For many jobs in public health, a master's
degree or a specialized certificate can help increase employment
opportunities. Many public health agencies and companies require
graduate-level educations of their employees.
Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health Overview
The majority of online public health programs are offered at the graduate certificate or master's degree level. Both are designed for working professionals who already hold bachelor's degrees. With the abundance of available programs, many specializations exist.Programs are available for those who already hold public health degrees and for those who do not. Many health professionals, including doctors and nurses, pursue graduate studies in public health. Those with no prior public health training usually take longer to complete the program because prerequisite coursework must be fulfilled.
Program Information and Requirements
Most certificate programs provide a basic education in public health. Students take introductory or overview courses in statistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health systems and health-related behaviors.The time needed to complete the program varies by school; most have a minimum number of courses that take about one year to complete. Many schools give students the option of transferring certificate courses credits into a master's program.
Numerous specialty certificates are available in the field of public health. Some programs lead to specialty certificates in topics like global health, public health leadership or occupational health nursing, to name only a few. Most certificate programs are offered entirely online.
List of Common Public Health Courses
A basic grounding in the main areas of public health is required for most public health certificate programs. Because many of the classes have prerequisites, the length of time for completion may vary depending on undergraduate preparation.Statistics
Introductory classes in statistics are offered for most certificate programs. Usually these classes are tailored to public health needs and concerns. Students may be required to take an introductory statistics and/or a statistical applications class depending on prior coursework.Epidemiology
Most programs require at least one overview class in the principles of epidemiology. This class teaches the methods necessary for conducting research studies.Environmental Health Concepts
This class covers the effects of biological or chemical agents on the environment. Health outcomes are considered based on environmental concerns.Cultural Issues in Public Health
Students learn about how culture can affect public health. Community perspectives as well as social or behavioral approaches to public health are covered.Introduction to Health Systems
Depending on the certificate program, this class may be localized to topics like the U. S. health system or global health systems. Students learn the structure of public health within the confines of a governmental system.Career Information for Graduates
Many jobs are available to those who hold graduate certificates in public health. Social worker, health educator, statistician and public health agency manager are just a few of the possible job outcomes. Salaries vary depending on the specific job.Health educators, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earned an average annual income of $49,060 in 2009 (www.bls.gov). During the same time period, public health social workers earned an average annual salary of $48,340. Statisticians had an average annual income of $75,220, reported the BLS.
Online Master's Degree in Public Health Overview
Many master's degree programs exist in the public health field, and within those programs are many specializations, such as public health leadership, health system management, biostatistics, epidemiology and preventive health. A master's degree is essential for someone who wishes to conduct research or pursue a career as a faculty member of a university. In addition, many public health management jobs require advanced degrees.Program Information and Requirements
Most programs take 1-2 years to complete; however, because many programs are designed for part-time learners, completion may take longer. A time limit of 3-5 years is common among such master's degree programs.Though mostly delivered online, many programs do require a practicum component. Some programs require that students have prior experience in the public health field.
List of Common Public Health Courses
As with a general public health certificate program, most master's degree programs require at least introductory classes in statistics, epidemiology, health systems, environmental health and health outcomes. Undergraduate studies in other health-related fields may satisfy the above requirements. Otherwise, prerequisite coursework will have to be taken.Research Methods
Because most master's degree programs are tailored to people who are quantifying data in a public health setting, this course provides information on the proper methods for conducting research. Students learn the underlying philosophy behind research as well as the design and construction of research projects.Health Policy
Knowledge of governmental policies concerning public health is essential for any student in a public health career. Students learn how policy is made and implemented.Emergency Management
Public health during an emergency requires a special set of policies and skills. Students learn the protocols for addressing emergency health situations, such as epidemics.Health Disparities
Health outcomes can be influenced by cultural and social attributes. In this class, students learn about the differences in overall health among cultural groups.Global Health
This class covers information about health populations around the world. Students learn about programs that have effectively addressed poor health outcomes in other countries.Career Information for Graduates
Students pursuing a master's degree in public health programs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some may already hold positions as nurses, social workers and health educators and are pursuing the degree for career advancement purposes.While there are no specific salary indicators available, a person who manages a health service agency had median annual wage of $81,850 in 2009, according to the BLS. Careers in public health were expected to experience a faster-than-average growth rate during the 2008-2018 decade.
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