If you want to get into public health, you will want to learn about what it is before you graduate. It is important to learn what you can about the different opportunities so that you can make a more informed decision when you decide what you want to do with your life. You can research different jobs that public health officials do. They improve the communities by educating them, teaching them how to live more healthy lifestyles, and researching disease and injury prevention.
Behavioral Science and Health Education
In this field, officials are responsible for stopping deadly diseases from spreading by creating educational programs. You will spend your time developing skills that allow you to create, implement, and consider different programs that are designed to teach communities how to live healthy lifestyles. You can earn an average salary of $45,830 each year, with those in the top 10% earning $81,400. You will get a BA in health education and then an MPH (master of public health).
Biostatistics
Another career choice is Biostatistics. In this field, you use statistics to learn about health trends, and then you get them to implement measures that can save lives. You create surveys, design experiments, and conduct polls to collect data about health conditions in local communities. Then, you evaluate the data. The average salary is $72,800, and you will earn a BA in math or statistics, followed by an MPH with a focus on biostatistics.
Environmental Health
In this field, you study the impact of the environment on the health of people all over the world. You will look at environmental problems that lead to public health concerns, and then you come up with solutions. The median salary is $61,700, and you need a BA in environmental science, along with an advanced degree in natural science or an MPH.
Other Fields
There are other fields to consider, including the following:
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Emergency services
Once you know which field interests you, you can look for experience in public health. You can volunteer at a health clinic or hospital, or you can volunteer for a nonprofit organization. This is the best way to learn more about public health while you are earning your degree.