Public Health or Public Administration?

Question

I'm a health science major, working on my B.S degree - and i'm a bit confused on what path to take next. For now, i want to work with community health, and eventually manage and direct a health organization. I'm stuck between MPH or MPA. both seem good for the job. I know that MPH will give me more training on health issues while MPA more of organizational issues. which one is more in demand? Any opinions?

Answer 1

Also consider the Master of Health Administration (MHA) in your options.

I suspect that any of these (with some practical experience for a few years) would qualify you to manage a "health organization" (generic) and which is ultimately best would depend on the type of health organization.  

I also suspect that the MPA would offer the most alternative options should you decide to leave public health administration or if employment opportunities become limited.

An MBA might also be an option if you don't need a specific higher degree in health for the intermediate career.  I suspect that if you're leaning toward the sciences side (disease control, epidemiology, community health education...) that the MPH would be more useful.  

If you're leaning toward the administrative side of public health then possibly the MPA or MHA might be more useful.  It's going to depend a lot on what you plan to do while you gain the experience to manage a health organization.