Learn About Public Health Majors in College and What You May Do with Them
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What could I do with a bachelor’s degree in public health?
A Public Health Degree opens the door to a wide array of career possibilities. Opportunities span across diverse fields, including health services, environmental health, community health work, and biotechnician roles. A career path in the public health arena might lead to employment within health agencies. For those aspiring to advance, pursuing further education, such as a graduate degree, could unlock managerial positions within the industry. Public health professionals play a pivotal role in shaping public health policies, while others may contribute to health promotion through impactful social work. The O*NET resource provides valuable insights into the breadth of opportunities available within this dynamic and essential career field.
Health Educator and Community Health Worker
Within this field, a variety of roles await, spanning from health education specialists to community health workers and counselors, among others. The employment landscape for these professionals is equally diverse, encompassing environments like hospitals, government agencies, outpatient care facilities, and family services. Opportunities exist within both the public and private sectors. Drawing from data provided by the BLS, we’ve compiled insights into the 2021 annual median salary and projected job growth for these positions.
2021 Median Salary: $48,860
Job growth through 2031: 12% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Medical and Health Services Manager
This profession is centered around managerial roles within an office environment. The positions falling under this category may carry various titles, with “public health administrator” being a common one. Often, these roles are open in both the public and private sectors, extending their presence across governmental agencies, outpatient care centers, medical practices, and nursing facilities. Using data from the BLS, we have compiled information regarding the 2021 annual median salary and projected job growth for these positions.
2021 Median Salary: $101,340
Job growth through 2031: 28% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
This profession commonly presents opportunities across diverse sectors. Specialized roles and technical positions are often in demand. These openings can span various industries, encompassing manufacturing, hospitals, construction, government, and management services. The responsibilities of individuals in this role are crucial for ensuring safety at their respective workplaces, whether it’s a construction site or a government facility. Their primary duty is to uphold standards and ensure tasks are carried out safely and effectively. Utilizing data from the BLS, we have assembled information regarding the 2021 annual median salary and projected job growth for these positions.
2021 Median Salary: $74,870
Job growth through 2031: 5% (As fast as average)
Typical Entry-level education: Associate’s degree
Social and Community Service Manager
The primary domains for professionals in this field encompass local government, religious organizations, family services, community rehabilitation services, and nursing facilities. These roles might involve managerial positions in various sectors and entail close collaboration with organizations to execute and realize plans. Using data from the BLS, we have compiled information regarding the 2021 annual median salary and projected job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $74,000
Job growth through 2031: 12% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Natural Sciences Manager
This career might attract individuals seeking to oversee teams of researchers. These positions typically span roles in research and development, manufacturing, scientific management, or government agencies. These career paths often require a combination of hands-on involvement and remote management. Drawing data from the BLS, we have compiled information regarding the 2021 annual median salary and projected job growth in this field.
2021 Median Salary: $137,900
Job growth through 2031: 6% (Faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Management Analyst
There may be different careers in this field to consider. Management analysts may also take on positions such as business operations specialist. This job may be found in a number of areas including in the professional and scientific communities. Insurance, government and simply management are also areas where one could be employed in this field. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $93,000
Job growth through 2031: 11% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Environmental Engineer
This type of engineer may work in many different fields. One area may include wastewater engineer. There may be many areas where they work including the federal government, engineering services, state and local government and management services. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $96,820
Job growth through 2031: 4% (As fast as average)
Typical Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
What could I do with master’s degree in public health?
With an MPH degree, individuals may hold more advanced positions. They may conduct research or work on advocacy for the general public as a whole. Others with a masters in public health may work in health sciences and health informatics. Health administration positions in public health organizations or a related field may also be common. The MPH program may offer many options including these in the United States.
