Public health is the science and art of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health helps improve the health and well being of people in local communities and around the globe.
Programs
Graduate programs in public health lead to degrees such as Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). Coursework focuses on disciplines such as administration, epidemiology, environmental health, biostatistics, health policy, and behavioral health. Some public health programs of study lead to an academic degree for research and teaching careers and others lead to a professional degree for work in the private, public and non-profit heath sectors. Public health master's degree programs specialize in areas like biostatistics, environmental health, community health education, global health, epidemiology, and public health administration.
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an independent agency, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public health programs. Visit their website when you are researching schools to ensure that institutions and programs are accredited by CEPH.
Check out fellowship and internship opportunities offered by the schools that interest you since they offer important hands-on work experience that will further your career. EducationUSA centers provide advising services and a broad collection of materials to assist students searching for schools and financial aid possibilities. Find the EducationUSA center nearest you.