Public health professionals prevent the spread of disease and help maintain the public’s health by ensuring residents have access to healthcare, are educated on the dangers of disease and drug use, and know how to achieve good health.
New York’s Prevention Agenda is an action plan to improve the state’s health through 2018. New York aspires to become the healthiest state.
Public health focuses on the big picture and emphasizes policy and education. Professionals advise governments and inform educators and volunteers on the best ways to teach citizens to care for their health. By reducing the need for curative healthcare, public health professionals make communities healthier and relieve the burden on the healthcare system. Public health is the ideal field for students who enjoy conducting research, writing policy, and improving others’ quality of life.
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Public Health Initiatives in New York
The state of New York is dedicated to improving residents’ health through programs that provide clean drinking water, mental healthcare, and education about fitness and nutrition. New York’s Prevention Agenda is an action plan to improve the state’s health through 2018. New York aspires to become the healthiest state; this prioritization of residents’ health creates opportunities for public health professionals in New York. The state has one of the largest and most diverse populations in the country. Public health professionals in New York work with government officials and private citizens to educate and inform policy decisions that address health issues specific to populations such as racial, disability, and low socioeconomic groups.
Public Health Internships & Fellowships in New York
Internships and fellowships allow students and recent graduates to improve their skills while gaining real-world experience. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Fellowships are generally longer, paid, and involve more responsibility. Many public health programs in New York provide contacts to help students arrange fellowships and internships.
HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program
One of the oldest programs in the country, this internship with the NYC Health Department connects students with mentors in the field.
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New York State Public Health Association Internships
Interns with NYSPHA gain experience planning and coordinating workshops and writing grants, while working with the organization’s executive director and president.
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Environmental Health Traineeship and Fellowship Program
Offered through the Centers for Disease Control, this fellowship places graduates in laboratories across the country to work on prevention strategies specific to environmental health infrastructures.
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Health Communications Internship
Hosted by the Community Service Society, this unpaid internship focuses on communication and education efforts to implement the Affordable Care Act in New York.
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Fellowship in Public Health Practice
This one-year fellowship helps professionals develop supervisory skills to prepare them for leadership roles in public health. The fellowship involves mentored research and disease control activities.
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Public Health Careers in New York
Salaries of public health professionals vary depending on factors such as experience and credentials. Officials in New York tend to earn slightly more than the national average, but the cost of living in New York is also above average. Attending online MPH programs in New York can reduce the cost of earning a public health degree and prepare students for careers.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 2,560 | $33.79 | $70,280 |
| United States | 63,260 | $32.60 | $67,810 |
Source: BLS
Public Health Employers in New York
The table below lists the largest employers of public health professionals in New York. These institutions are ideal sources of employment for recent graduates, as they regularly expand their services to meet community needs.
| Employer | Number of Employees |
|---|---|
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | 15,000 |
| New York Presbyterian Hospital | 20,000 |
| Mount Sinai Health System | 38,000 |
Public Health Research Centers in New York
After earning an MPH in New York, many public health professionals work in research centers around the world. Students planning to stay in New York after graduation can find employment at the state’s research centers, including those listed below.
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health: Part of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, this center maintains programs, labs, and groups dedicated to studying the life-long environmental exposures that impact health.
- Center for Infection and Immunity: Part of Columbia University, this center studies viruses, microbes, and other pathogens to improve public health, locally and globally.
- Center for Cognitive Studies in Medicine and Public Health: This center at the New York Academy of Medicine analyzes healthcare providers’ decision-making and patient interactions.
Public Health Professional Organizations in New York
Professional organizations are especially helpful for students earning a master’s of public health online in New York. Students and graduates benefit from the networking opportunities provided by professional membership. Organizations also offer access to job boards, conferences, and scholarship opportunities. Connections made through professional organizations can help public health graduates find employment and advance their careers.
- New York State Public Health Association: NYSPHA supports public health by advocating for public health professionals and by providing networking and professional development opportunities.
- Public Health Association of NYC: This organization educates and informs people about public health and provides opportunities for public health professionals to work together to improve healthcare.
- American Public Health Association: With branches across the country, APHA works to improve the health of individuals and communities.
Public Health Certifications and Licenses in New York
Earning a master’s of public health online in New York fulfils the requirements for positions in public health. However, public health professionals may choose to earn the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential, which is administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. The CPH credential distinguishes job candidates from competition.
Professionals who work with patients may need additional training after completing online MPH programs in New York.
Some public health positions do require licensure or certification. Professionals who work with patients may need additional training after completing online MPH programs in New York. Many public health graduates conduct research in laboratories and benefit from further education. Choosing your career path in the public health field will help you determine whether you need to earn additional credentials.
Accreditation for Online Public Health Master’s Programs in New York
Attending an accredited institution is essential to obtaining employment, especially in public health. Accreditation is the process by which governing bodies verify the quality of academic programs.
The two main types of accreditation are regional and national. Regional accreditation is the most common and the most highly regarded. National accreditation is typically reserved for vocational programs, and degrees earned from nationally accredited schools may not be recognized by employers and other institutions. Attending a regionally accredited institution also makes transferring credits between states easier, as regional accreditation ensures adherence to high standards.
