A step towards fostering community health and blending public service into professional growth.

A Master's in Public Health degree, or MPH, as it is popularly referred to, is a 1-2 year graduate-level program designed for students keen to stimulate public awareness about health and wellness. Students are trained to play pivotal roles in the government and other public sectors concerning raising awareness about diseases, their spread and prevention, and other vital health concerns that impact society at large. After securing an MPH degree from the US, graduates are likely to find jobs in healthcare facilities, government agencies, and non-profit organisations.

Why Study Master’s in Public Health in the USA?

A Master’s in Public Health in the USA is a highly sought-after degree among international students. The course helps prepare the students for a bright and lucrative career in community health and wellness. There are a couple of reasons why MPH in the USA is widely preferred over studying in other global locations:

  1. Universities and colleges in the US pride themselves on high-quality infrastructure, globally recognised courses, and educational practices that are well at par with other international study institutions.

  2. The public health job sector in the US is rapidly growing, welcoming course graduates every year to work in public and government healthcare settings and contribute to the overall betterment of society.

  3. US colleges offer a wide variety of courses in the domain of public health for students to choose from, as per their preferences and interests.

Public Health Courses in the USA for International Students

The MPH course in the USA is an ideal fit for those who aspire to practice as a public health practitioner in the government or public sector or for non-profit agencies. The course is offered at the postgraduate level for 1 or 2 years, depending on the curriculum designed. It equips students with advanced skills and interdisciplinary knowledge in finding solutions to common health issues that impact society at large, such as epidemics and infectious diseases. The Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) directly oversees the delivery of all public health courses in the USA at various universities and colleges.

The MPH degree imparted in the US offers the following specialisations as part of the course:

  1. Management Sciences

  2. Public Health Policy

  3. Biostatistics

  4. Biological Sciences

  5. Epidemiology

  6. Environmental Health

  7. Social and Behavioural Determinants of Health

  8. Public Health Problem Solving

Cost of Studying MPH in the USA for Indian Students

Indian students applying to US universities for a Master’s degree in Public Health can expect to invest an estimate of 14,500 USD - 75,000 USDper annum as tuition fees for the total duration of the course. This cost is exclusive to the total cost of living in the US, which covers accommodation, shopping, food, and other miscellaneous expenses while staying in the country.

Also Read- Cost of Studying in the USA

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Master’s in Public Health in the USA

Students who wish to pursue MPH in the US are required to check the following admission criteria before applying for the course:

  1. Bachelor’s of 3 years in a related and relevant field of study from an internationally renowned college or university anywhere in the world

  2. IELTS scorecard to establish proof of English proficiency

  3. A minimum of 1-year course completed in any of the following subjects - Algebra, General or Human Biology, and Calculus (may vary as per university and specialisation chosen as part of the course)

  4. A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0 (equivalent to 83-86%) secured in Bachelor’s

  5. GRE scorecard (as may be required by the university that you apply to)

In addition to meeting the above criteria, Master’s in Public Health in the USA requirements also demand the submission of the following documents from Indian students for obtaining a student visa to the country:

  1. Valid passport

  2. Proof of funds to support the cost of the program in the US

  3. IELTS scorecards as proof of English language proficiency

  4. GMAT or GRE scorecards (if required by the applied university)

  5. Marksheets of Bachelor’s and/or 10+2 (as may be required) or provisional certificates (as the case may be)

Top Universities / Colleges for MS in Public Health in the USA

The US has several top-class universities and colleges that offer high-class educational opportunities to international students aspiring to study MPH. Take a look at some of the top MPH universities in the USA, along with their QS World University Rankings 2023 .

Universities Offering MPH

QS World University Rank 2023

Next International Students Intake

Harvard University

5

Sep

University of Chicago

10

Sep

University of Pennsylvania

13

Sep

Yale University

18

Aug

Cornell University

20

Apr

Columbia University

22

Jan

Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023

Job Prospects in the USA After Pursuing Master’s in Public Health

International students after completing the course duration in Master's in Public Health can look forward to a host of work opportunities in the US. These jobs may open up in the country's public sector for international graduates eager to use their learned skills. Some of the most popular Master’s in Public Health jobs that are likely to be offered to fresh course graduates include:

  1. Health Specialists

  2. Public Health Analysts

  3. Epidemiologists

  4. Healthcare Consultants

  5. Healthcare Assistants

  6. Health and Safety Engineers

The average salary at the entry level after completing MPH in the US is estimated to be USD 76,000 and USD 637,000 per annum.

FAQs

1. What subjects are covered in the Master’s in Public Health program?

Some of the core subjects imparted as part of an MPH degree includes:

  1. Public Health Biology

  2. Demographic Transition

  3. Fundamentals of Occupational Health

  4. Principles of Human Nutrition

2. Are scholarships available for Indian students to pursue MPH in the USA?

Yes, the US offers Indian students a wide array of scholarship options to pursue MPH in the country, some of which are:

  1. HEST 2023 - Higher Education Scholarship Test for Indian Students

  2. Education Future International Scholarship - USA & Non-USA 2023

  3. K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad 2023

3. Can international students work while studying Master’s in the USA?

International students studying at US universities are authorised by US law to work under certain restricted conditions. Students can only work on the university’s designated campus for up to a total of 20 hours/per week.

4. What is the duration of a Master’s in Public Health in USA universities?

Most universities in the US offer an MPH degree for about 1 or 2 years. Some colleges may offer a short-term course of 1 year while others may cover detailed study in different domain specializations in a total duration of 2 years. It is best to check with the university you wish to apply to regarding its course duration for MPH.

5. What are the different specialisations available in MPH programs in the USA?

Some of the most popular specialisations on offer that you can choose from while pursuing an MPH degree are:

  1. Environmental Health Science

  2. Epidemiology

  3. Social and Behavioural Sciences

  4. Biostatistics and Informatics

  5. Health Services Administration

6. Is GRE/GMAT score required to apply for a Master's in Public Health in the USA?

A majority of US universities demand the GRE score of the applicant wanting to pursue an MPH in the country. However, this requirement may vary from one university to another.

7. Is an MPH degree from the USA valid in India?

Absolutely! Graduates from the US, after completing their course in Master's in Public Health, are eligible to apply for job positions in India in various hospitals, both government and private, health systems, NGOs, and also academic and research bodies.

8. How much IELTS score is required for MS in Public Health in the USA?

Students must secure a minimum of 6.5-7.0 score in IELTS to be considered eligible for applying for MPH courses in the US.

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