Studying Public Health in the USA: Degrees and Career Paths
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Public health has grown significantly as a field of study, offering diverse career paths from epidemiology to health policy, understanding the different degree levels and their respective career implications helps you choose the right entry point for your goals.
Undergraduate public health degrees
A growing number of universities offer undergraduate public health degrees, providing broad foundational knowledge suitable for entry-level public health roles or as preparation for graduate study in the field.
The Master of Public Health (MPH)
The MPH is the most common graduate credential in this field, typically a one-to-two-year program covering core public health disciplines (epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and others), some programs admit students directly from undergraduate study, while others prefer some prior relevant work experience.
Doctoral-level public health study
PhD and DrPH (Doctor of Public Health) programs represent more advanced, typically research or leadership-focused paths, generally pursued after gaining meaningful field experience or completing an MPH first.
Specializations within public health
Consider whether epidemiology, health policy, global health, environmental health, or biostatistics best fits your specific interests, since these specializations lead to different career paths and require somewhat different coursework emphasis within your program.
STEM designation considerations
Some public health programs, particularly those with strong biostatistics or epidemiology quantitative focus, may carry STEM designation, always verify your specific program's CIP code rather than assuming based on the general "public health" label.
Career outcomes and sectors
Public health graduates work across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, international organizations, and private sector health companies, research realistic career outcomes and typical compensation in your specific intended sector as part of your program decision.
Get help finding the right public health program for your career stage.
Browse Universities →FAQs
Do I need work experience before pursuing an MPH?
This varies by program, some admit students directly from undergraduate study, while others prefer some prior relevant work experience.
Are public health programs STEM-designated?
Some are, particularly those with strong biostatistics or epidemiology quantitative focus, always verify your specific program's CIP code rather than assuming.
What's the difference between a PhD and a DrPH in public health?
Both are doctoral-level credentials, generally pursued after meaningful field experience or an MPH, though specific focus (research vs. leadership/practice) can differ by program.
What sectors do public health graduates typically work in?
Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, international organizations, and private sector health companies are all common, research your specific intended sector's outcomes.
Should I choose a specialization within public health before applying?
It's helpful to have a general direction (epidemiology, health policy, global health, etc.), though many programs allow some exploration before finalizing your specific focus.
