Public health includes a variety of occupations such as social workers, environmental researchers, health and safety specialists, and public policymakers. The need for public health professionals continues to rise: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% job growth for all healthcare occupations from 2019-2029.
Public health is relevant to many contemporary problems. Professionals educate local communities on issues including mental health and disease prevention. They can combat other problems, such as how racism impacts a community's physical health.
A public health degree can lead to a fulfilling career. This guide covers what to expect from an associate degree in public health, including available occupations for graduates. For the best overview of online associate programs, check out the top-ranked public health programs for 2021 below.
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Why Get This Degree? | What to Expect | Jobs | Top Programs Descriptions
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | County College of Morris | Randolph, NJ |
| 2 | College of Western Idaho | Nampa, ID |
| 3 | Mid Michigan College | Harrison, MI |
| 4 | Montgomery County Community College | Blue Bell, PA |
| 5 | Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, MD |
See Detailed Rankings
Featured Online Programs
Why Get an Online Public Health Associate Degree?
Public health professionals promote general well-being and healthy practices by serving communities or conducting research. Research organizations, hospitals, and government bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency all hire public health specialists.
Because every community benefits from public health programs and workers, public health associate degree graduates can find work across the United States. Working with local groups allows public health workers to develop a strong sense of place and purpose.
Some positions in public health require an associate degree, while others require further education or certifications. Requiring fewer credits, an associate degree may cost less and take less time to earn than higher degrees. An associate degree program primes students to enter the workforce or pursue additional degrees for career advancement.
Some of the benefits of earning a public health associate degree online include:
Strike a Balance
An associate degree allows students to try postsecondary public health programs without a four-year full-time commitment. Upon graduation, students can decide whether they want to seek further education or enter the workforce.
Learn the Trade
An associate program in public health gives students the tools to make a positive impact. The curriculum preps enrollees for entry-level positions by teaching theories, practices, and technical knowledge necessary in the field.
Develop Soft Skills
The field of public health promotes universal skills such as leadership, project management, and data analysis. Associate degree-holders can apply these soft skills to many career fields.
Public Health Associate Versus Bachelor's Degrees
An associate degree can cost less and be quicker to complete, but a bachelor's in public health may create more job opportunities. On the other hand, bachelor's degrees usually result in a four-year commitment and higher costs.
Both degrees usually build off similar foundational classes. Bachelor's programs typically delve more deeply into topics, while associate degrees in public health are more limited to introductory coursework.
An associate degree can fit students working toward a specific job. A bachelor's might benefit learners that want to pursue public health but have not yet settled on a career path.
| Public Health Associate Degree | Public Health Bachelor's Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 years full time; accelerated formats available | 4 years full time; accelerated formats and combined bachelor's-master's degree tracks available |
| Usual Credit Requirements | 60 credits | 120 credits |
| Cost | Fewer credits and semesters can lead to cheaper costs | Usually more expensive due to increased credit requirements |
| Available Courses | Fewer choices due to fewer credits | Full access to undergraduate courses in the major |
| Curriculum | Focused on public health topics | Includes general studies for a well-rounded education |
| Job Prospects | Select entry-level positions | A larger selection of jobs that require a bachelor's |
| Goal | Develop job-related skills or transfer to a bachelor's program | Learning theories and foundations in the field to prepare for jobs |
2020 Median Usual Weekly Earnings by Educational Attainment | $940 | $1,310 |
Read More About Public Health Bachelor's Programs
What To Expect From Associate in Public Health Programs
Associate public health programs prepare students to foster well-being within communities. These degrees generally require 60 credits across two years of full-time study. However, some schools offer accelerated formats for students who wish to earn their degree in a shorter time frame.
Schools can offer these programs in traditional, hybrid, or online formats. An online program can fit a busy learner's schedule and provide the flexibility needed for students with career or family obligations. Hybrid courses mix online and in-person learning, while on-campus programs give a traditional college learning experience. The format does not determine a program's quality, so students should seek the format that best fits their lifestyle.
Public health's interdisciplinary nature can lead to significant differences among programs' curricula, so students should find coursework that matches their employment goals. Many associate degrees also focus on developing universal soft skills such as leadership and program planning.
The Admissions Process
Most schools accept digital applications through their website. Students may pay an application fee. Applications usually require prospective learners to hold a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Some public health departments require additional materials like a resume or statement of purpose. Colleges can also set minimum GPAs or test scores for entry, and this data may also determine course placement.
