With a population of more than nine million people, densely populated suburbs and a reliance on public transport, New York is one of the hardest places to keep a population healthy. The state has one of the most detailed health promotion and disease prevention plans and is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development programs.
The Master in Public Health programs available there reflect this. New York has the most public health degree programs in the United States, allowing students to choose from 123 programs at 10 different universities. Anyone looking to further their education in New York will be met with affordable choices, comprehensive programs, and an MPH designed to prepare professionals to effectively evaluate and develop public health policy and administer programs within the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
This guide aims to help you decide if pursuing an MPH in New York is the right direction for you. We’ll look at the MPH programs and what they entail, the requirements needed, salary information, and job growth projections.
Earning Your Master of Public Health in New York
The MPH program is designed to prepare individuals for working both in laboratories and out in the community. The work combines research, data, and analytics with policy making and community work. It encompasses a wide of range of skills and the goal of the program is to focus and hone those skills.
In addition to the two-year full time MPH program, there are also online, fast track, and part-time options available. These options can be adjusted to allow flexibility and leniency for working professionals. With a fast-track option, individuals can complete their degree in just one year.
Accelerated One-Year and Part-Time Options
Part-time MPH programs allow busy professionals to earn their graduate degree over the course of four years. For students working full time, this may be the best option for earning a Master of Public Health.
Most MPH programs also offer an accelerated one-year. Students in accelerated programs take on a heavier course load and are able to graduate in as little as 12 months. The curriculum is no different than a standard online or campus based MPH program, but is designed around a much more intensive schedule.
What is CEPH Accreditation?
CEPH is an acronym for the Council on Education for Public Health. It’s an independent agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. The CEPH provides accreditation to schools that offer public health courses. Without a CEPH-accreditation course you might find it harder to enter good public health job spaces.
FAQ’s
Q: What’s the Difference Between Bachelor Degree & Master Degree for Public Health?
The Bachelor’s Degree for Public Health isn’t as widely offered as the Master’s Degree. There are currently only four CEPH-accredited bachelor programs In New York. Typically, the undergraduate degree will focus on the 4Ps of public health: Prevention, Promotion, Protection, and Population-based care. It can be obtained through a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with the former attracting students looking to go into a science based career such as epidemiology or biostatistics and the latter attracting people who prefer the focus on the socio-cultural, economical, and health policy areas of public health.
MPH programs encourage diversity, welcoming students with backgrounds in communications, business, health administration, public administration, teaching, nursing and much more. There are 123 CEPH-accredited MPH programs in New York. Master-level programs will take about two years to complete, with online and fast track options available. Choosing programs that let you major in epidemiology, biostatistics, public policy, environmental health, and pediatric health will open the doors to a wider range of employment opportunities. It’s a more demanding program, but it gives you the opportunity to broaden your field of study and provides better salary and benefits than a Bachelor’s.
Q: Where do Public Health Professionals Work in New York?
You’ll have a diverse range of work place options when you graduate with your MPH, so it’s important to choose a specialty that you enjoy. Offices, laboratories, state organizations, private corporations, field work, and community work are areas that you would have the option to work at.
Step One: Know the Basics
To get into an MPH program you don’t need a matching four-year undergraduate degree. The program will accept students with bachelor’s degrees in education, healthcare, nutrition, health administration, and more. Due to the wide variety of programs and the demand for workers, you’ll be able to find one that is affordable and there are a number of financing options.
Academic Overview
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) sets the standards for accredited Master of Public Health programs. Since 2004, CEPH accredited programs have been based on the MPH Core Competency Model developed by the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH). The core competencies of all accredited MPH programs are:
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy Management
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
While the five core competencies form the basis for a Master of Public Health, the ASPH also identified seven interdisciplinary areas of focus necessary for success in contemporary public health:
- Communication and informatics
- Diversity and culture
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Program planning
- Public health biology
- Systems thinking
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for MPH programs differ by program, however, the standard set of requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- Submission of GRE, LSAT, GMAT, or MCAT
- Submission of official transcripts from all other undergraduate and graduate institutions
- Submission of a 500-1000 word purpose essay
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
Step Two: Choosing a Public Health School in New York
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a program and school in New York. There are more than 123 CEPH-accredited programs from 10 different universities to choose from. When choosing your school, consider what the program entails and if it focuses on your strengths. Also look at the costs of the course and the locations of the universities you’re considering. If you’re looking into an online option, look for a school that provides a range of learning opportunities, including video lessons, lab work, research work, and the opportunity for thoughtful online discussions.
Getting Your MPH Online in New York
There are several online options available for students who would like to pursue their degree while maintaining their normal, everyday life and schedule. New York Medical College and the University of Albany both provide CEPH-accredited online programs. The program will typically take 18 months to three years to complete. There are also 100% online or hybrid courses available.
