Public health improves and protects the health of individuals and communities through research on injury and disease prevention, promotion of healthy lifestyles, education, and responding to health emergencies. Public health professionals examine how personal choice, environment and genetics impact personal well-being. By analyzing these factors and developing policies and interventions that protect community health, public health experts can reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life for entire populations.
The online Master of Public Health (MPH) – General program from Eastern Washington University (EWU) provides valuable expertise to improve public health and make a difference in communities. This online degree program offers students a broad array of career options and the ability to create meaningful impact by slowing disease spread, educating individuals and increasing life expectancy.
The Optimistic Future of the Field of Public Health
Healthcare focuses on treating injured or ill patients, while public health strives to prevent and reduce health risks to the general population. Public health is a growing multidisciplinary field of professionals from diverse educational backgrounds who work in government agencies, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, private companies and nonprofit agencies. The field of public health unites complementary disciplines and supports professions in assorted medical, scientific, government and research contexts.
Contemporary public health systems face evolving challenges, from emerging infectious diseases to chronic health conditions and health equity concerns. The future will require new health priorities, agendas, approaches, technology and research to meet these demands. Public health professionals continue to advance solutions through development of new medicines and vaccines, implementation of evidence-based interventions and establishment of effective public health policies and protocols.
Public Health Career Outlook and Employment Growth
Careers in public health suit those interested in healthcare but who want to work outside of clinical medicine. Career trajectories can vary widely, from public health education to biostatistics and epidemiology.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in healthcare and social assistance occupations will increase 8.4% from 2024 to 2034. Specifically, BLS estimates community health workers will see 11% growth through 2034, and employment of epidemiologists will increase 16% over the same time period. All of these growth rates are significantly faster than the average job growth rate.
An Online Master of Public Health Program
The future of public health will see a high demand for community health professionals and innovations in public health strategy, involving equity initiatives, primary prevention, social ecology and sustainable health systems. EWU’s online MPH program prepares students to examine and address the sociological aspects of healthcare inequities. Coursework incorporates an integrated learning experience to match theory with real-world application. The program also focuses on global health and rural communities to provide a well-rounded view of public health education.
Students in EWU’s online MPH program learn to assess outcomes addressing public health concerns, analyze public health issues, apply funding concepts to public health initiatives and develop interventions to meet public health needs. Comprehensive coursework prepares graduates to pursue in-demand careers, such as contact tracer, public health educator, health education specialist, community health worker, biostatistician and community health advisor.
Learn more about Eastern Washington University’s online Master of Public Health – General program.