Mathematicians and Statisticians
These positions may encompass all types of careers as mathematicians and statisticians. Biostatisticians are just one of the fields. The positions available for this type of field may be those of management, technical consulting or government work. Many of these positions may be in the federal government, working in research facilities, and healthcare. There may be positions in education as well on all different levels. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $96,280
Job growth through 2031: 31% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Master’s degree
Epidemiologist
A career as an epidemiologist could have different titles such as life scientist. There may be many fields and areas in which one may work as an epidemiologist. Some of the areas in which one may have this career are in research and development, hospitals and government on all levels. There may also be positions available at colleges and universities as well as with all other levels of schooling on the state and local level. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $78,830
Job growth through 2031: 26% (Faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Master’s degree
Mental Health Counselor
This career could encompass a number of different types of counseling professions. Some may deal with substance abuse, behavioral, or mental health. The positions available may be with the government, hospitals or family services. There may also be positions in this field with outpatient services as well as residential recovery facilities. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $48,520
Job growth through 2031: 22% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Master’s degree
What could I do with a PhD in public health?
After completing your master of public health degree program, you may want to continue with education. Working in public health as a biostatistician or doing research in social sciences may be an option for those with this advanced degree. Public health jobs at this level may include coursework in a topic that is important to you. You may wish to do outreach.
Medical Scientist
There may be multiple areas for this professions including as a life scientist. There may also be many areas in which you could work when seeking this type of position. Some areas may include doctor’s offices, colleges and universities, hospitals, and medicine manufacturing. A career in this field may include jobs in or out of an office or lab, these are full time positions. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $95,310
Job growth through 2031: 17% (Faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: PhD
Economist
A health economist is one who may predict and determine how money may be flowing in the world of healthcare. There may be a number of areas in which to obtain this type of position in both the public and private sector. Fields to look at may include finance, federal government, research and development, consulting services and state government. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $105,630
Job growth through 2031: 6% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Minimum of a master’s degree, doctorate preferred
Postsecondary Teacher
In this field postsecondary health teachers earn an a median salary of $79,640 per year. These positions are held primarily at colleges and universities. These could be public or private and may range from a trade school, community college, junior college or major college or university. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $79,640
Job growth through 2031: 12% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Master’s level at minimum, PhD preferred
Hospital President or Top Executive
Top executives may be necessary in all fields to provide leadership for businesses or organizations. In the medical field these people may be in positions to run hospitals. The positions may be available on all levels in all fields. Areas to look into might include healthcare and government. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $98,980
Job growth through 2031: 6% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-level education: Minimum of a bachelor’s, PhD preferred
What Could You Do with a Public Health Degree by Specialty/Field?
Degree programs in public health may open the door for numerous opportunities. Public health professionals may work in research and data development. Others may work in nonprofit careers. Here are some degree concentrations to consider.
Biostatistics
This focus program typically offers careers in multiple fields. This concentration may be available on all levels from bachelor’s to PhD. The focus of this group is often to collect and interpret data when it comes to medicine and public health.
Research Biostatistician
This type of statistician typically requires at minimum a master’s degree. This field may work to apply data and statistics to solve problems related to health. They may look at varying factors based on the sector in which they are employed. Per the O*NET, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $98,920
Job growth through 2031: 11% or higher (Much faster than average)
Biostatistics Professor
In this field as a Mathematical Science Teachers many may need a PhD. This is a position that may be available at most colleges and universities that offer this type of program. Many times these may be people who have worked in the field and may use real world knowledge to teach the students. Per the O*NET, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $77,420
Job growth through 2031: 4% (Slower than average)
Community Health
This area may focus on awareness and education. People in this area may learn to develop and evaluate health programs for the community. They may also work to raise awareness regarding health problems.
Social and Community Service Managers
In this career as a community service manager you may work at providing programs and supervising organizations that are designed to promote well being. Many of these positions are through local health departments or governments. They may also be available on a state and national level. This typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $74,000
Job growth through 2031: 12% (Much faster than average)
Health Educator
As a health educator you may be working to teach the community about health and wellness. In many cases this is a position through a local health department or in a school setting. These positions may be in the public or private sector and in many cases require a bachelor’s degree. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $48,860
Job growth through 2031: 12% (Much faster than average)
Dieticians and Nutritionists
As a dietician, you may work to teach people about nutrition and what types of foods they should be eating. You may also work with individuals to promote a healthy lifestyle and to learn what is the best course of action to improve their overall health. This position typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree and could be found in hospitals, nursing facilities as well as doctor’s offices. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $61,650
Job growth through 2031: 7% (Much faster than average)
Environmental Health
There are a number of fields and concentrations that may be covered in environmental health. Zoonotic diseases, disease prevention and occupational hazards are covered. Living conditions and air quality are also topics that are covered in this concentration.