The accredited online courses have been designed by professionals with years of experience in the field and its advised to steer away from 100% online courses as a lot of public health jobs have important practical components to it. Hybrid online work allows you to have a flexible schedule, but it also connects you with people who share your goals and vision.
Step Three: Choosing a Public Health Specialization:
MPH programs regularly offer the option to choose an area of focus that would better prepare graduates for more distinct roles in public health policy development and program administration. Most of these specializations will involve between 10 and 15 additional credits in addition to core coursework. Focus areas are not universal and can cover a vast array of subjects outside of the core competencies. Some common areas of specialization include:
Health Communication
The NYSDOH’s fantastic analytical tools are just a part of their public health communication team’s contribution to meeting established health goals for the state. Communications specialists and public health educators are also responsible for designing forums, awareness campaigns, and educational courses designed to help public health administrators and the general public alike better understand how complex health issues affect different communities.
A health communication specialization is designed around equipping health professionals with the tools they need to disseminate this kind of information effectively. Turning raw data into something that everyone can easily understand can be a complex task that requires unique expertise in communication.
Courses within this specialization may include (total of 10-15 credits):
- Leadership Seminar
- Global Health Communication Interventions
- Preventing Health Disparities
- Social Marketing
- Marketing and Research for Public Health
- Credits: 10-15
Health Policy
The Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government maintains a health policy division responsible for providing nonpartisan perspective to legislators and the public on complex health issues. Health policy related to budget constraints and interactions with Medicaid can take years to develop, and health policy experts like those with the Rockefeller Institute are well equipped to analyze these problems and develop impactful programming in response.
Health policy programs are designed for students who want to use their skills and knowledge to aid in keeping health policy current and relevant. This means keeping an eye on an area’s greatest risk factors and ensuring that infrastructure is in place to manage public health issues. Health policy specialists also keep an eye on emerging public health threats and design new policy to address sudden epidemics of disease or injury.
Courses within this specialization may include (total of 10-15 credits):
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
- Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health
- Public Health and Law
- Global Health Diplomacy
- Leadership Seminar
- Law, Medicine and Ethics
Program Planning and Evaluation
The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) has been an essential tool in New York state health care since 1979. Cooperation between healthcare, industry, and government representatives led to the creation of a system that collected information on patients discharged from hospitals. This system has grown into a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates inpatient and outpatient services so as to develop programs that address shortfalls.
Analyzing information from systems like SPARCS is the responsibility of program planning and evaluation experts. Graduates from a program planning and evaluation specialization will find themselves combing through data like this and searching for new ways to improve their current programs in an effort to provide the best possible healthcare to their communities.
Courses within this specialization may include(total of 10-15 credits):
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
- Researching Violence Against Women and Girls
- Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health
- Social Marketing
- Marketing Research for Public Health
- Credits: 10-15
Global Health
The United Nations headquarters located in New York City has served as a hub for international diplomacy since it was established in 1952. With a focus on discussing and implementing international efforts to maintain and preserve basic human rights across the world, the UN developed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document outlines the rights that the UN has declared to be foundational for freedom, justice, and peace across the globe.
Article 25 states that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care. However, not every community is equipped to provide these services. Starvation and disease run rampant in some regions, and these regions require expert attention to solve the complex socioeconomic problems that are at the core of these issues.
Students in a global health program are uniquely positioned to tackle these kinds of issues. This focus area examines the greatest global health risks and prepares students to develop the tools they need to implement effective interventions.
Courses within this specialization may include (total of 10-15 credits):
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries – 2 credits
- Researching Violence Against Women and Girls – 2 credits
- Global Health Communication Interventions – 2 credits
- Preventing Health Disparities – 2 credits
- Global Health Diplomacy – 2 credits
- Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology – 3 credits
- Climate Change and Social Change – 2 credits
Overview: Public Health Careers in New York
New York is aiming to be the healthiest state in USA for all ages. Since 2008, they’ve moved from being the 28th healthiest state to the 10th healthiest. A large part of this is due to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) focusing on The Prevention Agenda 2019-2024. The agenda was first proposed in 2008 and is currently in its third cycle.
The Prevention Agenda 2019-2024 is a comprehensive health improvement plan that aims to minimize health inequality, improve access to adequate healthcare, and ensure the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. The plan involves working with more than 100 organizations in cross-sector partnerships – from public health and health care to housing, education, and social services. These partnerships look at social determinants of health across five core influences such as economic stability, education, a social and community context, health and care, and neighborhoods and built environments.
This long term plan that involves working across multiple sectors requires impressive manpower. The career opportunities offer people a unique chance to work in a city that is dedicated to improving its health despite economic disparities and a large population.
