What Can You Do With a Master’s in Public Health Degree? 10 Careers

A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate degree focused on health improvement through research, education, and health promotion. But what can you do with a Master's in Public Health? Read on to learn about the top 10 jobs you can qualify for with an MPH degree. 

What is a Master of Public Health Degree?

A Master of Public Health is a two-year graduate degree for healthcare professionals. MPH programs prepare students to improve the health and well-being of the public or a specific patient population. 

You can find public health jobs in various sectors, including:

• Government
• Healthcare
• Nonprofit organizations

An individual with an MPH degree is responsible for educating, implementing, evaluating, and raising awareness of health best practices.

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Master of Public Health Salary

The average annual salary for those with an MPH is 120,668 or $58 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

However, wages vary greatly depending on your job. For example, a public health nurse earns $78,437 annually, while a biostatician earns $119,702.

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Types of Public Health Master’s Degrees

You can pursue several different types of public health degrees. Ultimately, deciding which degree suits you will depend on your career goals and academic commitment.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

A Master of Public Health is the most common graduate-level public health degree. An MPH is for individuals interested in working directly with the population in a hands-on approach. 

MPH students take various classes, including public health policy, research, epidemiology, and biostatistics. As the most generalized public health degree, graduates have an expansive knowledge base, allowing them to work in several fields.

Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)

An MSPH heavily focuses on the science and research aspect of public health. This degree is ideal for individuals interested in a career in research, analysis, or even academia. It is also the perfect gateway for students to continue their education in a doctoral program.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Public Health

An MSN degree is a specific master’s degree program designed for nurses. Students must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a registered nursing license to be eligible for an MSN program. However, it opens nursing-specific Master's in Public Health careers.

MSN students learn clinical approaches to advocate for resources and policies to improve public health. Unlike other public health degrees, MSN programs will require in-person clinical experience.

MSN/MPH Dual Degree

An MSN/MPH degree combines advanced nursing and clinical skills with public health knowledge. This education prepares nurses to work in administration and deliver nursing care to at-risk populations. 

Attending an MSN/MPH program is ideal for nurses interested in working in leadership or administrative roles.

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What Can You Do With a Master’s in Public Health? Top 10 Jobs

1. Public Health Nurse

• Salary: $78,437 annually (ZipRecruiter)
• Education Requirements: MSN or MSN/MPH

Public health nurses work directly with communities and specific populations to focus on disease prevention, education, and mitigation. In collaboration with other public health officials, they advocate for the health and overall well-being of the community. While public health nurses can work with any population, they generally work with those at highest risk.

Instead of treating acute diseases and illnesses, public health nurses focus on long-term health, safety, disease prevention, and improving a community's access to care.

2. Dietician

• Salary: $76,000 annually (ZipRecruiter)
• Education Requirements: MPH

Dieticians design nutrition programs to improve and maintain the health of patients and communities. They can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and the government. 

A dietician's primary duties include developing and implementing nutrition programs for their clients. As a dietician, you can work in several settings, including clinics, hospitals, and the government.

3. Biostatistician

• Salary: $119,702 annually (ZipRecruiter)
• Education Requirements: MSPH

Biostatistics is an excellent career for aspiring healthcare workers who aren't interested in working with patients. The career instead focuses on improving medicine and health outcomes through research. You need at least an MSPH to enter this field, but most continue their education to earn a doctoral degree.

A biostatistician applies mathematics and statistics to answer questions related to biology, medicine, and public health. Specifically, they help design clinical trials, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and prepare reports to help guide public health policy.

4. Public Health Educator

• Salary: $56,293 annually (ZipRecruiter)
• Education Requirements: MSPH

A public health educator can work in academia or directly with communities. They plan, implement, and monitor health education programs. The role is best compared to that of a teacher.

For example, a health educator may be in charge of developing a community prevention program. In this case, their responsibilities might include designing education materials, holding classes, and meeting with community members.

5. Clinical Research Manager

• Salary: $107,336 annually (ZipRecruiter) 
• Education Requirements: MSPH

A clinical research manager is an administrative-level career who manages the daily operations of a research company or organization. Some of the primary duties of clinical research managers are overseeing personnel and conducting clinical research and trials. They also educate employees, collaborate with other administrators, and hire new team members.

6. Epidemiologist

• Salary: $85,222 annually (ZipRecruiter)
• Education Requirements: MSPH or MPH

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.” Epidemiologists collect and analyze data to discover trends in the population in hopes of identifying treatment options.

7. Substance Abuse Counselor

• Salary: $52,492 annually (ZipRecruiter)
• Education Requirements: MPH

Substance abuse counselors are experts in treating patients who struggle with alcohol dependency and substance abuse. They act as recovery guides by supporting recovering addicts, modifying behaviors, and providing mental health counseling. They also work with the friends and family of recovering addicts to create goals and implement a treatment plan.

8. Healthcare Administrator

• Salary: $94,295 annually (ZipRecruiter)
• Education Requirements: MSN or MSN/MPH

You may also hear healthcare administrators called medical and health service managers. They are top-tier executives who help run healthcare systems.

Working as a healthcare administrator requires communication with medical staff and executives. They develop goals and objectives, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, manage budgets, and recruit and supervise staff members. 

9. International Aid Worker

• Salary: $41,720 annually (ZipRecruiter)
• Education Requirements: MPH

International aid workers are the “boots on the ground” before, during, and after crises, including medical emergencies and natural disasters. They provide physical labor, emotional support, and resources to those in the most need at these times.

10. Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

• Salary: $155,833 annually (ZipRecruiter)
• Education Requirements: MSN or MSN/MPH

Becoming a CNO is one of the most lucrative jobs with a public health master's degree. Chief nursing officers are among the most senior nursing positions in a healthcare system. They're responsible for administrative decisions, overseeing the safety of staff and patients, budget management, and preparing hospital reports.

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Is a Master’s in Public Health Worth it?

Advancing your education is always worth the time, commitment, and investment. Healthcare workers who earn an MPH become eligible for more lucrative positions. Not only will you have more career advancement opportunities, but the knowledge will also enrich your personal life.

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How to Choose a Master’s in Public Health Program

You should consider several factors when selecting an MPH program. While you'll find several programs nationwide that offer an MPH degree, some will suit your needs better than others. 

Some things we recommend considering include the following:

•  Cost (In-State vs. Out-of-State)
• Location of Program
• Online vs. In-Person
• Accreditation
• Student-Faculty Ratio
• Graduation Rate
• Admission Requirements
• Clinical Component
• Reputation
• Certification Exams Pass Rate
• Post-Graduation Job Placement Percentage