Master of Public Health - Rural Health

Public Health Workers in a remote village

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Public Health Associates perform Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) resident surveys while in Mariposa County, Calif. (photo by CDC/Shaun Whitecavage -PHAP Associate)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree offers advanced knowledge and specialized skills in public health, with a focus on leadership, research, and advanced practice. It is designed to prepare professionals who want to promote health and wellbeing of rural communities and practice in rural public health settings. An MPH degree provides an excellent preparation for management and leadership positions with public health and social service agencies and is a great addition to medical, nursing, and other health and social service careers.

The Jax State MPH curriculum offers advanced courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, management, and program evaluation. Students complete practical fieldwork through a public health internship and capstone project related to their public health interests. A Jax State MPH provide students with an in-depth knowledge of public health issues and policies and the ability to design, implement, and evaluate public health programs and interventions.

Jax State Rural Health MPH students complete their public health internship and capstone project through a rural health practice site in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Potential Careers

  • Public Health Administrator

  • Program Manager

  • Policy Analyst

  • Research Institutions

  • International Organizations

  • Healthcare Consultant
  • Emergency Preparedness Director
  • Environmental Scientists
  • Social and Community Service Manager
  • Health Educator

Emerging Public Health Careers (External Link) 

Emergency Management Directors (External Link)

Median Annual Salary

Healthcare Consultant

$86,660
11%**

Emergency Preparedness
Director

$76,250
3%**

Environmental Scientist

$73,230
5%**

Social and
Community Service Manager

$69,600
17%**

Health Educator

$48,140
13%**

* Salary information gathered from 2020 data on https://www.bls.gov/

** Projected Salary Growth

Additional Facts

  • New addition to JSU!

  • Promote health equity and wellness.

  • Exposure toward a variety of career options in health promotion and epidemiology

  • Assess the health needs of diverse populations

Departmental Information

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