Earning a Master's Degree in Public Health Online
by Clare KaufmanOnline Education Columnist
Interested in making a real difference in your community? An online master's degree in public health and human services can position you for a career as a health educator or public health administrator.
Online universities have emerged as a major provider of graduate degrees, since they allow bachelor's degree holders to continue their education online while working. Public health master's degrees are especially in demand lately. An online master's degree qualifies healthcare workers to transition into the public health sector.
Earning a Public Health Master Degree Online
Public health master's degree programs incorporate both academic coursework and fieldwork. Students spend the first year taking classes in:
- Environmental health
- Biostatistics
- Health services administration
- Epidemiology
- Applied statistics for health sciences
- Health promotion
During the second year of their programs, students begin self-directed field research projects. The online university may help coordinate these projects, offering internships and access to a network of public health professionals--or students may develop their own independent fieldwork.
The Benefits of an Online Master Degree
Online university students often find that their master's degree enhances their current jobs. Their master's thesis or capstone project evolves naturally as they apply their academic coursework in their professional lives.
This connection between academic and applied education is just one of the benefits of earning a master's degree online. You'll also enjoy access to your university's network of public health professionals, and swap experience with peers nationwide.
The public health sector is enjoying strong job prospects; with an online master degree, you can steer your career toward them.
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Public Health Administrators"
About the Author
Clare Kaufman works as a writer and editor for an online media company. She has completed a graduate degree in English.
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