Public Health Careers

What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree?

At the University of Michigan School of Public Health, students utilize an interdisciplinary education to pursue careers and jobs in diverse fields with the skills they need to serve communities with public health solutions that have deep and lasting impact.

Our alumni drive positive change at nonprofit organizations, hospitals, insurance companies, universities, research firms, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and local and national government agencies. They lead and support meaningful research and public health practice conducted around the globe. They chose Michigan because, like you, they were seeking careers focused on service, compassion, and achievement.

• 97% of recent graduates employed or pursuing advanced degree
• Alumni working in 83 countries and on every continent except Antarctica
• Over 3,000 opportunities posted annually  
• Nearly 1,000 internship opportunities posted
• Nearly 50 Employer Information Sessions arranged and promoted for students

  

What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Public Health Master’s Degree?

Professionals with public health degrees from Michigan Public Health pursue careers as diverse as the field itself. They are at the forefront of research, practice, and service. 

Hospital and Healthcare

• Administrator 
• Health Educator 
• Infection Control Specialist
• Nutritionist or Clinical Dietitian

Higher Education 

• Research Analyst
• Statistician
• Research Coordinator
• Program Manager
• Health Educator
• Nutritionist or Dietitian
• Staff Wellness Coordinator

Private Sector

• Consultant
• Data Scientist
• Environmental Analyst 
• Biostatistician
• Industrial Hygienist 
• Epidemiologist 

Government Sector

• Data Analyst
• Epidemiologist
• Wellness Coordinator
• Environmental Quality Analyst
• Tobacco Prevention Specialist 

Nonprofit Sector

• Organization 
• Foundations
• Associations

Learn more about public health career paths and the employment outcomes for our recent graduates. 

Employment by Sector

  

What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Public Health Bachelor’s Degree?

• Chronic Disease Management Coordinator
• Clinical Infectious Disease Specialist
• Community Activist
• Data Analyst
• Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
• Environmental Health Specialist
• Food Service Sanitarian
• Healthcare Consultant
• Health Communications Specialist
• Health Educator
• Peace Corps Volunteer

Potential Employers

• City, county, and state health departments
• Federal governmental health organizations (CDC, WHO)
• Health care delivery systems
• Not-for-profit organizations/non-governmental organizations (Planned Parenthood, American Heart Association)
• Universities and teaching hospitals

What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Public Health Doctoral Degree?

Career Support for Students 

Michigan Public Health Careers Office

The Michigan Public Health Careers Office is available to help students serve their professional ambitions. Services include everything from guidance on resume writing and internship opportunities, to job searching strategies and employer research. Their staff is available for individual advising appointments and hosts dozens of employers each year who recruit Michigan Public Health students. Furthermore, they post thousands of job opportunities and coordinate with department staff to maximize student support and promote ongoing professional development.  Public health students are supported beyond graduation and into their professional careers, as alumni have access to career resources and employment opportunities via the SPH Careers Gateway. 

Contact Information

Phone: 734-763-3918
Email: sph.jobs@umich.edu

Peer Advisors 

The Michigan Public Health Careers Office employs a mixture of public health and higher education graduate students. These students serve as peer advisors for students throughout the School of Public Health through direct advising, workshop facilitation, resource creation, and administrative office support.