The Importance of Public Health Studies and the MPH
| 6 Min Read
Updated 10/30/2025
Public health is the foundation of a thriving society. Experts in this field are crucial for our safety and wellbeing as they work to prevent disease and respond to crises that impact communities at every level. Whether it’s managing a pandemic, providing updated information on health hazards or advocating for cleaner environments, their efforts shape the systems that allow people to live longer, healthier lives.
In a generation marked by environmental disruption, health inequities and emerging diseases, there is an urgent need for dedicated individuals who can bridge science, policy and community engagement. Choosing to study public health is more than a career move. It’s a call to serve, lead and make a meaningful difference.
The Critical Role of Public Health in Today’s World
Public health is built on the idea that collective, organized efforts can protect and enhance population health. Rooted in diversity of thought and background, public health invites individuals from all walks of life to bring their unique perspectives to complex health challenges.
The discipline’s broad mission, as defined by the Council on Education for Public Health, is to “enhance health in human populations through organized community effort.” This mission also encompasses society’s responsibility to create conditions in which everyone can achieve optimal health.
Public health professionals work across both public and private sectors to:
- Prevent disease outbreaks
- Promote healthy behaviors
- Address environmental and occupational hazards
- Respond to disasters
- Ensure access to equitable healthcare services
These professionals strive to fulfill three essential functions of public health: assessment, policy development and assurance that public health services are provided to the community.
The Scope and Impact of Public Health
Public health extends well beyond preventing disease. It’s a vital field that addresses the broader conditions that influence how we live. This includes tackling social inequalities, environmental risks and barriers to healthcare access. By uniting hospitals, nonprofits, schools, local governments and private organizations, public health initiatives work collectively to build healthier, more resilient communities.
The 10 Essential Public Health Services, as revised by PHAB in 2020, include:
- Monitoring population health
- Investigating, diagnosing and addressing health hazards and root causes
- Communicating to inform and educate the public
- Mobilizing community partnerships
- Developing and implementing supportive policies, plans and laws
- Enforcing health-protective laws
- Linking individuals to care
- Building a diverse and skilled workforce
- Evaluating service effectiveness
- Creating and maintaining strong organizational infrastructure for public health
These essential services are the backbone of public health strategy and action. They guide impactful policies that improve lives such as child nutrition programs, opioid overdose prevention initiatives and expansions of mental healthcare access.
Why We Need Voices in Public Health
We need trained public health professionals more than ever before as our society faces evolving challenges. Climate change, constant food and drug recalls, unsanitary workplace conditions and global pandemics have exposed the urgent need for public health leadership.
Climate change is intensifying natural disasters and worsening air and water quality. Unsafe workplace conditions contribute to chronic stress and injury. Frequent food and drug recalls raise serious concerns about regulatory oversight and consumer safety. And as the COVID-19 pandemic showed, a global health crisis can quickly overwhelm health systems and widen existing health disparities.
There are other long-term public health concerns too such as lack of access to mental healthcare, maternal mortality, substance use and racial health inequities. These issues require consistent attention, thoughtful solutions and community engagement. Each of these areas demands professionals who are trained not only to respond but to anticipate risks, lead prevention strategies and advocate for systemic change.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showcases this demand as it projects high job growth within the next decade across key roles:
- Epidemiologists: 19% growth
- Biostatisticians: 11% growth
- Medical & Health Services Managers: 29% growth
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists: 8% growth
Public health is a broad field with endless opportunities to have a measurable impact in shaping healthier lives. As the challenges facing our communities evolve, so must the voices shaping the response.
The Value of Public Health Graduate Studies
Earning a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) goes beyond academic achievement. It’s a strategic investment in your ability to lead, influence policy and create healthier communities. An M.P.H. equips students with the analytical tools and practical experience needed to address complex health issues on local, national and global levels.
It combines science, leadership and community engagement in a way few other degrees can.
Why Choose Public Health Graduate Studies?
- Develop leadership and management skills to oversee public health programs, organizations and cross-sector collaborations
- Broaden your impact across sectors, from healthcare and government to nonprofits and global health agencies
- Increase earning potential and job mobility with a credential that qualifies you for advanced roles
- Specialize your expertise in areas like epidemiology, data analytics, health education or biostatistics
- Gain hands-on experience through an internship and capstone projects that prepare you for real-world challenges
- Build a professional network of peers, mentors and field experts who support your growth
If you’re ready to become a changemaker in public health, pursuing an M.P.H. is one of the most effective ways to deepen your impact and expand your career opportunities.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Public Health Leaders
Benedictine University’s Master of Public Health program is designed for professionals who are ready to make a real impact in their communities and beyond. Through its flexible coursework—available 100% online or on campus—you gain real-world experience while advancing your career. You can complete the degree in as little as two years, choose from career-based certificate options and even fulfill internship requirements at your current workplace. Benedictine University’s M.P.H. program holds CEPH accreditation and has earned national recognition, including #5 ranking for online public health programs by BestColleges.org and inclusion in Forbes Advisor’s Best Online MPH Programs of 2023.
You’ll build a strong foundation in core public health areas like epidemiology, health education and environmental health, while also developing leadership and management skills employers are seeking. With coursework aligned to Public Health Foundation (PHF) competencies, you’ll be equipped to apply your learning immediately across sectors. Our focus on applied knowledge, adaptability and social impact ensures you graduate ready to shape healthier, more equitable communities. If you’re ready to lead change and build a healthier future, Benedictine University is ready to help you get there. Request information or call (866) 295-3104 to speak with an admissions counselor today.