Getting a master’s degree in any field can be extremely expensive, unfortunately. Many workers in the public health field never go back to school for a master’s degree because they aren’t sure that they can justify the cost. The fact of the matter is, however, that in just a few years, you will have paid for your own education. With a master’s degree in public health, your earning potential will be much higher than those workers who have only a bachelor’s degree. While the cost of a master’s degree education can be high, it makes a lot of financial sense to go back to school.

The average salary you can expect with a master of public health (MPH) depends on a number of factors, least of which is not your job title once you enter the workforce. Here are examples of average salaries for those with a master’s degree in this field, by job:

• Clinical Research Coordinator: $47,997
• Epidemiologist: $48,198
• Health Educator: $43,207
• Healthcare Consultant: $67,101
• Non-Profit Organization Coordinator: $42,250
• Non-Profit Organization Executive Director: $66,616
• Research Assistant: $44,480

Keep in mind that you’ll also likely receive an annual bonus, which can range from $1000 to $25,000 per year or even more, depending on your position in the company and the company itself. As a master’s degree holder, you’ll be much more likely to receive higher annual bonuses. In addition, many people with master’s degree are offered more vacation time, better benefits packages, and other perks, so along with your salary, you’ll have these things to consider as well. On the other hand, with just a bachelor’s degree, you may only qualify for jobs that are hourly or that do not have very good vacation and benefits packages. You could also be passed up for key promotions, even if you have decades of experience working for the company.

The salary you’re offered when working in public health often depends on your location. Of course, if you live and work in a major city, you’ll have more job opportunities available to you, which are often attached to higher starting salaries. Where can you find the highest starting salaries? Again, that depends on the type of job you want. Many students in master’s degree programs for public health, however, go on to work as health service managers of some sort, and the tope metropolitan areas for that position, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, are as follows:

• Salinas, California: $131,500
• Lawrence/Methuen/Salem, Massachusetts/New Hampshire: $126,860
• Panama City/Lynn Haven, Florida: $125,580
• Burlington/South Burlington, Vermont: $123,290
• Seattle/Bellevue/Everett, Washington: $118,680

As you can see, there are locations across the United States paying good money for workers in the public health field, and as a master’s degree holder, you’ll be qualified for the top positions, which come attached to the top salaries.

Public health is the science of preventing disease and promoting health at the population level. Since the late 1970s, public health degrees (specifically the MPH) have evolved from a second degree for doctors and other medical professionals to a primary degree in its own right, with six core disciplines: behavioral science, biostatistics, environmental science, epidemiology, health education/promotion, and health services administration. These disciplines of public health are taught online by the schools listed below.

Master of Public Health MPH - Epidemiology MPH - Intl Public Health MPH - Health Systems Mgmt	Liverpool University: The University of Liverpool MPH programs feature three programs, including epidemiology, health systems management, and international public health. The university features a modular system that allows for students the flexibility of obtaining credits at partner institutions and applying them to the Liverpool program.
Master of Public Health	Walden University: Walden University's Master of Public Health degree program is designed to fill the increasing need for health professionals that are knowledgeable on the development of healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. The program provides a core education in the public health field, uses a real-world teaching methodology, has industry leading professors, and a practical fieldwork practicum.
Master of Public Health MPH - Disaster Mgmt MPH - Health Education MPH - Health Mgmt & Policy MPH/MBA Dual Degree	Benedictine University: The second-largest Master of Public Health program in the state of Illinois, Benedictine University's MPH program features a core discipline of public health with a focus on the needs of today's healthcare industry. Specializations are offered in disaster management, health education, health management, and public health business administration. Courses feature a conceptual, factual, and skill base. Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting.
Accelerated BS to MPH MPH in Epidemiology MPH in Health Education MPH in Program Development	Kaplan University: The Kaplan University Master of Public Health degree program prepares students for health-care careers in governmental, nonprofit, and private organizations. The convenient, online program teaches students how to analyze and apply scientific research, prepare public health policies, develop health education programs, and review the impact of occupational and environmental factors. Kaplan offers various specializations within their MPH program, including epidemiology, health program development, and health education and promotion
Master of Public Health (MPH) MPH - Health Mgmt & Policy MPH - Social & Behavioral Sci	Capella University: The Master of Public Health program at Capella University prepares graduates for careers in public health management, social welfare, or research. Emphases within Capella's MPH program include health policy and social science. The curriculum explores the behavioral, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the health of populations. Courses include Principles of Biostatistics, International Public Health, and Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health.
Master of Public Health	American Military University: The Master of Public Health online degree program conferred by American Military University prepares students for careers in public health service and policy management with courses in healthcare business administration, healthcare law, and healthcare policy.
Master of Public Health MPH - Dental Health MPA - Health Administration	A.T. Still University of Health Sciences: The A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Master in Public Health Dental concentration is designed for dental professionals curious about dental public health. Dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other dental industry professionals are eligible to apply. Graduates work in community health centers, institutes of higher education, non-profit organizations, and local, state, and federal government. Related degrees include a general MPH and an MPA in health administration.
MS - Disaster Medicine	Philadelphia University: The Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management at Philadelphia University is focused on the study of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, hazardous materials, natural disasters, psychological effects of disasters, stress intervention, and disaster research. The program is a partnership between Philadelphia University and the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Albert Einstein Health Network.
MPH - Policy Management	New York Medical College: The New York Medical College Institute of Public Health offers a 45-credit-hour MPH degree in health policy management that will prepare its graduate students for a variety of healthcare careers. Graduates of this program will have thorough knowledge of the different business planning and policy enacting factors of public health.
Click here to learn about more MPH degrees