Public Health Degrees

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Why pursue a public health degree?

With a Master of Public Health (MPH), you expect to take courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences. This interdisciplinary curriculum ensures you acquire a well-rounded knowledge base for addressing health disparities, championing disease prevention, and enhancing the overall well-being of communities.

In an MPH program, you'll have the opportunity to develop essential skills including critical analysis, research, and effective communication. These skills enable you to evaluate and respond to the multifaceted challenges in public health.

After completing your degree, you'll have the flexibility to pursue a number of rewarding careers, such as epidemiologists, health policy analysts, public health administrators, global health specialists, or community health educators. An MPH degree opens doors in both the public and private sectors, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and international health organizations, allowing you to make significant contributions to improving the health and welfare of diverse communities and populations.

According to Lightcast's 2023 Jobs Report, public health professionals with a master's degree earn an average of $73,000, with specialized roles such as epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and health services managers earning higher salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects a 7.8% increase in public health jobs by 2032.

Benefits of earning a public health degree on Coursera

Designed to fit your schedule

All online degree programs are flexible, meaning you can complete coursework at your own pace while balancing your work and personal commitments.

Access world-class universities

Find affordable degree programs from an array of accredited universities. Learn from distinguished faculty and industry experts passionate about helping you achieve your goals.

Build in-demand job skills

Get job-ready with degree programs designed to develop real-world skills through hands-on learning experiences and industry partnerships.

Grow your network

Become part of a global learning community and establish strong relationships that can open new and unexpected opportunities throughout your career.

What do public health students have to say?

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Frequently asked questions

A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate program that prepares students with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle complex public health challenges. Within an MPH program, students typically take courses that cover a broad range of topics, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health care policy, and social and behavioral sciences. This curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of public health concerns, research methodologies, and disease prevention and health promotion strategies. Students often complete a practical experience with an approved external partner near the end of their degree program to apply their acquired knowledge in real-world settings.

On Coursera, you’ll find online public health degrees at the graduate level. To figure out which one might be best for you, it helps to first understand why you want to earn a degree and what you hope to get out of your education.

Beyond your larger goals, consider what you’ll learn and how you’ll learn it, as those factors can be important when it comes to determining the best program for you. Take time to review the various public health degree options on Coursera, paying particular attention to the “Academics” and “Student experience” sections for more information.

Yes, all online degree programs available on Coursera are directly conferred by accredited institutions. Accreditation is important because it shows that an institution meets rigorous academic standards, eases your ability to transfer credits, and helps employers validate the quality of education on your resume or application.