Master’s in Public Health Degree Concentrations
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
- Health Policy and Management
- Nutritionist
- Disaster Management
Public health is a field that’s vital to the smooth operation of society. Public health professionals strive to ensure all areas of public health are safe, clean and healthy. They focus on areas like sanitation, dietary needs, hygiene, pollution, policies and practices. The increasing emphasis on widespread health problems and preventative healthcare has made public health a rapidly-growing field. When we hear the words public health, we often think of public health nurses, but there are many excellent specializations in a Master’s in Public Health degree. And luckily for students all across the country, there are endless online programs for these specializations, such as an online masters in biostatistics. Keep reading to see if what fits your dreams!
1. Epidemiology
Epidemiology is a specialization for a Master’s in Public Health degree that can offer excellent job opportunities. This professional, which is sometimes also referred to as a biostatistician, is responsible for determining risk factors and preventing health emergencies such as the spread of infectious diseases. They may find work researching in hospitals, universities or for government agencies. Epidemiology is an excellent choice for individuals interested in working where they have the potential to save lives. Epidemiologists use health policies, community education and research to investigate the causes and patterns of injuries and diseases in humans and try to reduce the occurrence and risk of these things occuring.
2. Environmental Health
With the emphasis on keeping our environment as clean, pollution-free and as healthy as possible, opting for an environmental health specialization ideal for many in public health. They teach about issues like safe drinking water, monitoring toxin levels, such as radioactive waste and pollutants, and monitoring local environmental concerns. Individuals specializing in environmental health do fieldwork analyzing and monitoring at-risk areas. Their work may also involve lobbying governmental agencies for assistance. Environmental health jobs are continuing to increase each year.
3. Health Policy and Management
Students looking for an excellent specialization for a Master’s in Public Health degree may choose to concentrate in Health Policy and Management. This specialization determines what programs and policies should be implemented to improve public health in the community. Completing this area of specialization qualifies the individual to work for various companies, including governmental health departments, schools, insurance companies or HMOs. They may also pursue work in hospital management or healthcare administration, both of which pay excellent wages.
4. Nutritionist
Individuals who choose the nutritionist area of specialization typically have many career options. They may find work in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, schools or in a private healthcare facility. There has been increasing concern nation wide about obesity in recent years, resulting in a great need for nutritionists. A nutritionist works with at-risk individuals implementing a healthy diet and going over healthy eating options. Nutritionists also create dietary menus for schools, medical facilities or places offering public health. The work they do in hospitals is vital to the good health of the patient. If a patient is required to have a certain diet, it’s the nutritionist that determines his or her menu based on age, health and nutritional needs.
5. Disaster Management
Regardless of where we live, we often see natural disasters that affect a large portion of the population. Often they are serious disasters such as tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, or floods that affect the overall health of the public. The disaster management specialization teaches the student how to prepare for disasters and respond to them in ways that best meet the needs of the community. Graduates of this specialization may work in both government and non-governmental jobs.
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that health educators and community health workers should see a job growth of 16 percent during the 2016-2026 decade with about 69,600 new health educator jobs being created by 2026. Individuals interested in working in public health can choose from various careers with many specializations offered with a Master’s in Public Health degree.