mph salary

[jjyG]

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Hi. Im MPH student (2nd semester) specialized in environmental science. I talked my counselor today, and he asked me if I will apply to DrPH program. I am kind of 50:50. I've heard it is really time consuming (5+ yrs) but salary is much better. I am not sure if it is really better than MPH. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Grabes1980]

Hello JJYG,

It might be a good idea to ask yourself what your primary motivation was for pursuing public health. I've yet to hear anyone answer that question with a response that is based on the field's enormous earning potential. What are your goals in public health? In life? If you don't pursue a PhD, what would be your "dream" position? Once you've answered that question, ask yourself whether or not the position is attainable with a MPH alone or if it will likely require a PhD. If a PhD is indeed required, then I would say give it some real thought. Without knowing any further details about your specific circumstances, it is difficult to offer much more. Just out of curiosity, at what school/program are you currently enrolled?

Respectfully,
Brian

 

[jjyG]

Hello JJYG,

It might be a good idea to ask yourself what your primary motivation was for pursuing public health. I've yet to hear anyone answer that question with a response that is based on the field's enormous earning potential. What are your goals in public health? In life? If you don't pursue a PhD, what would be your "dream" position? Once you've answered that question, ask yourself whether or not the position is attainable with a MPH alone or if it will likely require a PhD. If a PhD is indeed required, then I would say give it some real thought. Without knowing any further details about your specific circumstances, it is difficult to offer much more. Just out of curiosity, at what school/program are you currently enrolled?

Respectfully,
Brian

Thank you Grabes1980. I want to do work in environmental related lab. I am thinking of working in EPA. I don't want to be a technician but want to do something my own. For that, I think DrPh is strongly required. With MPH degree, can I do my own work (like research)?
I would like to know if get DrPh degree is really need for my future because it takes really long time. That's why I want to compare what is max position/eargning/responsibility I can get with MPH degree..

 

[Stories]

Thank you Grabes1980. I want to do work in environmental related lab. I am thinking of working in EPA. I don't want to be a technician but want to do something my own. For that, I think DrPh is strongly required. With MPH degree, can I do my own work (like research)?
I would like to know if get DrPh degree is really need for my future because it takes really long time. That's why I want to compare what is max position/eargning/responsibility I can get with MPH degree..

I think you might be misguided as to the purpose of the DrPH degree. The DrPH degree is designed for students who wish to pursue a higher level of public health work, namely in administration and management. If you're interest in the more science aspect of things, a PhD would be more suitable since a PhD's curriculum is more geared towards a single subject mastery as opposed to a DrPH which is far more interdisciplinary.

Also, a doctorate should only be pursued if you have an interest in the opportunities that require a PhD. Namely, if you're interested in being a independent or principal researcher in some capacity. If you are okay just working in a lab or even maybe being a lab manager, a doctorate is not necessary.

And does a PhD or DrPH gaurantee you a higher salary? Absolutely not. The earning potential is very different depending on the area of interest. But if you're interested in being a principal investigator of some sort (eg. a professor), you can expect to begin at ~$70k and it increases from there as you promote in rank. Keep in mind, though, that professor/faculty status is different than research associate or other similarly labeled positions. Those pay considerably less. You'll never be wealthy with a doctorate, but you won't be poor.