Public Health

Occupational Description

Public health is an interdisciplinary field that addresses the physical, mental and environmental health concerns of communities and populations. Its focus is on prevention of injury and disease in populations rather than centering on a single individual. The field of public health achieves its goals through health promotion and disease prevention with the final outcome being to improve the quality of life in target populations.

There are three core public health functions:

• Assessing and monitoring the health of communities and populations at risk to identify health problems and priorities;
• Formulating public health policies, in collaboration with community and government leaders, designed to solve local and national health problems; and
• Assuring that all populations have access to appropriate and cost-effective care, including health promotion and disease prevention services, and evaluating the effectiveness of that care.

Public health professionals are found in many different health care careers and encompass a variety of expertise and education. Public health is comprised of many professional disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, nutrition, social work, environmental sciences, health education, health services administration, and the behavioral sciences. In fact, many health professionals—nurses, doctors, researchers, therapists, counselors, and aides—work in public health.

Public health professionals work in a variety of locales, including traditional health departments, congressional staffs, government agencies such as HRSA, NIH, or CDC, and private sector groups such as managed care companies and advocacy groups.

Degrees

Professional degrees in public health have a greater orientation towards the practice of public health. The following degrees are examples of degrees which are geared towards those who want careers as practitioners of public health in traditional health departments, managed care organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, consulting firms, international agencies, state and federal agencies:

Masters in Public Health (MPH)
• This is the professional degree that is required by statute for public health professionals working in certain classifications in many areas and it is the oldest degree specifically identified with public health education.

Masters of Health Services Administration (MHSA)
• This professional degree is designed for those who aspire to obtain leadership positions in the administration, management, and planning of health services in public and private settings.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
• This professional degree is for persons with demonstrated ability and promise of leadership in public health.

Academic degrees are more oriented toward students wishing to seek a career in academics and research rather than public health practice. Examples of academic degree are:

Masters of Science (MS)
• This is designed for students pursuing an academic careers and often is a prelude to a Ph.D. program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• This academic degree is designed for students planning on becoming professors or researchers.

Each school of public health can tailor their degree programs significantly, so it is important to investigate individuals schools and their specific degree programs. For more information visit the Association of Schools of Public Health website.

Personal Skills & Characteristics

Working in public health requires compassion and the ability to work with diverse groups of people from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Attention to detail and organizational skills will assist public health workers in managing paperwork and documenting their services. Flexibility, problem-solving skills, and creativity also assist public health professionals in addressing emerging social issues and problems. It is important to be tactful and have the ability to communicate with others in a nonjudgmental manner.

Core Areas Of Study In Public Health & Earnings*

Biostatistics
• Use of statistical methodology for analyzing health-related data. ($33,000-$63,000)

Epidemiology
• Study of the distribution and determinants of disease and disability in populations ($38,175-$136,237)

Health Services Administration
• Study of health care systems, health care reform, health law, financial management, clinical management, and policy analysis. ($37,050-$161,400)

Health Education/Behavioral Sciences
• Practice of selecting, applying and monitoring appropriate behavioral, social and political change strategies to enhance the health of populations. ($33,000-$86,625)

Environmental Health
• Study of issues associated with the adverse chemical, physical and biological agents in the environment and their effect on human health. ($44,550-$143,700)

Additional Areas of Specialty in Public Health are:

International Health ($31,500-$86,625)

Nutrition ($31,500-$70,875)

Public Health Practice/Program Management ($41,175-$102,000)

Biomedical Laboratory ($31,500-$78,750)

* All the salary ranges provided represent actual salaries earned within one year of graduation, as reported by the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) nationwide survey of graduates.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services currently has over 300 programs, 64,750 employees and the FY 2009 operating budget for HHS is $737 billion. This indicates that public health and social services are a huge concern for this country.

Growth is predicted because of expanded services for the elderly, the mentally and physically disabled, and families in crisis. The increasing elderly population will generate a need for more social and community health services. In addition, the continuing influx of immigrants will continue to place demands on public health services and health education programs.

Despite the growth predictions, it should be noted that health care in general is experiencing some budget constraints, and public health is not excluded from the critical eyes of those who finance it. Many public health jobs depend on grants and government funding.

Planning Ahead

Since most public health programs have specific course requirements it is important to plan ahead to make sure all the necessary prerequisites are completed. It is also important to gain some hands-on experiences in various public health care settings.

The Career Center has a team of pre-health counselors to assist students with a preparation and application timeline that fits their circumstances. Appointments may be scheduled with a pre-health counselor by calling 734/764-7460 or stopping by the office at 3200 Student Activities Building.

