When it comes to choosing a major, there are many options to choose from.
For students looking to pursue a career in the medical field, one of the decisions they face is what type of medical professional they want to become.
While there are many different concentrations an individual can focus on within the medical profession, one of the most common decisions is between becoming a doctor or a nurse.
Each choice has pros and cons, but which concentration is best for you?
There are many different MPH concentrations to choose from when pursuing a Master of Public Health degree.
But which one is the best? It really depends on your interests and goals.
Here we will take you through some of the most popular MPH concentrations to help you decide which one might be right for you.
Here Are the Best 12 Different Mph Concentrations For You:
When it comes to MPH programs, there are a ton of different options out there.
You could go for a more traditional public health program focusing on epidemiology or health policy.
Alternatively, you could go for a program with a more interdisciplinary approach or one that focuses specifically on global health.
There are a variety of MPH concentrations available to students, each with its own unique focus and set of course requirements.
Following are the best mph concentrations options:
1. Epidemiology: The Study of the Distribution and Determinants of Health-Related States or Events
Epidemiology might be your best bet if you’re interested in research that identifies and prevents disease.
Epidemiologists work to identify what causes illness or injury among populations at risk for these problems–a great concentration if want into anything related to public health surveillance.
There are many different types of epidemiological studies.
Still, they all have one common goal: to understand better how diseases develop and spread so that we can develop better ways to prevent them.
2. Health Policy and Management: Improve the Delivery of Health Care Services and the Allocation of Resources
If you’re interested in the business side of public health, then this is your MPH concentration.
You will learn about health care administration, finance, and policy.
It is an excellent concentration for those interested in working in hospital administration, health insurance, or government health agencies.
It includes studying topics such as health care systems, quality improvement, and resource management.
This concentration will prepare you to be a leader in the public health field.
3. Environmental Health Sciences: Improve Public Health and Safety by Preventing or Reducing Exposure to Harmful Environmental Agents
If you’re interested in protecting people from environmental hazards, then this MPH concentration is for you.
You’ll learn about things like air and water pollution, hazardous waste, and radiation safety.
It’s a great concentration for those interested in working in public health policy or environmental health advocacy.
This concentration can also lead to a career in environmental health research.
It is one of the more popular MPH concentrations, and there is a growing demand for environmental health professionals.
4. Occupational and Environmental Health: Improve the Health and Safety of Workers and Communities
If you are interested in improving the health and safety of workers and communities, then this could be the MPH concentration for you.
You will learn about preventing and reducing exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace and in the environment.
You will also learn about safety regulations and how to create safe working conditions.
It is important to note that this concentration is not just for those interested in industrial safety but also for those interested in environmental health.
It includes coursework in both areas.
5. Biostatistics: The Application of Statistical Methods to Biological Data
The biostatistics concentration is perfect for those interested in research and public health data analysis.
Biologists use statistics to design studies and understand health information delivered through various channels like surveys or administrative records.
They also assess the effectiveness of interventions with this type of data by using statistical methods such as the Mantel test when analyzing relationships between variables that may affect one another.
The concentration in biostatistics will prepare you for a wide range of career options, including cancer research, pharmaceuticals, environmental health, and epidemiology.
This concentration will give you a strong foundation in statistical methods, allowing you to apply them to real-world data sets and problems.
In addition, you will learn about study design, data collection and management, statistical analysis, and how to communicate your findings effectively.
The biostatistics concentration is offered jointly with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
6. Nutrition: The Study of the Relationship Between Diet and Health
If you’re interested in studying the relationship between diet and health, then a concentration in nutrition might be the best choice for you.
Nutritionists often work with patients to develop healthy eating plans and advise them on the best foods to eat to improve their overall health.
They may also conduct research on the effects of different nutrients on the body.
It’s a great concentration for those interested in both the medical and scientific aspects of public health.
7. International Health: Improve Health and Well-Being in Low- And Middle-Income Countries
This concentration is ideal for students who want to work in a foreign country or with a specific population that doesn’t have access to the same level of medical care as other parts of the world.
If you’re interested in working with different cultures and helping to improve the overall health of a population, this could be the perfect MPH concentration for you.
However, it’s important to note that this concentration often requires students to complete a practicum or internship in a foreign country.
8. Maternal and Child Health: Improve the Health of Women, Children, and Families
If you’re interested in working with pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, this is your MPH concentration.
You’ll learn how to improve the health of women and children through preventative care, education, and treatment.
This concentration is perfect for students who want to make a difference in the lives of families and children.
However, it’s important to note that this concentration often requires students to complete a practicum or internship in a maternal and child health setting.
9. Family and Community Health: Promote Health and Prevent Disease Within Families and Communities
Family and Community Health concentrations are designed for students who want to learn more about the human dynamics that contribute to healthy communities.
If you’re interested in learning how families interact with one another, what initiatives have successfully improved overall well-being across different neighborhoods throughout America’s cities?
And lastly, if developing programs promoting health seems like an exciting prospect, this might just be your perfect major!
10. Behavioral Science: The Scientific Study of Human Behavior
Behavioral science is the study of human behavior and social interactions.
This could include topics such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology, to name just a few!
Behavioral sciences are perfect for those looking into careers in fields like public health, where they can use their knowledge about how people act on an individual level when it comes down to deciding what kind of healthcare services are needed based on detailed research conducted among various demographics including age groupings between newborns up through senior citizens.
There’s no shortage of information available, thanks largely due the efforts of behavioral scientists working within the field!
Most research conducted by behavioral scientists is done to better understand why people behave the way they do.
This information is then used to predict how people will respond in certain situations and make recommendations for change.
11. Community Health Promotion: Improve Health and Quality of Life for Individuals and Communities
If you’re interested in improving the health and quality of life for individuals and communities, then the community health promotion concentration might be the best choice for you.
In this concentration, you’ll learn how to develop and implement programs that promote healthy lifestyles and prevent disease.
You’ll also gain skills in community organizing, grant writing, and program evaluation.
12. Social and Behavioral Sciences: The Study of Human Behavior and Social Interactions
If you’re interested in understanding and changing human behavior, a concentration in social and behavioral sciences could be a good fit for you.
This concentration focuses on topics like psychology, sociology, and anthropology.
You’ll learn about the factors influencing health-related behaviors and how to develop interventions to change them.
It’s a good choice if you’re interested in working in health education, prevention, or policy.
Did you know?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected to see rapid growth in the next decade, that is 13 percent, with about 2 million new jobs forming over ten years.
This increase would be much faster than average for all occupations, and it’s expected that around 1-1/2 million openings each year will result from both job creation due to growth opportunities as well replacement needs–a ratio which has been remarkably consistent since 2010 when there were slightly more than two recipients per retiree leaving their position empty!
So, Which Mph Concentration Is Right for You?
It really depends on your interests and goals.
If you’re interested in research, epidemiology or biostatistics might be a good fit.
If you’re interested in working with communities to promote health, then community health promotion or family and community health might be a better choice.
Social and behavioral sciences could be the right concentration if you want to understand and change human behavior.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to explore the different concentrations and talk to advisors or faculty in each area to learn more about what each entails.
When choosing an Mph concentration, there are many things to consider.
First, you will want to consider your career goals and what you hope to gain from your education.
Next, consider the different programs available at each school and how they can help you reach your goals.
Talk with advisors and current students to better understand what each program has to offer.
Finally, weigh all of your options before making a decision.