Earning a master's in public health online in Connecticut leads to a career improving the health, vitality, and happiness of residents of the Constitution State. Connecticut is home to several widely respected colleges and universities offering public health master's degree programs, making it one of the best states in the nation for students pursuing careers in public health.
The BLS projects the profession of epidemiology — a common path for graduates of online MPH programs in Connecticut — to grow 7% over the next decade.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the profession of epidemiology — a common path for graduates of online MPH programs in Connecticut — to grow 7% over the next decade. Although Connecticut is known as a relatively healthy state, more than 25% of high school students are overweight or obese, a concern that creates job opportunities for public health professionals in the state.
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Public Health Initiatives in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Public Health helps residents live healthier lives and works to reduce preventable conditions, such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, stroke, and heart disease. The agency's Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Program helps children and families fight obesity through regular exercise, good nutrition, and effective weight-management techniques. In addition to working with schools and social service agencies, the program oversees the educational component of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Another major public health program, Connecticut's State Water Plan encourages efficient use of the region's water resources. The plan ensures all residents have access to safe drinking water through sound regulations, laws, and public policies. These efforts have established Connecticut as one of the best states for public health.
Public Health Internships & Fellowships in Connecticut
Internships and fellowships provide opportunities to increase public health knowledge and accelerate progress toward a career. Generally, students complete low-level tasks during internships in exchange for experience. Fellowships, which are common for students in graduate public health programs in Connecticut, supplement coursework with advanced real-world experiences. The following internships and fellowships are available to Connecticut students.
This state agency allows undergraduate and graduate students to shadow experienced public health professionals and complete an independent project, during which students apply classroom skills to a real-world problem.
Public Health Careers in Connecticut
The BLS shows that public health professionals in Connecticut earn higher salaries than the national average. While a degree from one of the online MPH programs in Connecticut positions graduates for successful careers, exact salaries depend on experience, credentials, and area of public health. The table below highlights average hourly and annual salaries for health educators and epidemiologists in Connecticut and the U.S.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 760 | $36.32 | $75,560 |
| United States | 63,260 | $32.60 | $67,810 |
Source: BLS
Public Health Employers in Connecticut
While researching online MPH programs in Connecticut, consider the location of the state's largest employers to determine employment opportunities after graduation. While many public health professionals work in private health systems, others serve with the Department of Public Health or with community-based nonprofit organizations.
| Employers | Number of Employees |
|---|---|
| Yale-New Haven Health System | 22,193 |
| Hartford HealthCare | 17,880 |
| Connecticut Department of Public Health | 762 |
Public Health Research Centers in Connecticut
Many Connecticut MPH graduates conduct critical research on public health issues that impact people from a range of backgrounds. In Connecticut's numerous research centers, talented professionals develop research and data to improve health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
UConn Center for Public Health and Health Policy: Based at Connecticut's largest public university, the center uses policy analysis and data and informatics to examine public health issues. The center maintains the Husky Nutrition Program, which reduces health and nutrition disparities among low-income families.
Yale School of Public Health: Yale's research centers focus on areas of public health such as cancer prevention, AIDS, environmental epidemiology, climate change-related health issues, elder care, tobacco regulation, and global health.
Connecticut Public Health PBRN: The Practice-Based Research Network is a consortium of healthcare providers, public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and universities. The group focuses on governance and organizational issues within public health programs in Connecticut.
Public Health Professional Organizations in Connecticut
As you work toward your master's in public health online in Connecticut, consider joining professional organizations. Students who are active in the public health community gain access to professional development, education, networking opportunities, annual conferences, and career services and job boards. Through membership in professional organizations, students find career opportunities and grow their knowledge base.
Connecticut Public Health Association: CPHA represents public health professionals throughout the state. Its members promote healthy living and advocate at the state level for public health causes. The organization provides professional development, education, and networking opportunities.
Community Health Center Association of Connecticut: CHCACT enhances the level of care provided at community health centers throughout the state. The association organizes Connecticut's largest public health conference and advocates for sound health policy.
Connecticut Association of Public Health Nurses: CAPHN promotes the public health nursing field through advocacy, collaboration, education, leadership, and practice. Its members include nursing professionals and public health officials from across Connecticut.
Public Health Certifications and Licenses in Connecticut
After completing an online MPH program in Connecticut, you may need to seek licensure from the state. The required license or certification depends on your career path. The Environmental Practitioner license, for example, certifies professionals working in asbestos and lead abatement, sanitation, and septic services.
After completing an online MPH program in Connecticut, you may need to seek licensure from the state.
Other certifications qualify holders for high-level careers in public health. The National Board of Public Health Examiners offers the Certified in Public Health credential, which requires candidates to pass a standardized exam. Public health nurses must be licensed to practice as an LPN, RN, or nurse practitioner.
While most public health positions do not require licensure or certification, these credentials distinguish job seekers from competition.
Accreditation for Online Public Health Master's Programs in Connecticut
When choosing a school at which to earn your MPH in Connecticut, consider the accreditation status of each program. Accreditation ensures your degree will be recognized and is necessary to qualify for financial aid, seek a doctoral degree, or secure a job after graduation.
Of the two types of accreditation, regional and national, regional accreditation is the most common and rigorous. However, schools with national accreditation tend to be more affordable. Many online-only programs are nationally accredited. Most regionally accredited institutions do not accept transfer credits earned from nationally accredited schools.
In Connecticut, regional accreditation is awarded by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission. In addition to regional or national accreditation, some public health programs may be accredited by the Council for Education on Public Health.
Scholarships for Public Health Master's Degrees in Connecticut
Available from the Connecticut Health Foundation, these scholarships support students from underrepresented groups pursuing an MPH in Connecticut.
Amount Offered: Up to $8,300 per yearScholarship Deadline: VariesEligibility Requirements: The recipient must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, have at least a year of experience in a health-related field, and be willing to complete a graduate degree over a three-year period.