Degree and Concentration Options
While most schools have a dedicated public health associate degree, some might offer public health as a specialization within a broader program like health sciences. Prospective students should examine each school's offerings carefully to ensure the coursework aligns with their career goals.
Graduates usually receive an associate of science (AS) in public health. However, some institutions may offer an associate of arts (AA) or an associate of applied science (AAS) in public health instead.
An AA program usually includes more general education and liberal arts classes. The AAS degree takes the opposite approach, focusing on practical skills for the workplace. An AS in public health strikes a balance between the AA and the AAS.
Popular Public Health Courses
Every public health associate degree's curriculum depends on the jobs it prepares students for. However, many schools feature similar core classes and electives. The courses listed below are typical courses included in an online public health associate degree curriculum.
How Much Will an Associate in Public Health Cost?
The cost of a public health associate degree greatly impacts a student's choice in programs. One of the biggest factors affecting price is the type of school. The average tuition and fees of private schools in 2020-21 came to $35,087, according to U.S. News & World Report. In comparison, the average out-of-state rates for public institutions in the same year was $21,184, while in-state students at public schools paid $9,687 on average in 2020-21.
Schools may offer a separate tuition rate for fully online students. For public schools, these rates may match in-state tuition for all students, regardless of state residency. In some cases, students may apply for tuition waivers to forego out-of-state fees.
Degree-seekers can apply for financial aid to help pay for their education. Loans entail repayment with interest, while grants and scholarships do not require repayment. Look at the linked page below to learn more about financial aid.
Jobs for Associate in Public Health Graduates
An associate degree provides a solid foundation for public health jobs, but applicants might need additional certifications or licensure for some jobs. The BLS projects several public health careers to experience job growth from 2019-2029. Because public health specialists can benefit any community, these positions will likely remain in demand.
Popular public health careers typically pay salaries ranging from $35,000-$76,000, according to the BLS. With relevant experience, employees can earn promotions and higher wages. An associate degree can also set students up to pursue further education.
Registered nurses provide patient care, health education, and support for patients and families. These duties include managing medical records and operating medical equipment such as ventilators and IV pumps. A specialized version of this job, public health nurse, focuses on community outreach and education.
Required Education: Associate degree or postsecondary certificates Job Outlook (2019-29):+7%Median Annual Salary:$75,330
Environmental science and protection technicians investigate the public and private spheres for health and safety hazards. These duties include examining local ecosystems for pollution and harmful waste products. They collect samples for lab analysis and maintain equipment that measures waste in the environment.
Required Education: Associate degree Job Outlook (2019-29):+8%Median Annual Salary:$46,850
Emergency medical technicians and paramedics respond to emergencies and provide immediate medical care on site. The job requires stress management and communication skills. These workers must hold state licensure. This job can jumpstart a career in emergency management after several years of experience and further education.
Required Education: Postsecondary education and state licensure Job Outlook (2019-29):+6%Median Annual Salary:$36,650
Choosing the Right Public Health Program
Our rankings are a great place to start the search for an online public health program, but degree-seekers must consider other factors.
A public health program's location can influence its curricular focus, as different communities face different public health problems. For example, an associate degree program in West Virginia might discuss black lung disease, a form of pneumoconiosis common in workers who inhale coal dust.
However, public health degrees in northern Ohio — only one state away — may tackle the toxic algae found in Lake Erie that caused the 2014 water crisis in Toledo. Every community confronts unique challenges depending on the local environment and other factors.
A public health program's location can influence its curricular focus, as different communities face different public health problems.
Accreditation is also a crucial consideration. Accreditation falls into three major categories: national, regional, and program-specific. National accreditation applies to a wide variety of vocational and trade schools; as a result, national accreditation features fewer universal standards.
Regional accreditation usually entails stricter universal standards and therefore holds more value. Schools earn regional accreditation from one of six U.S. Department of Education-endorsed accrediting bodies. Program-specific accreditation comes from professional organizations that assess education programs related to the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Top Five Online Associate Degrees in Public Health for 2021
Health education and promotion benefit individuals, families, and communities. A public health associate degree may provide foundational education for nurses, community health organizers, and nutrition educators. Degree-seekers can explore the top five online public health programs for 2021 with our ranked list of accredited schools.
Accreditation highlights quality programs that meet standards of academic excellence. Each school on our list holds regional accreditation. The following accrediting bodies endorse the schools in our ranking.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)