What Can You Do With A
Public Health Degree
Public health professionals regulate and evaluate the health and wellness needs of the general public by focusing on numerous ways to improve health and prevent diseases and other health problems. With a public health degree, you can work with different organizations to promote healthy habits of individuals, families, and society.
Public health professionals implement policies and tackle complex health issues, improving health care services and systems.
Typical employers for Public Health graduates
9 Career Options
- Public Health Project Manager
- Epidemiologist
- Community Health Educator
- Health and Safety Specialist and Technician
- Biostatistician
- Emergency Management Director
- Health and Wellness Manager
- Health Promotion Coordinator
- Health Teacher
What they do
To enhance the health and overall welling of society, Public Health Project Managers develop and oversee the implementation of numerous public health plans. They help to overcome unexpected problems, manage finances, and achieve the objectives of the projects. Public Health Project Manager work in research institutions, government agencies, and NGOs.
How to become one
You will typically need at least a Bachelor’s degree to become a Public Health Project Manager. However, employers would prefer graduates with a Master’s degree.
How much they make
The average annual income of a Public Health Project Manager is around $73,900.
What they do
Epidemiologists research and investigate the patterns and causes of communicable diseases to reduce or eliminate their negative health impact. They conduct studies on public health issues and analyze the data to identify the cause and its prevention.
There are two different areas in this field – applied epidemiology and research epidemiology. Applied epidemiologists work in local government and state agencies. The research epidemiologists work with federal agencies or universities. Learn more about what’s it like working as an Epidemiologist.
How to become one
To enter this field, you need a Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field. Around 60% of Epidemiologists we surveyed said they have a Master’s degree. If you are looking to conduct and lead research projects, you will need a Ph.D. degree.
How much they make
As an entry-level Epidemiologists, you can expect to make anywhere between $42,000 to $55,000 per year. The average annual salary of Epidemiologists is $83620. Learn more about how much do Epidemiologists make.
What they do
The main responsibility of the Community and Public Health Workers or educators is to spread health and wellness awareness in the community. They create educational events and programs to train health care professionals and advocate for enhanced public health resources. Learn more about what’s it like working as a Community Health Educator.
How to become one
To work as a Community Health or Public Health Worker, you need a Bachelor’s degree. Around 52% of Community Health Workers we surveyed said they have a Bachelor’s degree. While only 15% said they have a Master’s degree. Some employers look for additional certifications.
How much they make
The average salary of a Community Health Educator is around $46000 per year. Fresh graduates in this field can expect to make between $26,000 to $33,000 per year. Learn more about how much do Community Health Educators make.
What they do
They gather data in order to promote a safe environment by inspecting workplaces. They ensure that employers are following federal and state safety regulations. The technicians focus more on the scientific side of a problem. They conduct tests and measure hazards to make sure the employees aren’t exposed to toxins. Learn more about what’s it like working as a Health and Safety Specialist.
How to become one
You can work as a technician with an Associate’s degree with some additional training, but a Bachelor’s degree is required to work as a specialist. 60% of OHS Specialists said they have a Bachelor’s degree.
How much they make
As a fresh graduate in this field, you can expect to make between $32,000 to $40,000 per year. The average annual salary of a Health and Safety Technician is around $57870. Learn more about how much do OHS Specialists and Technicians make.
What they do
Biostatisticians play an integral role in public health research. They create surveys, questionnaires, and experiments to gather data regarding health and people. Once the data is gathered, they analyze it and generate reports to explain the findings. These statisticians work in numerous fields, particularly research and development, healthcare, and government. Learn more about what’s it like working as a Biostatistician.
How to become one
For some entry-level jobs, a Bachelor’s degree is sufficient. However, most of Biostatistician jobs require a Master’s degree that includes coursework in mathematics and statistics. 84% of Biostatisticians we surveyed said they either have a Master’s degree or Ph.D.
How much they make
Entry-level Biostatisticians with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $53,000 to $68,000 per year. The average salary of a Biostatistician is around $97170 per year. Learn more about how much do Biostatisticians make.
What they do
The main responsibility of the Emergency Management Director is to create plans in response to natural disasters and other crises. They reduce the risk and threats to the general public by analyzing hazards and creating measures. They collaborate with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other officials. Learn more about what’s it like working as an Emergency Management Director.
How to become one
A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or Emergency Management is recommended. Any experience in working in disaster planning, emergency preparedness, and public health administration will help a lot in finding a job as one. 52% of Emergency Management Directors we surveyed said they have a Bachelor’s degree.
How much they make
Entry-level Emergency Management Directors who are just getting started in the field can expect to make anywhere between $40,500 to $53,600 per year. Their average annual salary is around $84310.
What they do
These managers supervise the health and wellness plans for groups, like medical centers, universities, and corporations, ensuring these plans are properly implemented. Many health and wellness managers also offer seminars or classes to spread awareness. They also have to conduct research to determine the success rate of the implemented plans.
How to become one
You need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Exercise Science, or a closely related field. Most employers would prefer graduates with a Master’s degree.
How much they make
The average annual salary of a Health and Wellness Manager is around $96,500.
What they do
These professionals plan and manage public health promotional programs by working closely with researchers and program developers. They create educational materials and may also be required to apply for grant money to fund the programs. The health promotion coordinators work for universities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
How to become one
You need a Bachelor’s degree for an entry-level role.
How much they make
The average annual salary of a Health Promotion Coordinator is around $67,000.
What they do
Health Teachers teach students to understand the health issues and ways they can follow a healthy lifestyle. They might educate them with general courses or might teach specialized areas, like disease prevention, physical fitness, sexual health, or mental health.
How to become one
You need a Master’s degree to become a Health Teacher at a school or university. Some universities might require a Ph.D. in Public Health or a specialized health field.
How much they make
The average annual salary of Health Teachers is around $56,000.