How to Find and Get into a Public Health Graduate School

There are many opportunities in the public health field for those who wish to make an impact on the world. An advanced degree is not required to be in most entry-level positions in public healthcare, but it will provide you with many amazing and highly-paying jobs. Public health graduate school is the answer. Many public health professionals choose to pursue a master’s degree program in order to progress their careers. A Master’s in Public Health is a program that provides the skills and education necessary to become a leader and earn higher salaries.

However, it is a major decision to make the public health graduate program choice. The process should be carefully considered. Where do you begin when searching for, applying to, or committing to a public healthcare grad school in your area? These are the four steps you need to take:

Think carefully about whether an advanced degree is required in public healthcare for your career and career goals.

This may seem like an obvious step but it’s important to think about your professional goals. A Master’s Degree in Public Health might not be necessary depending on your position or the type of public-health role you want to play. You may not need a master’s degree to hold many important roles in the public health field. A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health might suffice. However, there are some positions that require a graduate education such as the Epidemiologist or Biostatistician. A graduate degree will open up more career opportunities. Make sure you fully understand your career goals and the MPH program before you commit.

Make sure you have a clear vision about what you want out of your public health grad programme:

Once you have decided that public health graduate school is the next step, it’s time to start thinking about what your career path will look like. A clear vision of your career path and desired work will help you choose the best program. You might want to pursue a career in community or global health, for example. Make sure that the curriculum includes those concentrations. The courses should build on your knowledge and skills, as well as the foundations you have built with your bachelor’s degree.

Find out if there are learning formats available for the public health program that meet your needs and lifestyle.

There are many degrees available in public health, and they can be customized to suit your learning style and personal needs. Some programs in public health offer both online and in-person courses. Consider an online school if you are looking for convenience and flexibility in your program. You may prefer traditional, in-person classes if this is the case.

You should also consider how much time you can dedicate to a public-health grad school program. This is based on all other activities in your life. An accelerated, full time course load is ideal if you’re looking to complete the program in a short amount of time. Part-time options are also available if you have work or family commitments.

Understanding the course and degree requirements for admission:

Each university and college will have its own admission requirements. This could include test scores, applications and letters of recommendations. The admission requirements for the MPH program at Goodwin University are, for instance, very simple. Goodwin does NOT require GRE scores or letters of recommendations. For admission to our public-health grad school, applicants must simply follow these simple steps:

Application complete.
A professional resume detailing all relevant experiences, skills, and goals related to public health.
You must show proof that you have been immunized against Varicella, Mumps and Rubella.
Official or unofficial transcript that confirms applicants have received a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA greater than 2.0.
Personal statement or letter outlining why a graduate program in public health would be beneficial to your career and goals.

Additional Resource:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/working-health/working-public-health/what-public-health