The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BS), the Master of Public Health (MPH), and the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) are all practice-based degrees. Each degree program provides a broad overview of foundational public health knowledge. Throughout each degree program, students work to develop appropriate mastery of the competencies or skills that public health professionals and leaders use every day to protect and promote the health of communities.
Though students are introduced to common research methods in public health through these degree programs (including biostatistics, epidemiology, and qualitative methods), those seeking careers in research-intensive or academic settings should consider a research-based degree.
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The MPH is the most well-known Public Health degree. It is considered a “terminal” or “professional” degree, as it fully prepares individuals for lifelong careers in public health practice without the need for additional education. This is in contrast to the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), a research-oriented degree ideal for individuals planning to work in academic settings or pursue doctoral-level training.
At UAB, all MPH degree programs begin with a shared MPH Core based on the Evidence-Based Public Health framework, which provides all students with the practice-based skills they need to be effective in the public health workforce. Students further enhance their training through one of many departmental concentrations; these concentrations are designed to deepen students’ knowledge in specific areas of public health. Regardless of concentration, all MPH students engage in an Applied Practice Experience (Internship) in the community and conclude their coursework with an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone) in which they pull together skills and perspectives learned in both the Core and the concentration courses to produce a high-quality written product, demonstrating their readiness to enter the workforce.
Common career settings for individuals holding the MPH degree include state and local health departments; community-based organizations and non-profits; healthcare consulting firms; international, state, and federal agencies (e.g., WHO, CMS, CDC); managed care organizations; and various clinical settings. Because of the broad training in public health management included in the MPH degree, individuals often pursue the degree when looking to advance into leadership roles in these settings.
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Like the MPH, the DrPH is an applied degree that focuses on the profession and practice of public health. The DrPH is designed for individuals intending to become leaders and innovators in their chosen concentration. The curriculum focuses on building strong skills in data and analysis; leadership, management, and governance; policy and programs; and education and workforce development through both didactic and co-curricular experiential learning opportunities. Students then pursue additional advanced coursework and/or independent study in their focal area.
All DrPH students engage in an intensive Applied Practice Experience (practicum) and sit for comprehensive exams to demonstrate their mastery of their focal area. Students prepare and defend a practice-oriented dissertation which illustrates their ability to propose, conduct, and synthesize independent research to transform public health practice.
