Exploring Careers in Public Health: Your Path to Impact and Opportunity
by Catherine Kerley
If you’re passionate about improving lives and creating healthier communities, a career in public health might be your calling. With the healthcare sector rapidly expanding, the demand for skilled public health professionals is higher than ever.
The University of Oklahoma’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community and Population Health is designed to prepare you for a meaningful career in this dynamic field.
Led by world-class faculty from OU’s Hudson College of Public Health, the only accredited public health college in Oklahoma, the program emphasizes a deeper understanding of population health and community health.
Why Public Health?
Public health professionals play a vital role in addressing health challenges at local, national, and global levels. Whether it’s managing disease outbreaks, promoting wellness, or shaping health policy, their work directly impacts the well-being of entire populations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in healthcare are projected to grow much faster than average through 2033, with about 1.9 million job openings expected each year. This growth is driven by both new job creation and the need to replace retiring workers.
Diverse Career Paths
Graduates with an MPH in Community and Population Health can pursue a wide range of jobs across government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare systems, and private organizations.
Here are just a few of the career options available:
- Public Health Administrator/Director
- Epidemiologist
- Health Educator
- Health Data Analyst
- Community Health Worker
- Biostatistician
- Health Policy Advocate
- Healthcare Researcher
- Global Health Specialist
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Healthcare Consultant
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Nonprofit or NGO Program Manager
- Health Communications Specialist
- Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordinator
- Maternal and Child Health Specialist
Earning Potential
Public health careers are not only fulfilling—they’re financially rewarding. Here’s what you can expect:
- Public Health Administrator/Director: Median salary of $117,960 with a projected 29% job growth
- Biostatistician: Median salary of $104,350 with a projected 11% job growth
- Epidemiologist: Median salary of $83,980 with a projected 19% job growth
A career in public health has a ripple effect – every program you develop, every policy you influence, and every community you serve creates waves of positive change that extend far beyond what you might initially see. In a world facing complex health challenges, from aging populations to emerging diseases, public health professionals aren’t just building careers—they’re building the infrastructure that protects and promotes the well-being of future generations.
To learn more about OU’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community and Population Health or other online programs offered at OU, visit the OU Online website.
