Sources: http://www.whatispublichealth.org/faqs/index.html and http://www.asph.org/document.cfm?page=300

The mission of public health is to "fulfill society's interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy." (Institute of Medicine, Committee for the Study of the Future of Public Health, Division of Health Care Services. 1988. The Future of Public Health. National Academy Press, Washington, DC)

Public health carries out its mission through organized, interdisciplinary efforts that address the physical, mental and environmental health concerns of communities and populations at risk for disease and injury. Its mission is achieved through the application of health promotion and disease prevention technologies and interventions designed to improve and enhance quality of life.  Health promotion and disease prevention technologies encompass a broad array of functions and expertise, including the three core public health functions:

• assessment and monitoring of the health of communities and populations at risk to identify health problems and priorities;  
• formulating public policies, in collaboration with community and government leaders, designed to solve identified local and national health problems and priorities;
• assuring that all populations have access to appropriate and cost-effective care, including health promotion and disease prevention services, and evaluation of the effectiveness of that care

Programs:

There are many different degree programs for those that interested in studying public health. Some of the programs include:

• MPH = Master of Public Health
• MHA = Master of Health Administration
• MHSA = Master of Health Services Administration
• MSPH = Master of Science in Public Health
• DrPH = Doctor of Public Health
• PhD = Doctor of Philosophy

In general, the MPH degree will include coursework in a number of public health disciplines, such as administration, epidemiology, environmental health, and behavioral health. Specialized degrees such as a Master of Health Administration will be more focused on a specific topic.

Another distinction between degrees is the professional degree versus the academic degrees. Professional degrees generally have a greater orientation towards practice in public health settings. The MPH, DrPH, and MHA are example of degrees which are geared towards those who want careers as practitioners of public health in traditional health departments, managed care organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, consulting firms, international agencies, state and federal agencies, among others.

Academic degrees are more oriented toward students wishing to seek a career in academics and research rather than public health practice. Examples of academic degrees are the MS , PhD, and ScD.

However, each school of public health can tailor their degree programs significantly. Student interested in getting a degree in public health should check with individual schools for more information on specific degree programs.

What undergraduate major should I choose?

Students of public health come from a variety of educational backgrounds, but there is coursework that can better prepare you for the field of study you choose. For example, coursework in biology and mathematics is highly recommended for students who plan to concentrate in epidemiology or biostatistics. For Behavioral Sciences, Health Education or Global Health, courses in sociology, psychology, education or anthropology are beneficial. Health Services Administration students find that a business background is a plus. A biology or chemistry background is helpful for the study of Environmental Health. All schools of public health require competence in effective communication (both verbal and written); therefore, students should try to take advantage of undergraduate opportunities to hone these skills.

What are the entrance requirements?

While schools of public health look for high graduate entrance exam scores and GPA, other aspects of an applicant's record, such as a career achievement, professional experience, and clarity of career goals also are equally important. Admissions decisions are based on an overall assessment of the ability of the applicants to successfully complete the degree track area selected. Each program or track within a given department may set additional requirements for admission, therefore, applicants should refer to the individual programs for details.

Who studies Public Health?

Students of schools of public health are incredibly diverse in their ethnic, economic, and professional backgrounds. They come from all areas of the United States and the rest of the world. Some enter graduate schools of public health directly from undergraduate school or another graduate program, others have worked for some time in other fields and are returning to school to enhance their careers. Public health has something for everyone because of its multi-inter disciplinary approaches and incorporation of a wide range of interests and abilities.

Find schools:

Association of Schools of Public Health - list of schools: http://www.asph.org/document.cfm?page=200

General Information:

What is Public Health? How to select programs? And other frequently asked questions: http://www.whatispublichealth.org/faqs/index.html

American Public Health Association - APHA http://www.apha.org/

Read about Fulbright grantee Pål Surén's experience of pursuing a Master of Public Health at Harvard University here.