The Jobs & Careers You Can Get with a Public Health Degree in New York
The job postings below give graduates an idea of the kind of job options that are available to people in the public health sector. These posting are samples and do not represent a job offer or an assurance of employment.
Senior Epidemiologist
Bayer HealthCare
Responsibilities
- Apply epidemiological principles and methods to support products in all stages of drug development under specific therapeutic areas
- Provide guidance on the best use of epidemiological methods
- Coordinate and execute epidemiological observational studies in support of drug development
- Support scientific collaborations with experts from academia and research groups
- Contribute to intellectual leadership of Bayer in the area by acquiring knowledge of highest standards of epidemiological methodology
- Building and maintaining professional relationships with external academic and research groups.
Requirements:
- Five years of experience in Epidemiology and Pharmacoepidemiology which must have been in the industry, a regulatory agency, or a public health institution
- Understanding of the entire drug development process and lifecycle management
- Demonstrable ability to design, direct, and complete epidemiological observational research project
- Strong analytical skills and ability to apply statistical methodology to projects
- Understanding of risk management and minimization programs
Research Coordinator for Intervention Implementation
NYU School of Medicine
Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation of intervention materials
- Track intervention activities, including review of assessments in Salesforce and REDcap
- Support the Program Manager in monitoring quality assurance purposes.
- Coordinate, prepare, participate in, and ensure follow up for weekly project meetings and conference calls
- Ensure effective ongoing communications to internal and external stakeholders
Requirements:
- Two years of experience in relevant field
- Willingness to travel across all five boroughs
- Solid relationship building, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Commitment to continuous learning required by department administration
Statistician
Clinical Solutions Group
Responsibilities
- Provide review of statistical analysis plan including table shells, analysis dataset specifications and all deliverables for Medical Affairs studies provided by CRO
- Provide statistical support for publications, presentations, posters, and any other requests
- Interact with authors, referees, and in-house reviewers in preparation of publications
- Manage outside CROs and consultants as needed
- Work closely with different departments and provide statistical support for a variety of functional groups.
Requirements:
- 5-10 years of experience and demonstrated skill in the planning, analysis, and reporting of clinical trials
- Planning and project management skills
- Excellent SAS skills including report generation
- Knowledge of MS Office
- Detailed knowledge of currently acceptable statistical methodologies
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
Opportunities With a Public Health Degree in New York
Individuals looking to make a valuable contribution to society, who are excited to work with dedicated, talented professionals, and who would like to experience an eclectic mix of culture, food, and diversity in this global city would thrive in New York.
The demand for good public health workers ensures that individuals are provided with competitive pay, solid health and retirement benefits, job security, career advancement, and ample job opportunities. The figures below highlight the growth in the job market and the competitive salary.
Job Growth Projections – Master’s-Educated Public Health Professionals in New York
The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following data for job growth projections in the public health sector (2022-2032):
- Social and Community Service Managers: $94,250 – $155,770
- Statisticians: $118,950 – $214,430
- Microbiologists: $80,310 – $131,000
- Biological Scientists: $106,390 – $177,310
- Social Scientists and Related Workers: $90,100 – $138,290
- Rehabilitation Counselors: $50,820 – $80,000
- Epidemiologists: $87,130 – $156,000
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures (median to 90th percentile) shown for Rehabilitation Counselors, Social Scientists and Related Workers-All Others, Epidemiologists, Biological Scientists-All Other, Microbiologists, Statisticians, and Social and Community Service Managers. 2022-2032 Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, Projections Central. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2024.
Salary Range – Public Health Professions in New York Requiring a Master’s Degree
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the following figures for public health jobs in New York in 2023. The salaries below range from the median to the top 10%:
Social and Community Service Managers: $50,630 – $130,920
- Statisticians: $63,900 – $130,870
- Microbiologists: $52,560 – $120,580
- Biological Scientists: $57,940 – $124,930
- Social Scientists- $56,230 – $128,570
- Rehabilitation Counselors- $24,700 – $58,610
Public Health Resources for Students & Professionals
New York State Department of Public Health
The New York State Department of Public Health is an excellent resource of people wanting to know more about the programs the state is running to improve public health, an overview on the current state of health in New York and information on licensing and up-to-date news on research, breakthroughs, and disease outbreaks.
Higher Education Services Corporation
For information on what colleges are like, the admission process, and advice on getting into the program of your choice, you can head to the Higher Education Services Corporation website. You’ll also find valuable resources on financial information, including how to apply for financial aid and loans.
New York State: Official Website
To get an idea of what overall life in New York is like, the services available, information on taxes and anything else you might need, the New York State official website is a good one-stop shop.
