Career pathways in public health: three options for MPH students

If you’re currently earning your Master of Public Health, chances are that you’re looking ahead to career opportunities and options.  

Learners interested in the world of public health can pursue a variety of career pathways, including working as a child nutrition and wellness specialist, data analyst, public health educator or as a food program coordinator. 

At Kansas State University, the Master of Public Health program enables you to choose from an emphasis in one of four topic areas at the Manhattan campus, including: 

• Food safety and biosecurity 
• Infectious diseases and zoonosis 
• Public health nutrition 
• Public health physical activity 
  

Learners at the Olathe campus can choose from food safety and biosecurity and infectious diseases and zoonosis. 

Any of these options will prepare you to pursue a career in public health and begin making a difference in the world around you. 

This program is especially beneficial if you want to: 

• Support community health on a local level 
• Assist with the prevention and control of disease outbreaks 
• Bring awareness to public health issues in the community

While you have an endless assortment of possible careers you can choose from, three potential choices for K-State graduates include disease investigation, disease prevention and public health nursing. 

Here’s what you need to know about these pathways. 

Disease Investigation 

If you’d like to be a disease investigator or “disease detective,” your Master of Public Health will give you the skills you need to be successful.  

This work involves identifying diseases that impact public health, as well as locating the source or cause of the outbreak. This role is vital when it comes to determining what led to a particular outbreak because in order to contain a public health threat from spreading, the source needs to be identified and contained. 

Additionally, investigators work to analyze data and come up with solutions for containing outbreaks and minimizing spread. They may work with both government and private organizations, as well as provide public education. 

If you’re the type of person who loves to solve puzzles and analyze problems, a disease investigation role could be the perfect fit. 

"I am currently a disease investigator working at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment Disease Containment Program," said Michael Gibson, graduate student. "I find infectious diseases and zoonoses absolutely fascinating, and I enjoy being able to directly help protect and educate my community to improve overall health and well-being! I am stoked to be a part of the K-State MPH program as it has helped broaden my knowledge and skills to further me for my future career in public health and epidemiology."

Disease Prevention 

Do you want to stop a public health crisis before it occurs? Disease prevention is for you. If you’d like to work in a hands-on role preventing diseases before outbreaks occur, you have multiple options for potential roles, including a position as a communicable disease specialist. 

Each of these positions requires a deep knowledge of public health and a willingness and desire to make a difference in your local community. 

"I chose to focus on infection prevention because I believe that proactive measures can significantly reduce health risks and improve public health outcomes,” said graduate student Kira Higgins. “The MPH program has equipped me with a strong foundation in epidemiology and policy, giving me the tools to make a real impact in preventing infectious diseases. Looking ahead, I hope to work in public health to develop strategies that protect vulnerable populations from infectious threats." 

Public Health Nursing 

If you already have a background in nursing, a role as a public health nurse could be the right fit for you. 

“I am actually a tuberculosis nurse at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment and sometimes will assist our disease investigators during outbreaks,” said Gabrielle May, an MPH student. “I come from a nursing background where the primary focus is on an individual's needs. This program has broadened my perspective on what it takes to achieve population health and understand the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environment for a healthier and more sustainable future for all.” 

Public health nurses perform numerous services that are vital to the health of any community, including: 

• Evaluation of health risks and trends 
• Advocating to provide health care access for underserved communities 
• Educating communities on health 
• Treating infectious diseases 

Public health nurses may work locally or as travel nurses. They might work at government agencies, clinics, schools or for nonprofit organizations. This type of role requires a deep knowledge of public health and a desire to make a difference by providing support in a variety of ways, including through patient education. 

If you’d like to learn more about earning your Master of Public Health degree, you can read more on our website.