Environmental Scientist
As an environmental scientist you may work to protect the environment. You may also work to protect and promote human growth either in the field or in a lab. There may be positions available for this in both the public and private sector and this positions requires the minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $76,530
Job growth through 2031: 5% (Much faster than average)
Petroleum Engineer
When working in the field of as a petroleum engineer, there may be need for those who are on the outlook for the safety and overall well being of the public. This may be where someone with a bachelor’s in environmental health could come into play working to not only protect the public. This type of position is usually through government regulatory agencies. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $130,850
Job growth through 2031: 8% (As fast as average)
Mining and Geological Engineers
When working in the field of mining when it comes to environmental health you may be working to make sure that the mines themselves are not only safe but the work they are doing and the outcome of the work is safe for the environment and the surrounding communities as well. This position may require at least a bachelor’s degree and is offered both in the public and private sector. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $97,090
Job growth through 2031: 2% (Faster than average)
Waste Management
As a waste management compliance officer you may work to ensure that the organization you are working for is following all governmental and company guidelines when it comes to waste production and disposal. The goal may be to work with the communities to ensure what your company is doing and is safe. This position may need at least a bachelor’s degree. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2022 Median Salary: $76,980
Job growth through 2032: N/A
Epidemiology
When studying in the focus area of epidemiology you may be learning about a number of things regarding human life. You may cover areas such as life expectancy, infection and disease. You may learn research methods, data analysis, as well as causes and solutions in regards to disease spread and prevention.
Epidemiologist
The position of epidemiologist is typically to investigate disease and injury. This position often requires a master’s degree and is available in public and private hospitals as well as in federal and state governments. They may look at patterns and causes of the diseases and injuries in order to make assessments. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $78,830
Job growth through 2031: 26% (Faster than average)
Global Health
In the focus area of global health one may look at health programs on a global scale. You may look at potential solutions for health issues on a worldwide scale. In this focus area, there may be comparing and contrasting the differing health systems around the world.
Policy Analyst
A policy analyst may be working as a political scientist to look at the different policies being applied to public health. The goal is typically to see how these are being applied and who they may effect and in what matter to best implement new policies. This may be a position that requires at least a master’s degree. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $122,510
Job growth through 2031: 6% (Faster than average)
Global Health Consultant
As a global health consultant you may be working as a management analyst to help improve the efficiency and productivity in regards to health and wellness. When in this position you may be looking at things on a larger, global scale. You typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and may be able to obtain positions in the government, public and private sector. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $93,000
Job growth through 2031: 11% (Much faster than average)
Health Education Specialist
As a health education specialist you may provide and mange programs in the community. These programs may be designed to promote health and wellness to many age groups and to many different backgrounds. This position typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree and is available primarily in local and state governments as well as hospitals. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $66,710
Job growth through 2031: N/A
Health Equity
When studying health equity one may look at the differences and disparities in healthcare and treatment among different groups of people. This is often primarily a focus in master’s programs.
Food Scientist
A food scientist may work primarily in the agriculture industry. The goal is typically to improve safety and efficiency. The positions may be available in the public and private sector or with different government agencies and require at least a bachelor’s degree. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $122,510
Job growth through 2031: 6% (Faster than average)
Health and Human Services
Group Home Administrator
As a group home administrator you may work with the organization you are working with to manage the business activities of the group home. You may be working as the health services manager for this organization and may need to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $100,980
Job growth through 2031: 28% (Much faster than average)
Social Worker
As a social worker you may be asked to counsel and assist those with mental, and physical health ailments in order to aid in providing assistance and solutions to solve these issues. This position typically requires a bachelor’s degree and is available at all levels of government as well as in the private sector. Per the BLS, we compiled the 2021 annual median salary and job growth.
2021 Median Salary: $50,390
Job growth through 2031: 13% (Much faster than average)
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