Differences Between MPH and MSPH: Which One is Better?
As an aspiring health professional, deciding whether to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) depends largely on one’s specific career focus.
However, to make a better choice between MPH and MSPH, one needs to understand the differences and similarities between the two. While both advanced education to further a career, they both serve different purposes.
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What is an MPH Degree?
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a terminal or professional master’s degree that allow students to gain competencies in broad-based areas of public health practice. It takes two years to complete an MPH program. Generally, students will need a bachelor’s degree to be accepted for an MPH program.
Some of the more common areas of bachelor’s degrees prior to acceptance into an MPH program are education, biology, sociology, and business.
Coursework for an MPH program has less focus on research and the curriculum generally includes a study of the five basic areas of public health:
- Biostatistics
- Behavioral/Social Science
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
- Public health administration and policy
Graduates with an MPH degree can move on to a career in public policy, administration, education, or even community practice. Students who are looking to practice public health might best be suited to pursue a Master of Public Health because it is a broader field of study.
What is an MSPH Degree?
The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree is an academic public health degree and is more research-oriented. This is the most recommended degree program for students who want to pursue their doctorate.
The duration of most MSPH degree programs is 2 years. Students are required to write and defend a thesis in fulfilment of their degree requirements.
Required MSPH coursework includes most of the same classes needed for the MPH degree, but additionally, the MSPH degree requires additional coursework in research methods, epidemiology, biostatistics, and similar public health studies.
Which is Better Between MPH and MSPH?
Both MPH and MSPH degrees offer advance studies for career advancement. While one is a professional masters program, the other is a research-oriented masters program. An MSPH degree offers the prospect of pursuing a doctorate, while MPH offers the prospect of practising public health.
Choosing the better fit for you depends on your desired educational focus and career aspirations. There’s no comparative advantage of one over the other. They’re just designed to serve a different purpose.
