What Are the Different Types of MPH Degree Programs?

A master’s in public health (MPH) is a graduate school degree that allows an individual to solve science-related problems that affect communities. During this type of program, a student takes in-depth health classes and is typically required to complete an original thesis research project. Different MPH degree programs are those on epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as health promotion and environmental safety.

One type of the many MPH degree programs available includes a program on epidemiology. This field deals with studying the factors that cause diseases and result in their diffusion in the public setting. A student who is completing a master’s degree program in this area aims to keep illnesses from spreading and becoming uncontrollable in a particular region. He or she can end up working in laboratories or for government health agencies following graduation.

The area of biostatistics constitutes another focus of programs in this industry. An individual who chooses a career path in this field should enjoy the opportunity to determine how conditions in the environment or even how medical treatments have an impact on organisms. He or she analyzes genetic and pathogenic information to help clinical researchers to conduct experiments on different medications that could be effective in sick people. MPH degree programs in biostatistics prepare students to work for government entities or institutions of higher learning.

Another common specialty of advanced degree opportunities in this field of study is health promotion. A person who decides to pursue training in this aspect of the public health area has to have strong written and verbal communication skills and must enjoy working with people. MPH degree programs of this nature instruct students about how to share information with the public about how to be healthy by putting together brochures or creating events such as cancer screenings. In addition, courses teach a student how to successfully submit applications for grants that can fund the development of community health education programs aimed at improving people’s quality of life. Both government agencies and private healthcare companies offer job opportunities in this vocational area.

Pupils in a public health training program at the graduate school level might additionally decide to concentrate on environmental safety matters. Graduate students should learn ways to keep employees in the workplace from being hurt by making sure that equipment works properly and that air quality is high when studying in MPH degree programs. In addition, courses elaborate on methods for reducing worker radiation exposure and ergonomic issues at job sites. Private companies and governments employ people who have completed this type of training.