What do you do with an MPH?

[Anonymous]

Nothing you couldn't do better with an Econ grad degree or even an MBA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing you couldn't do better with an Econ grad degree or even an MBA.

+1 Note the perky MDs and JDs popping in with their thumbs up about it. It’s the least skills-based and least paid of all of the options.

[Anonymous]

I work at a pharma doing clinical research trials/data management...

[Anonymous]

I work in health policy research with my MPH

[Anonymous]

I have my MPH and work as a director of grants and contracts. Job requirement included having a masters in a related field. So I am glad I have my MPH!

[Anonymous]

I have worked in non profits and associations. Not really doing an jobs that needed an MPH though!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing you couldn't do better with an Econ grad degree or even an MBA.

We’d never hire an MBA or Econ for what we do. Have they studied epidemiology of infectious diseases? Can they write me a strategy for increasing uptake of HIV prophylaxis based on audience segmentation and then write frame out the messaging for the TV drama we are producing? Can they explain the theoretical grounding and create the logic framework for the infant mortality intervention? No. But the MPH can. That’s who I hire.

Now, the MBA and economist might each get different jobs in health, and they will probably pay more than we do. But I need public health training for my staff.

[Anonymous]

This sound as bad as Master's of Social Work

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nothing you couldn't do better with an Econ grad degree or even an MBA.

We’d never hire an MBA or Econ for what we do. Have they studied epidemiology of infectious diseases? Can they write me a strategy for increasing uptake of HIV prophylaxis based on audience segmentation and then write frame out the messaging for the TV drama we are producing? Can they explain the theoretical grounding and create the logic framework for the infant mortality intervention? No. But the MPH can. That’s who I hire.

Now, the MBA and economist might each get different jobs in health, and they will probably pay more than we do. But I need public health training for my staff.

🙄 A two year MS in epidemiology gives a strong epidemiology foundation. An MPH basically has a one year long epi class. It’s a very broad and general degree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nothing you couldn't do better with an Econ grad degree or even an MBA.

We’d never hire an MBA or Econ for what we do. Have they studied epidemiology of infectious diseases? Can they write me a strategy for increasing uptake of HIV prophylaxis based on audience segmentation and then write frame out the messaging for the TV drama we are producing? Can they explain the theoretical grounding and create the logic framework for the infant mortality intervention? No. But the MPH can. That’s who I hire.

Now, the MBA and economist might each get different jobs in health, and they will probably pay more than we do. But I need public health training for my staff.

🙄 A two year MS in epidemiology gives a strong epidemiology foundation. An MPH basically has a one year long epi class. It’s a very broad and general degree.

Right, but I don’t need an epidemiologist or an MBA or an economist. I need public health professionals who understand public health data and can use it, but don’t necessarily generate it. Why do you think you know what my field needs more than I do? That’s some hubris you’ve got going on there.

[Anonymous]

I know an MD who did consulting at one point, someone at USAID, and someone who was at RTI.

[Anonymous]

Measure velocity?

[Anonymous]

If she wants to work with those populations, I would do a MSW. If she wants to do research with those populations, I would do a MPH.

- a social worker who works with a LOT of MPH co-workers

[Anonymous]

OP here -- thanks so much to the posters with experience and first-hand knowledge of public health. I appreciate your sharing your perspective insights.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Poorly paid and disrespected

People who work to benefit the disadvantaged and marginalized in a capitalist society are often underpaid.

Would you admire someone who got rich selling cigarettes more?

It is all about values, and you have revealed yours.