What do you get for an MPH?

by Jon Scaccia December 4, 2024

Imagine you’ve invested years in earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, hoping to climb the career ladder and make a meaningful impact in your field. But what if the reality of the job market doesn’t align with these aspirations?

This question drove a recent study from the University of Haifa in Israel, which aimed to understand how MPH graduates feel about the degree’s impact on their careers, skill development, and overall job satisfaction. By diving into the experiences of graduates, this study sheds light on the value of the MPH degree in the public health field and where there might be room for improvement.

This mixed-method study used surveys and interviews with alumni from 2005 to 2022. The study found that while many graduates felt more competent and holistic in their approach to health, they also faced barriers that prevented them from fully leveraging their new skills. These insights reveal essential takeaways for public health practitioners, academic institutions, and policymakers—and underscore an urgent need for change.

MPH Degree: A Pathway to Competence but Not Always to Promotion

So, what did the study uncover? For many graduates, the MPH degree contributed significantly to their personal and professional growth. About 63.8% of alumni said that the degree improved their job performance, enabling them to bring a more comprehensive, scientifically grounded approach to their roles. For example, graduates trained in health promotion or nutritional therapy were better prepared to design and implement public health interventions, addressing health issues on a community level rather than an individual basis.

However, only 35% felt that the degree helped them earn a promotion or a salary increase. Surprisingly, 80.3% of the respondents had not changed jobs after earning their MPH. This disparity points to a critical challenge: while graduates are more skilled and knowledgeable, their career opportunities don’t always match their qualifications. This challenge creates a gap between academic preparation and real-world job advancement, leaving many graduates feeling stagnant in their roles despite their enhanced competencies.

Bridging the Gap: Addressing Missing Competencies

Another significant finding from the interviews was a perceived lack of certain essential competencies that would make graduates more competitive in the job market. Many alumni reported that their programs didn’t fully prepare them for the managerial, epidemiological, or marketing aspects of public health roles. This gap means that graduates often feel under-equipped to take on leadership roles or effectively communicate public health initiatives—a crucial aspect of improving public health systems.

The impact of this gap is felt across the public health workforce. For example, without strong managerial and communication skills, MPH graduates may struggle to mobilize resources or advocate effectively for public health policies. This gap underscores an urgent need for public health programs to continually evolve and align their curricula with the demands of a rapidly changing health landscape.

Barriers in the Job Market: Salaries and Job Requirements

Graduates also reported facing challenges when trying to apply their MPH skills in the job market. Many public health positions don’t actually require an MPH degree, which can limit job options and hinder salary growth for MPH graduates. With salaries in the public health sector often lower than those in clinical healthcare roles, there’s little financial incentive to pursue these positions, even if they align with graduates’ passions and expertise.

For instance, an epidemiologist role in the public sector may offer a lower salary compared to a clinical position in a hospital. As a result, some graduates remain in their current roles, unable to justify the switch to a lower-paying job in public health despite their desire to make a broader impact.

The Role of Public Health Programs and Employers

The findings from this study highlight an urgent need for public health programs to better prepare graduates for the realities of the job market. Schools could benefit from deeper collaboration with public health employers to understand the skills and competencies in demand, enabling them to refine their curricula accordingly. Adding practical courses on topics like leadership, data analysis, and public health marketing could give students a competitive edge and better equip them for the diverse roles awaiting them after graduation.

Moreover, building bridges between academic institutions and the public health sector could help create clearer career pathways for MPH graduates. For instance, universities could offer job placement support or establish a job-sharing platform where public health organizations post job openings and MPH alumni network with potential employers. This could be a game-changer in helping MPH graduates find fulfilling roles that align with their training and ambitions.

Join the Conversation

As we reflect on these findings, we invite you to consider your experiences or observations:

• How can public health programs better align with the demands of the public health workforce?
• What competencies do you think are essential for today’s public health professionals?

Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media to help shape the future of public health education and career development.

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