Educational Requirements

Students entering public health come from all educational backgrounds so beneficial coursework will depend on what area of public health one is interested in studying. For example, if someone is interested in Epidemiology or Biostatistics, majoring in math or a basic science would be helpful. However, for Behavioral Science or Health Education a social science major like sociology, psychology or anthropology may prove more beneficial. The entrance requirements differ by school and program area, therefore it is important to contact the schools of interest directly to inquire about prerequisite coursework.

There are currently 41 accredited schools of public health as well as several associated schools awaiting accreditation. To see a full list of schools of public health, visit the ASPH website: http://www.asph.org/document.cfm?page=200

For general public health requirement questions contact a pre-health academic advisor in LSA. For school specific questions, contact the schools directly.

Preparation Beyond The Classroom

Before applying to schools of public health, consider obtaining volunteer or work experience in a variety of settings. At a hospital or health clinic, it may be possible to participate in an immunization or health promotion program. Volunteering with a non-profit agency that offers direct services, like a local chapter of the American Red Cross, will also provide some good experience. Investigate opportunities with any organization that is directly involved in public health advocacy and policy, or a local health department.

Connect with U of M alumni/ae for informational interviewing, networking, or job shadowing. Visit Alumni Networks at http://alumni.umich.edu/networking-tools

Application Process Overview

Students applying to public health programs are strongly encouraged to initiate their application process one year prior to when they plan to begin their academic program.

Admission committees for public health programs review credentials such as academic qualifications, transcripts, grade point average, personal statements, letters of reference, a personal interview, volunteer work, or shadowing experiences in public health. Keep in mind that these are general admissions criteria and other admissions requirements can vary from school to school.

For a list of public health programs visit: http://www.asph.org/document.cfm?page=200

The Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) allows for one centralized application to many of the schools of public health.  Currently, more than half out of the CEPH accredited schools of public health are participating in SOPHAS.

Standardized Tests

Since schools of public health encompass not only different professions, but also areas of specialty, a variety of admissions tests are accepted by individual programs. Please check with specific schools and departments regarding admission test requirements. The following are links to some common admission tests that may be required for schools of public health:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE is divided into the following sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing. The General Test measures analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, and writing skills in addition to the examinee's knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in each of the following areas: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences.

Graduate Management Admission Test
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized assessment that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. Schools use the test as one predictor of academic performance in an MBA or other graduate management program. The GMAT measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that have been developed over a long period of time through education and work. The GMAT consists of three main parts: the analytical writing assessment, the quantitative section, and verbal section.

Reference Letters

Many public health programs will require two to three letters of reference. Obtain at least one letter from an academic reference, but also consider collecting letters from employers, research and health-related volunteer supervisors.

The Career Center’s Reference Letter Service (RLS) offers University of Michigan students and alumni/ae the opportunity to have letters of reference on file to use in support of their employment and continuing education efforts. Open a reference letter file with the RLS.

Personal Statement Information

Personal statement requirements vary widely. Some programs request only one or two paragraphs about why you want to pursue graduate studies in public health. Others require five or six separate essays in which you are expected to write at length about your motivation for graduate study, your strengths and weaknesses, your greatest achievements, and solutions to hypothetical problems.

If you need assistance getting started on your personal statement or would welcome feedback on your draft, please schedule an advising appointment at The Career Center by calling 734/764-7460.

Interviews

Not all public health programs will require interviews, but they may decide to request one if they want further elaboration on an applicant's qualifications. Gather interview tips through available literature and interview programs sponsored by The Career Center. Schedule a videotaped mock interview at The Career Center, 3200 SAB (734/764-7460) to gain practice and confidence.

Admissions Update

For the last decade, the total number of applications reported by the schools of public health has been steadily increasing. Since 1997, applications have increased by 71 percent. In 2007, 31,716 applications were submitted. 71% of applicants were female and 29% were male.  Program areas with the highest number of applications were for: epidemiology (21.4%), health services administration (16.5%), other (12.2%), and health education/behavioral sciences (15%). 53% of the students were enrolled in an MPH program, 22.3% enrolled in other master’s degree programs, and 24.7% enrolled in doctoral degree programs.

Resources To Learn More

Links to Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. General information on public health as a career is available from:

Association of Schools of Public Health, 1101 15th Street NW, Suite 910, Washington DC 20005, (202) 296-1099, (202) 296-1252, info@asph.org
www.asph.org

American Public Health Association, 800 I Street NW, Washington, DC, 20001-3710, (202) 777-APHA (2742), (202) 777-2534, comments@apha.org
http://www.apha.org

Council on Education for Public Health, 800 Eye Street NW, Suite 202, Washington, DC 20001-3710, (202) 789-1050, (202) 789-1895 (fax)
http://www.ceph.org

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20201, (202) 619-0257, call toll free at 1-877-696-6775
http://www.hhs.gov

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