If you’re considering a master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree, finding the right program for you can be a lengthy — and challenging decision. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education, so just searching “best MPH programs in the US” isn’t necessarily going to turn up the perfect program for you.
And we know it can be a slog to sift through seemingly unending information when deciding where to apply.
But don’t worry — we’ve broken down the decision process into just five considerations so you can get organized, do your research, and then apply to the program of your dreams.
Read on to unpack five critical considerations for choosing an MPH program.
1. Is the degree program reputable and accredited?
First, you’ve got to make sure you’re applying to accredited programs, whether that’s a university accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), like UB is, or another accrediting body that’s geographically appropriate.
Getting your MPH degree from an accredited university ensures a few things. First, your degree will be accepted in the wider world when looking at jobs since some employers won’t be interested in a degree from an unaccredited university.
Also, getting a degree from an accredited university means you can have peace of mind that multiple unbiased parties are working together to ensure you get a high-quality education.
For precise and current details concerning the reputation and accreditation status of individual degree programs at different universities, contact the admissions office or consult the school’s official website. You can find up-to-date, detailed information about the accreditation of the MPH program you’re applying to, which can give you confidence in your educational plans.
2. Does the master’s in Public Health program offer online pathways for students needing flexibility?
Online pathways or flexible options for MPH programs can be vital if you plan on working during the semester or need flexibility for other reasons. But, options differ depending on the university. To determine whether the MPH program you’re considering offers online or flexible classroom alternatives, as UB does, contact the university directly or visit its official website.
If a website is unclear, call admissions to ask about the latest program offerings, including online options. Having someone on the phone can be a great way to get all your questions answered about the MPH program’s structure, class format, and flexibility options. This way, you can more efficiently make the best decision for your academic needs.
3. Does the MPH program teach the soft skills needed to succeed today?
Master’s in Public Health programs aren’t just nuts and bolts science courses. Graduates need soft skills, too, in order to succeed in today’s public health setting. The top MPH programs understand this balance when building curricula and creating programs full of technical knowledge and experience needed to practice the soft skills for success in the field.
Find out what kind of lessons a program offers. Will they be interactive or lecture-based? Will you have opportunities to work with others, and develop communication, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and diverse competencies? These skills are necessary for addressing diverse health challenges.
Find a program that provides opportunities for outside-the-classroom experiences, such as internships, fieldwork, and research projects, to use and improve technical expertise and soft skills in real-world settings.
Ready to be a public health leader? Explore how our program prepares you for real-world impact.
4. Are there different concentrations offered that focus on various health sectors?
The top MPH programs offer opportunities for students with varying interests. When researching the right program for you, be on the lookout for MPH concentrations in specific health areas of interest that allow students to dive deeper into health practice and research aspects.
At UB, choosing an MPH program means choosing one of the following concentrations:
- Global Health
- Community Health
- Health Policy and Management
Learn more about what courses each concentration offers.
5. Does the MPH program promise strong career outcomes that align with your career goals?
The whole point of an MPH program is to use your newfound knowledge in the field. So, how can your school help you after graduation?
Make sure the MPH programs you apply to provide resources to assist students in reaching career goals after graduation. When researching the right MPH program for you, take the time to investigate employer collaborations, job placement rates, and alumni outcomes.
Choosing an MPH Program
Selecting the right MPH program is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. University of Bridgeport’s online MPH program is a perfect fit for those seeking the skills to join the public health sector.
See how we stack up:
- The program at University of Bridgeport is reputable and accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
- The program offers flexibility, including online pathways, to help accommodate your needs and schedule.
- A carefully crafted curriculum focuses on developing essential soft skills alongside technical knowledge, a feature important to success in public health.
- The program offers three concentrations to support students looking to specialize in a particular area of public health.
- Our student services center supports internship placement and interview prep and has a track record of high placement rates and alumni success.
What are you waiting for? Apply today and join the Purple Knight family!