Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving the health of populations—not just individuals—through research, policy, education, and prevention strategies. Unlike clinical fields
that treat individual patients, public health professionals work to prevent disease,
promote wellness, respond to health threats (e.g., pandemics), eliminate health disparities,
improve access to healthcare, and protect environmental health.
Maternal & Child Health: Focusing on pregnancy, children’s health, and family wellness
Public Health Preparedness: Emergency response to natural disasters, pandemics, and bioterrorism
Most public health professionals begin with a bachelor’s degree in:
Public Health
Health Sciences
Biology
Sociology
Psychology
Environmental Science
Statistics or Math
While some entry-level jobs are available with a bachelor’s degree, most public health careers require or prefer a Master’s degree, especially for leadership, research, and specialized roles. The Most Common Degrees:
MPH – Master of Public Health: Duration: 2 years (or accelerated 1-year programs). Offered in various concentrations (epidemiology, health policy, global health, etc.). Some schools offer dual degrees: MPH/MD, MPH/MSW, MPH/JD, MPH/PA, etc.
MS in Biostatistics, Environmental Health, or Epidemiology, PhD, or DrPH (for academic, research, or high-level leadership roles)
Some optional certifications and licensures include:
CHES – Certified Health Education Specialist
CPH – Certified in Public Health (for MPH grads)
REHS – Registered Environmental Health Specialist
PHAB – Accreditation for public health agencies (not individuals, but good to know if
you work for one)
The skills required of a Public health professional include:
Data literacy (especially for roles in epidemiology/biostats)
Communication (writing, public speaking, social media)
Cultural competence, systems thinking (understanding policy and population dynamics)
Collaboration and leadership, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making
The median salaries in the United States range from:
MPH: $65,000–$95,000/year (can vary widely by field/role)
Epidemiologist: ~$85,000/year
Health Educator/Community Health Worker: ~$55,000/year
Public Health Analyst (Federal): ~$80,000–$110,000/year
The growth is around 13%, much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
Many professionals combine both by pursuing an MPH + MD/DO to integrate patient care with public health strategy. Here is a comparison between
the two:
Focus
Public health: Populations, prevention
Medicine: Individuals, treatment
Degree
Public health: MPH (or MS, DrPH, PhD)
Medicine: MD/DO
Timeline
Public health: ~6 years (Bachelor’s + MPH)
Medicine: 8–12 years (Bachelor’s + med school + residency)
Common Roles
Public health: Epidemiologist, health educator, policy analyst
Medicine: Physician, surgeon, specialist
Typical Work Settings
Public health: Health departments, NGOs, WHO, CDC, academia
Medicine: Hospitals, clinics, private practices
Daily Work
Public health: Data, policy, education, research
Medicine: Diagnosis, patient exams, procedures
Cost of Education
Public health: Lower (MPH ~$40–80K)
Medicine: Higher (MD ~$150–250K+)
Job Growth
Public health: Rapid (e.g., health educators: +13%)
Medicine: Strong, especially in underserved areas
Best Fit For...
Public health: Those interested in systems, equity, policy
Medicine: Those passionate about clinical care and treatment
Internship, volunteering, or employment in public health or community organizations.
Working with diverse populations is highly valued. Examples include:
Volunteering in public health departments or NGOs
Working as a health educator, outreach coordinator, or contact tracer
Internships at local health departments, the CDC, or non-profits
Research assistantships in epidemiology or community health studies
International or underserved community health service trips
Tip: Keep a log of hours, roles, impact, and skills learned.
Strong narrative showing commitment to public health and population impact. A strong
statement for MPH programs is usually 500–750 words and should follow this structure:
Introduction – Hook + Motivation: Personal story, community experience, or observation that sparked your interest.
Show early exposure to public health issues.
Academic Background: Highlight relevant coursework, research, or honors. Discuss any interdisciplinary
learning (e.g., combining sociology & health).
Professional or Volunteer Experience: Describe impactful internships, jobs, or service (e.g., outreach, data, education).
Reflect on what you learned and how it shaped your goals.
Career Goals: Be specific: epidemiology, policy, maternal health, global health? Show how the MPH
will help you reach your goals.
Why This School: Mention faculty, concentrations, or practicum opportunities. Show genuine alignment
with the program.
Conclusion: Tie your story together with a vision for your public health impact.
