What can you do with a Public Health Degree?

May 1, 2024

What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree?

If you’re interested in a rewarding career where you’ll have the opportunity to positively impact the world, public health can be a great option.

Earning a public health degree can equip you with the knowledge and skills to address public health challenges and improve health and wellness outcomes in your community.

Most jobs in the public health sector require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, so your bachelor’s in public health is not just a helpful tool but a necessary component of preparing to pursue careers in this field.

The next step is knowing what you can do with a public health degree.

Why Study Public Health?

There are numerous advantages to studying public health, starting with the chance to make a difference in the lives of others, specifically contributing to the health and well-being of individuals and groups. You'll also get to study a range of topics, including biology, sociology, economics and psychology.

Most individuals enter the public health field by first earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree, which is often a base requirement for careers in this field. These degrees provide a high-level understanding of population health dynamics, health disparities, and strategies to enhance community well-being, all of which will empower you to contribute meaningfully to improving public health locally and globally.

How Do I Start a Career in Public Health?

Pursuing a career in public health starts with earning a relevant degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Getting your bachelor's in public health can prepare you to land entry-level jobs like a community health worker, health educator, and environmental health specialist.

Gaining practical experience through internships, engaging in research projects, and networking within the public health community are recommended steps toward a successful career launch. While internships and learning programs are often not required for a job, they can help increase your chances of landing a quality position since they provide real-world practice before you graduate.

Public health internships vary greatly depending on your concentration and career goals, but common places to find internships include government health departments, hospitals, community health centers, nonprofit organizations and mental health facilities.

Individuals with experience in the field who want to qualify for more senior-level positions can choose to pursue a Master of Public Health. Career paths for master’s degree holders can include epidemiologist, biostatistician, health policy analyst, global health specialist and health communication specialist.

Is a Public Health Career Worth It?

A public health career can allow professionals to make a tangible impact on society by working on issues ranging from disease prevention to health policy. The sense of fulfillment derived from contributing to the well-being of communities gives it the potential to be a rewarding field for anyone looking to make a difference in their community and society. In fact, the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) reports that 69% of employees surveyed plan to stay in their position, with the top three reasons for staying including benefits, job stability, and flexibility.¹

The salary for a bachelor's and master's degree holders in public health can vary based on the specific job and location. In the U.S., the median salary for professionals with a bachelor's in public health is $79,657², according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median salary for professionals with a master's in public health substantially increases to $120,688³, meaning it's possible to make six figures in public health.

These are a few public health occupations and their average salary, according to the BLS:

Biostatistician Salary: $112,110⁴
Health & Safety Engineer Salary: $100,660⁵
Medical & Health Services Manager Salary: $104,830⁶
Epidemiologist Salary: $78,520⁷

What Is the Career Outlook for Public Health?

The outlook for public health careers is promising. The increasing awareness of the importance of preventative health care, global health challenges, and the ongoing need for public health expertise suggest a growing demand for professionals in this field. The BLS predicts a 3% job growth in all occupations, while public health occupations have a significantly higher anticipated increase in employment from 2022 to 2032.

Here's the expected employment growth for four emerging public health occupations:

Community Health Worker: 14% increase⁸
Health Educator: 9% increase⁹
Biostatistician: 32% increase¹⁰
Epidemiologist: 27% increase¹¹

Start Your Journey to a Career in Public Health

A career in public health can be rewarding and fulfilling, as it allows you to help communities and individuals by working to solve public health challenges. Plus, obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree in public health can be worthwhile financially, thanks to excellent salaries and an anticipated increase in employment in the coming years.

If you are interested in advancing your education and career by earning an online Bachelor of Public Health or a Master of Public Health, Norwich University is here to help. Learn more about the educational requirements and choose the best option by speaking with an admissions representative today. Request information here.

Recommended Readings

Bachelor’s vs Master’s in Public Health
How To Become an Epidemiologist
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis: The Critical Role of Public Health Leadership

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