Is an MPH Worth It?

Key takeaways

• A Master of Public Health (MPH) can be a good investment of your time and resources if you're interested in advancing your knowledge in the field or in a particular career that requires the graduate degree.

• Many programs allow you to choose a concentration that relates to the area where you want to work so that you can equip yourself with the knowledge and skills you need.

• Earning an MPH can lead to higher salaries and career advancement.

Discover more about the factors that may make the MPH a worthwhile investment for your goals. Afterward, build your knowledge of a major area of public health, epidemiology, with the Johns Hopkins University Epidemiology in Public Health Practice Specialization.

How much does it cost to earn an MPH degree?

An MPH is a master's degree you can earn after you have completed your bachelor's, and the total cost will depend on several factors. The number of credit hours required to complete the program, as well as residency, affects the tuition cost. The average cost of a master’s degree in public health and other related social science fields is $79,530 [1].

You may be able to find scholarships and assistantships to help cover the cost of attending a master’s program. Learn more about availability by contacting the admission office or financial aid office of the schools you’re interested in attending.

Is an MPH worth it? Salary potential by role

Earning an MPH can lead to higher salaries or advanced roles that pay more. Additionally, working with the public and helping disadvantaged populations can be a rewarding experience, and knowing you can make a difference may make the cost of the MPH degree worthwhile.

Some of the careers you can pursue with an MPH degree and their average salaries include:

Health education specialist

Median annual US salary (BLS): $62,860 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [2]

If you enjoy working with diverse populations in community settings, a position as a health education specialist can be a rewarding career. You’ll work to improve the health and well-being of at-risk individuals and community populations by educating them about wellness.

Community health worker

Median annual US salary (BLS): $48,200 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 13 percent [3]

As a community health worker, you’ll identify the needs of at-risk populations and advocate on their behalf. Community health workers often collaborate with health education specialists for community outreach. 

Public health nurse 

Median annual US salary (BLS): $86,070 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [4]

As a public health nurse, you will work in disadvantaged communities to identify health issues and work to resolve them. A public health nurse is a registered nurse who works outside a typical patient-to-patient setting and instead works in the community, at schools, senior centers, or public health clinics.

Environmental health scientist

Median annual US salary (BLS): $78,980 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [5]

An environmental health scientist works to address potential environmental health risks. The position can also entail educating the public about community health risks. Many job opportunities are in gthe overnment. 

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor

Median annual US salary (BLS): $53,710 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 19 percent [6]

In this role, you'll serve populations with substance abuse and behavioral disorders. You may work with individuals or in a group setting to help those suffering from substance abuse or behavior disorders recover. 

Epidemiologist

Median annual US salary (BLS): $81,390 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 19 percent [7]

With an MPH degree, you could qualify for a career as an epidemiologist. Epidemiology is the investigation of disease and injury, and as an epidemiologist, you’ll work to treat and prevent health issues. 

Public health director

Median annual US salary (BLS): $110,680 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 29 percent [8]

The role of a public health director is to manage a public health department, oversee employees, and work to keep the public safe. This leadership position is responsible for collaborating with other public health professionals and government employees.

Other benefits of an MPH degree

By pursuing an MPH degree, you can expand not only your career options but also your knowledge and skills to better prepare for leadership roles. Government jobs, which sometimes offer benefits like pension plans, may require an MPH. 

Careers in public health typically offer job security, and even in economic downtimes, careers in health tend to remain in demand. If you enjoy working with the public and positively impacting communities and neighborhoods, it's worth considering how an MPH can align with your goals.

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