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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Attending a CEPH-accredited School or Program of Public Health

  What is the accrediting body for Schools and Programs of Public Health?

  The accrediting body for schools of public health is the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the US Department of Education to accredit schools and programs of public health based on a uniform set of standards. These schools and programs prepare students for entry into careers in public health. For more information, visit CEPH’s web site at www.ceph.org.

  Why should I attend a CEPH-accredited School or Program of Public Health?

  Many employers, particularly in the public sector, require a degree from a CEPH-accredited school or program. There are many federal fellowship programs which also only will accept graduates of CEPH-accredited institutions. Graduates from non- CEPH-accredited institutions are not eligible for the CPH exam which may further limit employment opportunities for those who do not attend a school or program of public health.

  What are the areas of study in public health?

  The five core areas of study are:

  • Biostatistics – The use of statistical methodology for analyzing health related data.
  • Epidemiology – The study of the distribution and determinants of disease and disability in populations.
  • Health Services Administration – The study of health care systems, health care reform, health law, financial management, clinic management, and policy analysis.
  • Health Education/Behavioral Science – The practice of selecting, applying and monitoring appropriate behavioral, social and political change strategies to enhance the health of populations.
  • Environmental Health – The study of issues associated with the adverse chemical, physical and biologic agents in the environment on human health.

  In additional, many schools offer many other concentrations, including:

  • Global Health
  • Maternal & Child Health
  • Nutrition
  • Public Health Practice/Program Management
  • Biomedical Laboratory Science

  What are the degree options in public health?

  Professional degrees are oriented towards practice in public health settings. The MPH, DrPH, and MHA are examples of degrees which are geared towards people who want careers as practitioners of public health in health departments, managed care organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, consulting firms, international agencies, state and federal agencies, among others.
  Academic degrees are more oriented toward students wishing to seek a career in teaching at a college or university or conducting research at a university or other settings. Examples of academic degrees are the MS, PhD, and ScD.

  How do dual degree programs work?

  There are dozens of dual degree programs at CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health. In some cases, the student will take the coursework for each degree sequentially. On other cases, the student will take a year off to complete his/her MPH coursework. Finally, there are programs which allow the student to take coursework simultaneously. Applicants should decide which dual degree program he/she is interested in and then speak to the school or program of public health for more specific information.

  How much is tuition and what is the duration of an education in public health?

  The average yearly cost of education including tuition and fees in 2008-2009 was $16,236 for in-state tuition and fees and $23,518 for out-of-state tuition and fees; and the median for in-state was $12,426 and $22,134 for out-of-state. For in-state, the range is from $4,054 per year to $51,000; and $10,171 to $51,000 for out-of-state. Most master’s programs are two years in length, and these figures are based on a two-year completion of degree. However, there are also accelerated programs, programs for part-time students, etc.

  Which CEPH-accredited Schools and Programs of Public Health have programs with the Peace Corps?

  A list of schools and programs which have programs with Peace Corps can be found at: http://www.sophas.org/peacecorps.cfm

• Getting accepted into a CEPH-accredited School or Program of Public Health

  What undergraduate major does a student need to be accepted to a school or program of public health?

  It depends on what area of public health you are interested in studying. Students of public health come from a variety of educational backgrounds; a quality undergraduate education will be a plus for any applicant.

  There is virtually no undergraduate major which would render an applicant ineligible to attend a school or program of public health. Applicants from every background from theatre majors to English majors to business majors are accepted. However, there are some undergraduate majors that can be beneficial when applying to a school of public health. For example, for those interested in epidemiology or biostatistics, a math major or basic science major is ideal. For Behavioral Sciences or Health Education, social sciences such as sociology, psychology or anthropology could be considered as a major. For studying Health Services Administration, a business administration, or political science background may be helpful. For those who want to study Environmental Health, many have a degree in either a biology chemistry or environmental studies. Maternal and Child Health lends itself to both biology and social sciences.

  All CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health require competence in quantitative abilities and effective communication (both verbal and written); therefore, students should try to take advantage of undergraduate opportunities to hone these skills.

  What are the average GPA/GRE scores of accepted students?

  Schools and programs of public health do not publish minimum requirements because they holistically review applications. This means they look at the total applicant, not just a set of test scores or a certain GPA. The schools and programs look for applicants who demonstrate both a passion for public health in their experience and statement of interest but also academic ability to complete the required coursework. They also look at the progression of academic records. For example, an applicant with a low overall GPA will fare better in the review process if their FR/SO GPA was low but their JR/SR GPA was significantly higher. Similarly, an applicant who took the GRE and did better the second time will do better than the reverse.

