What is an MPH?

October 14, 2024
A Baylor student presenting research to a community member

A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate-level degree designed to prepare professionals to protect and improve the health of populations through education, research, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Baylor University’s MPH program offers both on-campus and online formats, providing flexibility for students to choose a learning environment that best suits their needs.

The MPH curriculum at Baylor is comprehensive and multidisciplinary, covering the core areas of public health such as epidemiology, statistical analysis, environmental health, health policy, and social and behavioral sciences. Students develop expertise in key areas like public health data management, program evaluation, and health intervention strategies. Curriculum covers areas such as Epidemiology, where students learn about the distribution and determinants of diseases, and Community Health Science, focusing on improving health outcomes in various populations.

A critical component of Baylor’s MPH program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students are required to complete internships or practicums, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world public health settings. This hands-on experience not only enhances learning but also prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in public health sectors, including government agencies, healthcare systems, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions.

In addition to the foundational coursework, Baylor’s MPH program offers flexibility in terms of pacing, with options for accelerated, full-time, or part-time tracks for the online program, or you can fully immerse yourself with our full-time on-ground program, making it accessible to a wide range of students, from recent graduates to working professionals looking to advance their careers. The online program, in particular, is designed for individuals seeking to balance their studies with personal or professional commitments.

Overall, an MPH from Baylor equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to address public health challenges and make a lasting impact on community health, both locally and globally. Graduates will be equipped with skills they need to be changemakers in their communities, and the world.

A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree prepares graduates for a wide range of careers aimed at improving community health, disease prevention, and promoting wellness on both local and global scales. Some of the key career paths for MPH graduates include:

 

  1. Health Educator
    1. Role: Design and implement health education programs, promoting healthy behaviors and preventing disease.
    2. Workplaces: Community health organizations, schools, hospitals, and nonprofits. 
       
  2. Public Health Administrator
    1. Role: Oversee public health programs and organizations, manage budgets, staff, and operations.
    2. Workplaces: Health departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), hospitals. 
       
  3. Environmental Health Specialist
    1. Role: Assess and control environmental hazards that affect public health, such as air pollution, water quality, and waste management.
    2. Workplaces: Government agencies (e.g., EPA), consulting firms, and public health departments. 
       
  4. Biostatistician
    1. Role: Analyze data related to health trends, clinical trials, and disease outbreaks to make informed public health decisions.
    2. Workplaces: Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies.
       
  5. Global Health Professional
    1. Role: Work on health issues in a global context, such as infectious disease control, maternal and child health, and emergency response.
    2. Workplaces: International NGOs, United Nations organizations, global health consulting firms. 
       
  6. Health Policy Analyst
    1. Role: Research and analyze policies that affect public health, and advocate for changes that improve health outcomes.
    2. Workplaces: Government agencies, think tanks, advocacy organizations, healthcare consulting firms.
       
  7. Public Health Consultant
    1. Role: Provide expert advice to organizations on how to improve their public health strategies and programs.
    2. Workplaces: Consulting firms, healthcare systems, nonprofits, international organizations.
       
  8. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
    1. Role: Focus on workplace safety, identifying and managing risks to protect the health of employees.
    2. Workplaces: Corporations, government agencies, manufacturing companies, health departments.
       
  9. Community Health Worker
    1. Role: Serve as a liaison between healthcare providers and communities to promote access to services and health literacy.
    2. Workplaces: Community clinics, nonprofits, public health agencies.
       
  10. Infection Prevention Specialist
    1. Role: Develop programs and policies to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
    2. Workplaces: Hospitals, clinics, government agencies.
       
  11. Health Communication Specialist
    1. Role: Develop campaigns and communications strategies to promote public health messages and initiatives.
    2. Workplaces: Media organizations, government agencies, health departments. 
       
  12. Public Health Researcher
    1. Role: Conduct research to understand health issues and evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions.
    2. Workplaces: Universities, research institutes, and public health agencies.
       
  13. Maternal and Child Health Specialist
    1. Role: Focus on improving the health outcomes of mothers, infants, and children.
    2.  Workplaces: Hospitals, NGOs, government programs (e.g., WIC), and international organizations.
       

MPH graduates can also work in nonprofit management, emergency preparedness, mental health advocacy, nutrition, and healthcare quality improvement. The flexibility of the degree allows individuals to specialize in areas like epidemiology, global health, health policy, or environmental health.