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Public Health Careers | Master of Public Health | OU Online

Career Opportunities in Public Health

Earning a Master of Public Health in Population and Community Health degree from the University of Oklahoma will give you the skills you need to succeed in one of the fastest-growing fields in the nation.

Developed in partnership with the OU Hudson College of Public Health, the 100-percent online MPH graduate program was designed to give graduate students and professionals already in the healthcare industry the tools to understand and navigate the growing importance of population health and improve health outcomes in their communities.

Whether your interests are at the global, national, or local level, as a leader in the healthcare field, you'll play a vital role in building safer, healthier communities.

Admission Deadline

Rolling admissions (applications due 14 days before the intended start date).

Program Start Terms

Fall, Spring, Summer

Academic Calendar

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Are Public Health Jobs in Demand?

The healthcare field is one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Overall employment for healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2032. About 1.8 million openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.

Graduating with an MPH in Population and Community Health will set you apart in a field with an average annual salary of $76,200, according to a 2022 Emsi Burning Glass report.

Percent change in employment, 2022-32

epidemiologist 27%; community health workers 14%; health education specialists 7%; all jobs nationwide 3%

What Jobs Can I Get with a Public Health Degree?

Public health graduates can find employment in various sectors, such as government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare institutions, and private companies. Most entry-level jobs require a bachelor's degree and less than five years of experience, meaning you can start working in your new field while gaining the knowledge you'll need to lead in this expanding industry.

As a graduate with a degree in public health, you can find employment in various areas based on your interests, concentrations and career goals.

  • Public Health Administrator/Director
  • Epidemiologist
  • Health Educator
  • Health Data Analyst
  • Community Health Worker
  • Biostatistician
  • Health Policy Advocate
  • Healthcare Researcher
  • Global Health Specialist
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Health Informatics Specialist
  • Healthcare Consultant
  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
  • Nonprofit or NGO Program Manager
  • Health Communications Specialist
  • Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordinator
  • Maternal and Child Health Specialist

How Much Can I Earn?

Job Title

Median Salary

Projected Change

Public Health Administrator/Director$104,83028%
Biostatistician (mathematician/statistician)$99,96030%
Epidemiologist$78,52027%
Environmental Health Specialist$76,4806%
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist$75,24013%
Health Educator$59,9907%
Community Health Worker$46,19014%

Median Annual Wages

Medical and Health Service Managers, Nationwide $104,830; other management occupations $99,740; Total all Occupations  $46,310

Why a Public Health Degree from OU?

OU's online Master of Public Health in Population and Community Health program is led by the multidisciplinary faculty from the OU's Hudson College of Public Health, the only accredited public health college in Oklahoma and one of only 67 CEPH-accredited schools of public health in the nation. 

The Hudson College of Public Health has strong working partnerships with state, national, and international health agencies, providing you with rich opportunities for fieldwork experiences and multidisciplinary projects. By getting your degree from an accredited college of public health, you'll also be eligible to sit for the National Board of Public Health Examiners exam to become certified in public health. 

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Why OU Online?

We are a top-tier public institution offering high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs committed to maintaining academic excellence online.

Our Online Programs

Every OU Online program is built on the foundation of world-class faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

Our OU Family

When you graduate from an OU Online program, you’ll join the network of 250,000 OU alumni and be forever part of the OU family. Become part of the tradition of excellence that OU has established in its 130-year history.

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