What can you do with a master’s in Public Health?

two public health professionals in lab coats working in a lab

Public health careers are broad and varied, and for those who are passionate about changing lives for the better, they present an immense opportunity to fill growing needs in the field. A Master of Public Health degree demonstrates your pursuit of advanced knowledge, desire to lead, and a set of professional skills needed to succeed in a variety of healthcare careers and public health roles.

Set yourself apart in a field that’s expected to see unprecedented growth in the next several years.

Why Public Health at Kent State University?

Kent State University’s College of Public Health was created to bridge public safety and health career pathways and to address a nationwide shortage of public health workers. The master’s degree in Public Health includes four specialty areas, with three offered online - epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, and health policy and management.

Kent State’s Online Master of Public Health (MPH) program from Kent State University is designed to prepare students with the advanced knowledge and working skills needed to pursue professional roles in the field of public health. MPH graduates can work in a wide variety of industries and positions, including government agencies, local health departments, and non-government organizations.

By putting you in touch with peers from diverse professional backgrounds, broadening your knowledge, and challenging your understanding of how public health functions across different sectors, an MPH from Kent State University can help you build the confidence and competence to succeed in a number of public health careers.

MPH Outcomes by the Numbers

What can you do with a degree in Public Health?

If you’re aiming to advance your career in public health, an online Master of Public Health (MPH) program is just the beginning of your journey. Whether you’re interested in working directly with the public or you prefer a behind-the-scenes position that lets you increase treatment efficiency and effectiveness, many doors will be open to you upon graduation

Top Employment Sectors for MPH Graduates

  • Federal health agencies
  • Colleges/universities
  • Health departments
  • Corporate settings
  • Research facilities

Here are some careers that you can do with a master’s in public health (but certainly not all of them!):

  • Epidemiologist1
    • Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury.
    • Median annual wage: $74,560
    • Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 30 percent from 2020 to 2030
  • Medical or Health Services Manager2
    • Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers.
    • Median annual wage: 104,280
    • Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32 percent from 2020 to 2030
  • Health Policy Analyst3
    • A health policy analyst specializes in the analysis of public health care policies and how they can be improved.
    • Median annual wage: $76,668
  • Medical Writer4
    • Medical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.
    • Median annual wage: $74,650
    • Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030

Kent State University’s Online Master of Public Health

In Kent State’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) program, you’ll build and strengthen your expertise in advocacy, research, and policy implementation. With your degree, you’ll be an authority who can shape each day’s events and influence response to them.

For more information on Kent State’s Online Master of Public Health, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/college-of-public-health/masters-public-health/overview.


1Retrieved on March 1, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm
2Retrieved on March 1, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
3Retrieved on March 1, 2022, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Health-Policy-Analyst-Salary--in-Ohio
4Retrieved on March 1, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm

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Justin serves as Executive Director for Career Exploration & Development at Kent State University and has experience in career counseling, academic advising, career exploration, development, staff development, and leadership.