r/publichealth • u/SadBreath PhD/MPH • Aug 28 '19

ADVICE School and Jobs Advice Megathread Part III

All job and school-related advice should be asked in here. Below is the r/publichealth MPH guide which may answer general questions.

See the below guides for more information:

  1. MPH Guide
  2. Job Guide
  3. Choosing a public health field
  4. Choosing a public health concentration
  5. Choosing a public health industry

Past Threads:

  1. Megathread Part I
  2. Megathread Part II
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u/[deleted] Sep 10 '19

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u/SadBreath PhD/MPH Sep 10 '19

No, and I generally recommend against a BS in Public health. Though you should try to get public health experiences/internships/volunteering.

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u/[deleted] Sep 10 '19

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u/SadBreath PhD/MPH Sep 10 '19

Public health is a new field, and like many new fields, started out as a postgraduate for people switching careers. Bachelors are a recent phenomena, and the job market has not adjusted. Entry-level public health positions will often be reserved for Masters level students.

Personally speaking, I don't know what I would do with a BS level graduate. I have no barometer for how much they know. That said, the market will adjust over time, and it's ultimately a great transition - entry level Masters positions right now have a terrible ROI. But right now, a BS in public health would almost always need graduate education, and the MS level will reteach all of the basics. Better to get a different degree and come in with a unique skillset.