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Public Health Career Opportunities

EKU Online > Public Health Career Opportunities

The Value of a Public Health Degree

A master of public health (MPH) is a professional degree that can open the door to leadership positions with higher level responsibilities and higher pay. Many hospitals and health care facilities require job candidates hold a master’s degree. The NACE Summer 2021 Salary Survey report found that individuals with an MPH earned 38% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. So, considering the long-term salary potential, obtaining an MPH is beneficial.
 
The COVID 19 pandemic now drives the demand for health-related careers, including those in public health. Many regions suffered a public health workforce shortage prior to COVID 19, which only exacerbated the situation. As the world rebounds and works to ensure the health of vulnerable populations, rebuilding the public health workforce is key to preventing, preparing, and responding to recovery activities related to COVID 19, as well as other public health emergencies.

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Increase earnings and advancement opportunities

Raise Your Salary and Increase Your Opportunities with a Master’s Degree

Regardless of U.S. labor market conditions, one constant holds true: Education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers(NACE) investing in a master’s degree can pay big dividends when it comes to starting salaries.

The NACE Summer 2021 Salary Survey report found that individuals with an MPH had an average starting salary of $60,624. In contrast the average starting salary for bachelor’s holders was $44,017, a difference of 38%

People with an MPH earn

+0%
more starting out than those with only a bachelor's

Popular Public Health Careers

Health Education Specialist

National Median Annual Salary
$48,860/year
12% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$46,301/year
updated January 2023
Top Companies for Health Education Specialist in Kentucky
Company Name
$XX,XXX
Company Name
$XX,XXX
Company Name
$XX,XXX
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

Epidemiologist

National Median Annual Salary
$78,830/year
26% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$68,906/year
updated January 2023
Top Companies for Epidemiologist in Kentucky
Company Name
$XX,XXX
Company Name
$XX,XXX
Company Name
$XX,XXX
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

Medical & Health Services Manager

National Median Annual Salary
$101,340/year
28% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$51,367/year
updated January 2023
Top Companies for Medical & Health Services Manager in Kentucky
Company Name
$XX,XXX
Company Name
$XX,XXX
Company Name
$XX,XXX
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.

Common Job Titles for Public Health Graduates

  • Health education specialist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Social and community service manager
  • Medical and health services manager
  • Statistician
  • Community health worker
  • Health analytics specialist
  • Disease prevention specialist
  • Surveillance manager
  • Policy analyst

EKU Public Health Program in the Workforce

Where Have EKU Public Health Graduates Worked?
  • The Bluth Company   
  • Buy n Large
  • Cyberdyne Systems
  • Virtucon
  • Wayne Enterprises
  • Acme Corp
  • The Krusty Crab
Why Earn a Public Health Degree?

A master of public health (MPH) is an interdisciplinary graduate degree designed to build a variety of immediately applicable skills in a range of areas, including epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, and program planning and evaluation.

MPH students explore a variety of health behaviors, cultural and lifestyle choices, and community challenges that influence public health.

An MPH degree offers an impressive variety of career paths. If you are passionate about the health industry, an MPH can position you to take on exciting new roles and play an important part in maintaining the health and safety of your community.

MPH graduates go on to hold positions in:

  • Disease tracking and research
  • Policy or legislation development
  • Education
  • Business

EKU Online Career Services

Career planning is tough, but with EKU you don’t have to tackle the process alone.

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search
Learn More

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