Is a degree in public health worth it?
While doctors and nurses are important to the health and wellbeing of our communities, a significant portion of the progress we see each year comes from the efforts of public health workers and officials. With a degree in public health, you may learn skills to help drive meaningful change and empower people and communities to be healthier and happier.
Learn about the benefits and potential salaries associated with earning a bachelor's in public health degree to help you determine if pursuing one is worthwhile for you.
What is a bachelor's degree in public health?
A bachelor's degree in public health is a four-year program designed to prepare students for a wide array of careers in the public health sector. A public health degree can be used as a prerequisite for medical school, but it also can be used to prepare you for several other careers in the private and government sectors.
Some of the topics covered while earning a bachelor's in public health degree include:
- Environmental health
- Health administration
- Chemistry
- Global health
- Social determinants of health
Additionally, some public health degree programs may allow students to concentrate their studies in a specific area of health, such as epidemiology, health policy and management, environmental health, or emergency management.
Benefits of a bachelor's degree in public health
Besides being a strong prerequisite for advanced schooling, a degree in public health comes with many additional benefits, including:
- Unique opportunities in private, nonprofit, and government agencies
- Direct pathways to an industry that is poised to continue growing rapidly
- Involvement in initiatives that impact the health and happiness of your local, national, or global community
- Opportunities to impact policy on a national and global scale to combat disease, strengthen disaster relief efforts, and contribute to social change
How much money can you make with a bachelor's degree in public health?
When it comes to job opportunities with a bachelor's degree in public health, several career pathways may be available. Here are a few common options, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Environmental health specialist
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$78,980
- Projected employment growth (2023–33): 7%
Health education specialist
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$62,860
- Projected employment growth (2023–33): 7%
Community health worker
- Median annual salary (May 2023):$48,200
- Projected employment growth (2023–33): 13%