masters in public health online

masters in public health online

Advantages of Pursuing a Master’s in Public Health Online

1. Flexibility in Schedule

Because public health is a very broad field, there are numerous types of jobs available for those with a public health degree. This often presents a problem for students, as internships and volunteer work for experience are often taken at the expense of a good-paying job. For this reason, many students like the flexibility of taking an online course to gain additional education in a specific area of public health. An increase in education can sometimes lead to a better job down the road, making the sacrifices involved well worth it.

Online degrees provide a good option for those who are self-motivated. While classroom-based programs can be equally self-motivating, online programs typically do not require weekly attendance. Many important skills and concepts can be learned by listening to a live or recorded lecture from an instructor or through group meetings with other students. Get-togethers can be arranged in chat rooms, through emails, or by phone conversations, making it so time in the same place is not required. Self-tests and assignments can be taken at any time and are usually submitted within a week. During this time, students can effectively learn material on their own in any location, revisiting lectures or readings as many times as they need to fully understand the content.

In addition, a move to the US, the UK, or other countries can often result in the spouse having to take an extended sabbatical to care for children. An online degree can be the most suitable option for a spouse in this situation. Finally, many people simply cannot afford the costs associated with obtaining a degree the traditional way. Online degrees can be more affordable, as schools save money on infrastructure when they put courses online. Many of these cost savings are passed on to students.

The number one reason given by students for enrolling in an online program is usually that they need flexibility. Students typically work full-time jobs and do not have the ability to quit and become a full-time student. Public health professionals often have a strong desire to gain additional knowledge in the field while working. Online programs can provide an effective means for fulfilling this desire, as the student can get a degree without having to leave their job.

These programs offer an attractive option to those who are working or who have family obligations. While most of the programs offered today are not 100% online, this trend is changing, and many schools hope to have an online curriculum available in the near future. For the right student, an online degree in public health has a number of advantages.

Across the globe, schools are offering online programs in public health. Some of these programs are open to any student with a desire to learn, while others are available only to those with extensive experience in the field.

2. Wide Range of Specializations

The nature of online learning allows them to learn from anywhere and anytime as long as they have a proper internet connection. There are various programs to choose from, ranging from generalist MPH and multiple emphases, such as health education, community health, epidemiology, and international health. Those who want to pursue a higher degree via PhD or DrPH will also find that they can proceed to the next level through MPH. In online learning, it is also easier to jump from one field to another because of the flexible lecture schedule.

Public health is a very diverse field. It needs professionals from different disciplines such as science, arts, and engineering, among others. Not all healthcare professionals, meanwhile, have time to go to the campus for their graduate degree. For those who want to continue their education and keep their full-time job, an online master’s in public health degree can be a perfect solution.

3. Access to Expert Faculty and Resources

In other traditional programs, a major factor students may take into consideration is access to resources provided by the university. Public health students who are working professionals or full-time students often seek financial aid, assistantships, or scholarships to help with tuition costs. Having a brick and mortar location allows students to meet with counselors or financial aid advisors to help find them the best solution. However, many assistantships could be made available to online students. This is a point of consideration between the worth of a discounted tuition and the value of potential earnings gain from the networking and experience with a public health organization an assistantship might provide. The availability of various resources may vary by program, so it is important for students to explore what is available. Some programs may not require students to visit campus and thus will have availability to all online students. Other programs may require a minimal campus visit and only offer resources to campus students.

Building on the last point, access to expert faculty and resources is essential for a quality Master of Public Health program. Due to the professional nature of this degree, it is important for learning to have a focus on real-world factors. Faculty should ideally be conducting research or involved in actual public health practice. Having faculty with real-world involvement will allow them to guide students in finding internships and applied practice in public health. It is advantageous if the faculty in an MPH program are publishing research and using their field experiences to create engaging class content. By having faculty with research focuses, they are likely to include students in their research, which can provide great applied learning experiences.

4. Networking Opportunities

As a student in the MPH program, enrollment in the school, and not a specific degree program, the network of friends and colleagues from across the world with diverse interests can be invaluable. For many online students, the willingness to devote significant time to their studies is based on the knowledge that they are succeeding in moving closer to their professional goals. At some point in your career, you may consider participation in classroom or online teaching at an academic institution. The regular email and chat room exchanges will no doubt create an idyllic mental picture of the typical college campus. Now provided by the ASPH, the student services section recently launched its own College of Public Health Virtual Career Center, which offers an online employment service for public health professionals nationwide. This site allows employers to browse resumes and post employment opportunities. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to make a career change or a recent graduate just starting out, the Career Center is an excellent resource for you. Additional links to global resources provide information, learning, and employment opportunities outside the United States for those who are interested. If language proficiency has left you doubting your biostatistics skills, there are interactive exercises available for your own self-assessment. An ever-expanding list of features and information is available at your fingertips. Come and see what the Virtual College has in store for you!

5. Career Advancement and Job Prospects

Offering one of the most quoted lines in a literature review, one source states, “The fact that we could not find one opposing claim closely indicates that earning a master’s degree in public health is the right thing to do if you are looking to make a solid financial investment in your future” (Buehler). This sentiment is supported by numerous other sources. Public Health Online again states, “Earning an MPH not only increases your earning potential, but also opens doors to a variety of opportunities and advancement in your career,” while The University of Arizona notes “Career opportunities for graduates with an MPH degree are varied and can include job titles such as departmental administrators, health educators, epidemiologists, international health workers, and biostatisticians.” This is also supported by The Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, which states, “At Mailman, our students are our future researchers, educators, and practitioners, who contribute locally and globally toward the prevention and treatment of public health problems.” This creates an ideal environment for new graduates, hoping to advance their careers.

One of the biggest incentives for professionals considering a Master’s in Public Health is the opportunity for career advancement. According to Public Health Online, those with a Master’s in Public Health will receive higher pay and greater job prospects than those with simply a Bachelor’s degree. Public Health Online states, “The difference in earning potential between a bachelor’s in public health and a master’s in public health is clear. The average bachelor’s degree holder is likely to earn something in the range of $30,000 to $40,000 per year, while those who hold a master’s degree will likely earn $50,000 to $70,000 annually.”