MSPH vs. MPH: Which Public Health Degree Is Right for You?

If you want to transition to a public health career, a graduate degree in public health is a great starting point. However, choosing a program that aligns with your goals and interests is imperative.

When you are choosing a graduate program, you will have to choose between a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH). Both degrees provide a strong foundation of the knowledge and skills you need for a successful career. Choosing an MSPH vs. MPH depends on what aspect of public health matches your interests and your long-term career goals.

This post explores the difference between an MPH and an MSPH, as well as which career paths are available after completing each degree.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degrees have a lot of similarities. They are both graduate-level programs that teach the advanced knowledge and leadership skills required to excel in upper-level public health careers.

However, the central focus of each degree is slightly different, with an MSPH offering more instruction on research and an MPH providing more concentration on practical applications of public health principles.

An MSPH offers a concentration on the scientific aspects of public health and prepares graduates to perform public health research. Coursework includes research design, topics in epidemiology, data collection and analysis studies. After completing an MSPH program, students pursue careers in research and academia, often taking jobs such as researchers, health educators or scientists.

During an MSPH program, students will take courses such as:

• Research methods
• Statistics
• Epidemiology
• Environmental health

MSPH programs typically take two years to complete. Most MSPH programs are conducted on campus, though online programs are an option at some colleges and universities.

Prospective students must have a bachelor's degree in order to apply for an MSPH. Admissions committees may be flexible about your major and coursework, but many look favorably at backgrounds in science and research. Check with individual programs to find out if they require professional experience for applicants.

Some MSPH programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The mission of the CEPH states, "CEPH assures quality in public health education and training to advance the science and practice of public health." Schools that receive accreditation choose to undergo evaluation to demonstrate that their programs meet uniform standards for curriculum, number of faculty, qualifications and student support services, such as career advising.^1,2

When choosing a graduate program, students should consider the program's accreditation status. Some employers, such as the U.S. Public Health Service, some U.S. military public health jobs and some state and local government agencies only accept applicants who have graduated from an accredited public health program. Before choosing a graduate program, review the accreditation status and make sure it will give you the eligibility you need for future jobs.³

Some public health programs will note that they are members of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). ASPPH is a sponsor of CEPH and supports their accreditation effort. However, ASPPH does not offer separate accreditation.⁴

An MPH degree offers a concentration on implementing population-scale interventions regarding health promotion, disease and injury prevention and public education about health issues. The coursework also prepares students for leadership roles in responding to public health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters.

During an MPH program, students will take courses such as:

• Biostatistics
• Community health needs assessment
• Public health administration
• Social determinants of health behaviors

MPH programs are typically two years long. Students can find both on-campus and online options.

MPH programs require a bachelor's degree. Most programs will consider applicants regardless of their undergraduate major, though experience with courses in science and math may be helpful. Individual programs may prefer applicants to have professional experience, but requirements vary. Review the admissions requirements for the program to be sure.

Some MPH programs are also accredited by the CEPH), which ensures the quality and integrity of public health education. As stated previously, CEPH accreditation signifies that a program has undergone a comprehensive review process and meets established criteria related to curriculum design, faculty qualifications, and student support services.

For prospective MPH students, accreditation is an important consideration—particularly for those planning to work in government agencies or organizations that require a degree from a CEPH-accredited institution.^1,2,3

There is a lot of overlap in available career options after completing an MPH or MSPH program. Professionals with both types of credentials are qualified to work as educators, program administrators or public health analysts.

Because an MPH program focuses more closely on health promotion and health delivery systems, graduates from those programs are well-positioned for jobs in the nonprofit sector. Social service agencies, nonprofit clinics and health advocacy organizations hire professionals with MPH degrees for jobs in policy analysis, emergency management, occupational health and safety services, health education and program management positions.

MSPH programs help students develop skills in analyzing macro-scale public health trends. These skills make them valuable in research and academic settings. MSPH graduates may also find roles with nonprofit advocacy organizations or government bodies that advocate for public health policies.

Salaries in public health jobs are more closely related to the job itself than the degree the applicant has. The salaries for managing public health programs are similar whether you have an MPH or an MSPH. For example, here are the median annual salaries for MPH and MSPH graduates in the following roles:

• Social and Community Service Managers: $78,240⁵
• Medical and Health Services Managers: $117,960⁶
• Emergency Management Directors: $86,130⁷

Individuals who complete an MSPH program may be able to transition into clinical and research positions more easily than those with an MPH. Here are the median annual salaries for these jobs:

• Environmental Scientists and Specialists: $80,060⁸
• Epidemiologists: $83,980⁹
• Health Education Specialists: $63,000¹⁰

There are many factors to consider when selecting a graduate program in public health. Online programs offer working professionals a rich, in-depth academic experience that works around career and family responsibilities.

You should consider your career goals and personal interests when weighing an MPH vs. MSPH. An MPH will prepare you for a career working on the program and policy development side of public health. The coursework will teach you the skills you need to play an active role in health promotion and disease prevention systems.

If you want to work on big-picture issues or dive into the universe of research, an MSPH may be the better choice. An MSPH program will prepare you to conduct the research that forms the basis of public health knowledge and improves health outcomes for communities of all sizes.

If you are ready to explore a rewarding career in public health, consider the online Master of Public Health program at Kent State University. The program is accredited by the CEPH and recognized as a member of the ASPPH, ensuring it meets the highest standards in public health education. Graduates of the online MPH program are eligible to apply for positions that require a degree from a CEPH-accredited institution.

During the program, students can expect to take classes taught by both MPH and MSPH graduates who are now leading the field of public health across multiple sectors. With concentrations in health policy and management, social and behavioral science and epidemiology, students gain the skills they need to contribute to research and programs that will advance public health goals and improve health outcomes.

To learn more, schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.