  How many credits of science and math are required prior to admission?

  While there are generally no prerequisites, applicants should keep in mind that the core curriculum for all CEPH-accredited schools and programs is strongly quantitative based. Upon matriculation students will take core courses such as Biostatistics and Epidemiology.  Students will want to be as prepared as possible for the challenging curriculum.

  In addition, some prerequisites may make you a stronger candidate for specific programs. For example, applicants interested in Environmental Health may fare better with several lab based science classes or work experience in the sciences. Similarly, applicants for biostatistics may fare better with several advanced math courses.

  What does the successful applicant look like?

  Applicants come from a variety of academic backgrounds and myriad life experiences, which is integral to the interdisciplinary nature of public health. The ideal successful applicant has a solid academic background and can demonstrate a passion for public health through both their statement of interest and at least some volunteer/community service experience. An ideal applicant has excellent academic credentials (GPA and GRE scores) and direct experience in public health.

  How important is experience in public health before beginning the application process?

  Direct experience is not required for most academic programs, though there are some exceptions. In most cases, the schools of public health like to see experience in public health via community service, work experience or volunteer opportunities. These experiences not only ensure the schools that he applicant understands what the field of public health is but they also add to the classroom experience for the applicant and other students.

  Is research experience important for those students applying to a CEPH-accredited School or Program of Public Health?

  Research experience is not necessary, though schools and programs look favorably on applicants with research experience.

  How can an applicant get experience in public health?

  There are many options for individuals who are looking to get experience before applying to a school or program of public health.

  Working part-time or full-time at a hospital or health clinic, such as working on an immunization program, a reproductive health clinic or a health promotion program.

  Volunteering for a non-profit direct services organization such as a Whitman-Walker clinic or a local chapter of the American Red Cross.

  Working at a non-profit organization that is directly involved in public health advocacy and policy.

  Working or volunteering for a local health department. Taking an internship at a U.S. federal agency via the Student Educational Employment Program

  Exploring options provided by public service organizations such as www.peacecorps.org , www.americorps.org , www.idealist.org , www.teachforamerica.org  or Path Internship .

  Some schools and programs have classes for future students that offer opportunities to get experience before applying to graduate school, so it is advisable to also contact schools and programs of public health directly to inquire about such programs.

  Are there any CEPH-accredited School or Program of Public Health that offer financial aid for MPH programs?

  Schools and programs may offer need-based and/or merit based financial aid which is usually tied to a financial aid application.  Applicants should research the schools websites for more information.  Also, some schools and programs that participate in the Peace Corps Fellowship or Master’s International Program may also offer additional assistance.  All applicants are encouraged to seek external funding opportunities through sources such as www.explorehelathcareers.org and http://www.aauw.org/.

  What’s the difference between an MPH and a MSPH or MHS or any of these masters programs?

  Schools adn programs of public health offer a variety of degrees which generally fall into two categories: professional or academic.

  Professional degrees are oriented towards practice in public health settings. The MPH, DrPH, and MHA are examples of degrees which are geared towards people who want careers as practitioners of public health in health departments, managed care organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, consulting firms, international agencies, state and federal agencies, among others.

  Academic degrees are more oriented toward students wishing to seek a career in teaching at a college or university or conducting research at a university or other settings. Examples of academic degrees are the MS, PhD, and ScD.

  Each school of public health can adjust their degree programs. Please check with the individual schools for more information on what they offer.

• Careers in public health

  What is the average salary of an MPH graduate?

  Because public health professionals work in such a wide variety of settings and are often work in multi-disciplinary capacities, the salaries vary significantly from job to job. There is currently no national data available to ASPPH on the average starting salary that is representative of what a graduate can expect. However, career offices of schools of public health may be able to provide this information for their graduates. Another resource to identify current salaries is http://www.publichealthjobs.net/.

  Where do graduates of CEPH-accredited Schools and Programs of Public Health find jobs?

  Students from CEPH-accredited Schools and Programs of Public Health have gone on to a variety of different fields after graduation. The following are statistics for recent graduates:

  • 23% moved into a hospital or other health care setting
  • 15% work for the federal, state, or local government.
  • 15% remained in a university or college setting, working as faculty or staff
  • 13% are continuing their academic training
  • 9% are with industrial or commercial firms
  • 9% are unemployed, but seeking employment
  • 7% are with an association, foundation, NGO, or non-profit
  • 3% of graduates moved into a non-health-related field
  • 2% are unemployed and not seeking employment
  • 2% are working in an uncategorized field
  • 1% work for or are in the military
  • 1% are self-employed