Having a degree in Public Health is an invaluable asset to any individual looking to make a positive impact on the world. With such a degree, one can go on to become part of something larger than themselves and make meaningful contributions toward improving public health. From developing effective policies and programs that address global health challenges, to increasing access to healthcare for underserved communities, earning a degree in Public Health from Biola University provides many opportunities for individuals interested in making lasting change.

Below we outline 9 reasons why obtaining this type of degree is so important and valuable in 2023 and beyond:

1. Guide global strategies related to healthcare. Having a degree in public health provides you with the skills to develop and implement effective policies and programs that can help address global health challenges, such as pandemics, chronic diseases or disparities in health access. This knowledge will allow you to become an influential leader in public health initiatives and create meaningful change for the betterment of all.

2. Go in-depth on infectious disease prevention. Public health degrees help students gain an understanding of the science behind preventing and controlling infectious diseases. This knowledge can be used to develop effective strategies to help keep communities safe from potential threats, as well as help manage existing ones. Managing infectious diseases with compassion, an understanding of not only their impact on society, but also the impact of measures used to control infectious diseases, and a well-rounded, people-first perspective will be crucial for those entering this field in 2023 and beyond.

3. Learn how you can care for, serve and protect your immediate community from a physical health perspective. Community care and protection are important. Studying public health will teach you about community-based interventions that can help improve the vitality, life and health of your immediate community. As you study the complexities of different communities, you’ll learn to create targeted strategies that can help reduce health disparities and improve access to healthcare resources.

4. Drive thoughtful, ethical approaches to public health management. A degree in public health also provides an understanding of the ethical implications of healthcare decisions and programs. This knowledge is essential in order to ensure that any decisions made are in the best interest of everyone involved, and consider physical, mental, emotional and spiritual impacts in a balanced way.

5. Develop skills related to public health data analysis and research. With a degree in public health, you can learn how to collect, analyze, interpret and use data effectively to create policies and programs that deliver results and contain methods for feedback and subsequent adjustments. Critical thinking becomes second nature — your analytical skills are sharpened and your ability to research is enhanced.. These skills are some of the most valuable general skills for workers in 2023 according to talent scouting firm MERAKI.

6. Gain an understanding of legal issues related to public health such as health privacy and bioethics. Having a degree in public health will also provide you with an understanding of the legal issues related to healthcare. This knowledge is essential for ensuring that health programs are conducted ethically and within the bounds of the law. You'll be taught and challenged to think critically about privacy, technology and the cost-benefit analysis that must be done when guiding public health decisions, while operating within established law. This area of public health is especially important for 2023 and beyond as varying approaches to care and community desires must be considered within rapidly changing laws and guidelines.

7. Be prepared to lead social initiatives that advance public health. Public health initiatives such as social programs, public health campaigns and healthcare education can have a significant impact for the betterment of society, or can cause irreparable damage. With a degree in public health, you will be able to thoughtfully and carefully lead and support public health initiatives in order to drive positive change for your community.

8. Gain enhanced understanding of the connection between changes in the climate and physical and community health. You will learn how to identify risk factors and develop strategies to mitigate the negative effects of climate changes on public health outcomes. This knowledge can be used to help protect communities from environmental threats such as increased air pollution, water contamination or adverse climate shifts.

9. Develop a strong skill set in a growing field with competitive wages. While salaries and compensation packages will range widely depending on location, job type, experience, etc., public health specialists have an average salary of $56,471 per year according to glassdoor.com. Those looking for work applying more managerial, research and analytical skills may see higher compensations, with glassdoor.com reporting the average public health analyst salary around $90,000 per year.

This article was created by Biola University and edited with the help of AI.