best fit for your needs.
- Flexibility: Look for a master’s program that is flexible enough to fit your lifestyle. If you plan to continue working while studying, consider part-time and online options.
- Program modality: Consider your preferred learning style (interactive/live classes vs. self-study) and find a program that meets your needs.
- Faculty involvement and level of expertise: Choose a master’s program taught by knowledgeable faculty to ensure you are getting the best possible education. It’s also a good idea to consider how much interaction you’ll have with faculty members.
- Availability of hands-on learning opportunities: Look for a master’s degree program that allows you to apply your learnings in a real-world environment.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s online MPH program offers flexibility, expert faculty, and hands-on learning in an online format well-suited to working professionals.
Why Study Public Health Online at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
An online MPH from UTK offers numerous benefits, including an impressive success rate: one hundred percent of program graduates are employed or pursuing further education within one year of graduation. Four concentration options—Community Health Education, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, and Veterinary Public Health—enable students to customize their studies to their career goals.
The online modality means you can obtain your master’s degree from anywhere, with coursework completed 100 percent online. Your education will include the Applied Practice Experience (APEx) opportunity, an internship-style opportunity through which you gain professional work experience and apply what you have learned in a real-world setting. Over 200 agencies and facilities across 32 states have provided practice sites for UTK MPH students. When it’s your turn, you can choose a site convenient to you (in-person or online) that aligns with your education objectives.
Invest in Your Career Potential With a Master of Public Health
As an aspiring public health leader, an MPH can help you reach your career goals. Whether you want to become an epidemiologist, public health director, or health educator, an MPH can help you get there.
When considering MPH programs, remember to look for a flexible option that enables you to focus on a sub-field that interests you and allows you to gain hands-on experience, as UTK’s online MPH program does.
If you’d like to learn more about the UTK online MPH, contact an enrollment advisor. Alternatively, start your application now if you’re ready to take the next step toward your public health leadership career.