Whether you get an MPH, an MSPH, an MHS, or any such degree from a graduate-level public health program, you’ll find that there are endless ways to utilize your degree. When you begin browsing graduate programs, you may be surprised by just how much variety there is within the field. My advice is to consider how the degree options will benefit your current or aspired career path by teaching you the skills and theories you will need to advance. Below is a brief overview of some unique areas of study often found in public health graduate schools that can give you a more specialized skill set:
- Epidemiology. This area will vastly improve your understanding of infectious disease. Epi coursework introduces you to topics such as virology and biostatistics, as well as much more.
- Biostatistics. Studying biostatistics can bring a new depth to your level of understanding of current medical research. This can be studied in depth as its own degree, or taken in a series as part of other curriculums.
- Health Policy and Economics. This area will provide insight into the inter-workings of the health care system, helping you understand the great cost of healthcare, as well as the direct costs to patients.
I personally find each of these fields fascinating and struggled to narrow my choices when applying to programs. Programs across universities vary greatly in their missions and curriculum, so be sure to put in your due diligence and find the perfect fit for your interests.