Directory of Online Master’s in Public Health Programs in New York
New York Medical College
NYMC is based in Valhalla in Westchester County and is a member of the Touro College and University System. Catering primarily to distance learners, NYMC offers online master of public health programs in three different areas: health policy and management, behavioral sciences and health promotion, and environmental health science. Regardless of their chosen specialization, each student must complete the same set of core courses. These required courses include a thesis, a practicum, a comprehensive examination, and studies in epidemiology, biostatistics, health care, and environmental health.
The curriculum consists of 46 credits. All coursework is available in an asynchronous format through BlackBoard. Distance learners never need to visit campus and can arrange practicum locations in their own communities. According to NYMC’s data, 37% of the program’s most recent class opted to complete their practicum in a community-based agency, while 28% worked in hospitals, 12% in private practice, and 7% in government.
Though most online students take either two or three classes per term, distance learners can also opt for accelerated options if they choose one of the qualifying concentrations: behavioral sciences and health promotion or health policy and management. These accelerated tracks allow students to graduate with their MPH in a single year, or in three consecutive terms of full-time study.
New students may begin in the fall and spring semesters. NYMC takes a holistic approach in evaluating each applicant. While the college prefers prospective students to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, the school also considers work experience, recommendations, and personal statements. In addition, NYMC seeks evidence of applicants’ passion for public health. The GRE is not required for admission to NYMC. All distance learners pay the same tuition regardless of state residency status.
University at Albany – SUNY
A member of the State University of New York system, the University at Albany-SUNY’s School of Public Health maintains both a local and a global focus. To that end, the school partners with the New York State Department of Health while incorporating modern research from around the world. The school’s online master of public health degree is a part-time program that caters to professionals already working in the field. The program includes a concentration in public health practice and does not include any on-campus requirements. Coursework is delivered asynchronously through BlackBoard.
One of the most comprehensive public health programs in New York, Albany’s MPH curriculum consists of 51 credits. All students must also complete a 720-hour internship. Graduates can evaluate public health needs, design disease prevention and control initiatives, and implement public health plans. Since the program is for part-time students only, completion times vary. The program aims for small class sizes; most electives enroll about 15 students at a time. Core courses often have larger student enrollments.
Students can begin the program in the fall, spring, and summer terms. The school accepts applications on a rolling basis, although the priority deadline is February 1 each year. All applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Additionally, potential students must submit GRE scores and have completed a semester’s worth of undergraduate social sciences courses. The average GRE scores for accepted students are 159 on the verbal section and 161 on the quantitative section. Students may also submit MCAT, GMAT, DAT, or PCAT scores in lieu of GRE scores. As a New York state school, Albany charges out-of-state students a higher tuition rate than New York residents.
Scholarships for Public Health Master’s Degrees in New York
CHCI-United Health Foundation Scholar Intern Program
This paid internship program for Latino students provides financial assistance and professional experience.
Amount Offered: $5,000 per year
Scholarship Deadline: May 12
Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a full-time student in a healthcare-related program and must be a U.S. citizen or be authorized for employment in the U.S.
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Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship
This scholarship supports minority graduate students pursuing careers in healthcare management.
Amount Offered: $5,000
Scholarship Deadline: March 31
Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a member of a minority group, must be in the final year of a graduate program, must demonstrate financial need, and must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen.
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National Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship Program
This scholarship addresses the lack of Hispanic medical students to improve the care of Hispanic patients. The scholarship supports Hispanic students and those working with Hispanic communities.
Amount Offered: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: October 6
Eligibility Requirements: The recipient must be a graduate student and a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
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Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Established by Tylenol to support healthcare students, this scholarship has awarded over $8 million.
Amount Offered: Up to $10,000
Scholarship Deadline: June 30
Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a healthcare student with at least one year remaining.
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Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship
Offered by the Society for Public Health Education, this scholarship supports public health students.
Amount Offered: $1,500
Scholarship Deadline: October 1
Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must demonstrate financial need, must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and must be a U.S. citizen.
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Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
Named for the founder of the American Hospital Supply Corporation, this scholarship covers tuition and other costs for students in healthcare management and related programs.
Amount Offered: $5,000
Scholarship Deadline: March 31
Eligibility Requirements: The student must demonstrate financial need and must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen.
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Public Health Community Scholarship
Founded to support public health students, this scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students and to professionals seeking continuing education.
Amount Offered: $2,500
Scholarship Deadline: January 5
Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must submit an essay.
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Community-Engaged Student Research Scholarship
Awarded by the Association of Accredited Public Health Programs, this scholarship supports public health students working on community research or evaluation projects.
Amount Offered: $1,000
Scholarship Deadline: March 1
Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must have at least 15 graduate credits and must be approved to conduct a project.
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Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship develops healthcare leaders focused in sexual and reproductive health.
Amount Offered: $15,000
Scholarship Deadline: February
Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be enrolled at an accredited institution.
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