According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the leading killer of state residents aged 45 and older is ischemic heart and vascular disease. The combination of the traditional Southern diet, narrow food options, and high poverty levels increase Georgia's need for public health professionals.
…jobs for healthcare practitioners and social workers to increase 21% from 2014 to 2024.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for healthcare practitioners and social workers to increase 21% from 2014 to 2024. In response to community need, Georgia's master's programs in public health have expanded to include coursework in areas such as environmental health, healthcare management, applied epidemiology, and public health informatics. The quality and number of accredited programs in Georgia make the state an ideal location to begin a career in public health.
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Public Health Initiatives in Georgia
Long-term goals for the Georgia Department of Public Health include improving the quality of life and increasing the life expectancy of residents through initiatives to reduce tobacco use and improve residents' diets. The Tobacco Free Georgia campaign implements tobacco-free policies in schools and public areas to reduce children's and young adults' exposure to smoking. Approximately one in ten Georgia adults struggle with diabetes; the Georgia Grown Feed My School program fights diabetes by bringing nutritional training into elementary schools across the state. These are two of many health initiatives in Georgia, which require qualified public health managers to orchestrate.
Public Health Internships & Fellowships in Georgia
Internships and fellowships provide real-world training for students in online MPH programs in Georgia. Internships may be paid or unpaid, but fellowships are generally paid, full-time positions. Below are paid internships and fellowships in Georgia-based institutions, which address a variety of community health issues. For more internship and fellowship opportunities, visit the Directors of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) websites.
DHPE interns work with minority communities in Georgia. During internships, future public health organizers learn about local communities in need.
Public Health Careers in Georgia
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for community health workers to increase 18% by 2026. Though salaries depend on experience, credentials, and geographic location, the average salary for public health professionals in Georgia is higher than the nationwide average. The following table shows the wages and employment of public health workers in Georgia.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 3,470 | $33.92 | $70,540 |
| United States | 63,260 | $32.60 | $67,810 |
Source: BLS
Public Health Employers in Georgia
Large institutions and companies offer the most employment opportunities for recent graduates of online MPH programs in Georgia. Job seekers find positions in areas such as epidemiology, health and safety engineering, management, and health informatics. The table below lists Georgia's largest employers of public health professionals.
| Employers | Number of Employees |
|---|---|
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | 12,000 |
| Wellstar Health System | 20,000 |
Public Health Research Centers in Georgia
For those who've earned their master's in public health online, Georgia research centers provide employment opportunities. Positions in research centers are ideal for individuals who are interested in working with scientists and doctors to pursue solutions to public health issues. Below are three of the many research institutions in Georgia, which need graduates of master's in public health programs to fill positions in administration, epidemiology, and social work.
School of Public Health at Georgia State University: The School of Public Health conducts ongoing research in areas of public health such as chronic and infectious diseases, mental health, and environmental triggers.
Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University: Lab contributors at the Rollins School of Public Health use data and field research to increase the quality of life for local residents. Employees study infectious diseases, environmental toxicology, and molecular epidemiology.
Georgia Public Health Laboratory: Professionals at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory engage in clinical and nonclinical research related to issues in Georgia communities. Employees contribute to health programs, promote statewide screenings, and provide diagnostic statistics to inform residents and health professionals.
Public Health Professional Organizations in Georgia
Students earning a master's in public health degree online benefit from joining a local professional organization. Below are a few of the many statewide organizations that support public health and help professionals create valuable contacts. Membership often includes access to annual conferences, informative newsletters, and career service centers that help students transition from school to the workforce.
Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance: The Georgia CTSA promotes quality clinical research and education and uses scientific discoveries as opportunities for community engagement. This alliance unites multiple institutions to foster statewide public health programs.
Georgia Public Health Association: Members of GPHA, a nonprofit organization, self-monitor their research to maintain standards of excellence in public health institutions across Georgia. This community advocates for new policies to improve public health and quality of life.
Georgia Family Connection Partnership: The Georgia Family Connection Partnership combines professional social work with grassroots community engagement to improve the lives of children and families. This advocacy group collaborates with community members and alerts the state government to community needs.
Public Health Certifications and Licenses in Georgia
All public health professionals in the United States must pass the Certified in Public Health exam, administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). The exam consists of 200 questions with a four-hour time limit and should be taken after completing an online MPH program in Georgia. NBPHE offers practice questions and study resources to help candidates prepare.
NBPHE offers practice questions and study resources.
After passing the exam, professionals must maintain certification through continuing education regarding public health issues, including coursework, conferences, workshops, and online webinars. Current understanding of trends and issues in the field help professionals maintain high-quality performance and demonstrates dedication to the profession.
Accreditation for Online Public Health Master's Programs in Georgia
Before choosing a master's program in public health in Georgia, ensure the institution is accredited. Accreditation indicates a program meets established standards of quality and rigor. Of the two most common types of accreditation — regional and national — regional is the most highly regarded. Attending a regionally accredited institution ensures your degree will be recognized by other institutions and by employers.
Public health programs should also hold field-specific accreditation; to take the required Certified in Public Health exam, candidates must have a degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Graduates from programs not accredited by CEPH must have at least five years of work experience in the field. Before enrolling, find your school in the list of CEPH-accredited schools.
Directory of Online Master's in Public Health Programs in Georgia
Augusta is a public research university that specializes primarily in the health sciences. The school partners with the Augusta University Medical Center and the Children's Hospital of Georgia in order to research new medical treatments and deliver expert care. The school's master of public health program allows students to complete 90% of coursework online, with the remaining 10% available on campus. All online coursework is available in an asynchronous format, making this one of the most flexible public health programs in Georgia.
Students may choose a concentration in social and behavioral sciences, health informatics, environmental health, or health management. Students must complete an internship, an ethical conduct course, and a practicum experience in the field. Core courses include epidemiology, biostatistics, health management and policy, health promotion, and environmental health. Students complete 30 credits of core courses and 15-16 credits in their chosen concentration. Full-time students can graduate within two years, while part-time students can graduate in three or four.
Distance learners enrolled in the MPH program may also pursue a dual MD-MPH degree. Students who choose this option first enroll at the Medical College of Georgia and spend a year at Augusta to complete the MPH degree. This particular option requires five years to complete. Students who are not sure if they want to complete a full master's program can apply for the university's 15-credit graduate certificate in public health.
Prospective students may apply for admission for the fall or spring terms. Most applicants must submit GRE scores. Students who already hold an MD are exempt from the GRE requirement. As a public university, Augusta charges Georgia residents a lower tuition rate than out-of-state students.
Scholarships for Public Health Master's Degrees in Georgia
Named for the first African American fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), this scholarship supports minority students in their final year of graduate studies in public health.
Amount Offered: $5,000Scholarship Deadline: March 31Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a member of a minority group, must be enrolled full-time in an accredited public health program, and must demonstrate financial need.