Difference Between MPH and MSPH  

Key Difference – MPH vs MSPH
 

MPH and MSPH are two-degree qualifications between which some difference can be highlighted when focusing on the public heath stream. In the stream of public health, attention is paid to improving the quality of life of people and also individual health. In order to accomplish this goal, the prevention of diseases and treatment is focused upon. When speaking of the two degrees, MPH stands for Master of Public Health whereas MSPH stands for Master of Science in Public Health. The key difference between MPH and MSPH is that while Master of Public Health is considered as a professional qualification, the Master of Science in Public Health is considered as a research degree. Through this article, let us examine the differences between the two degrees in detail.

What is MPH?

MPH stands for Master of Public Health. This is considered as a professional degree that allows the individual to gain a comprehensive understanding of the public health practices. The duration of the course is for about two years. In order to enroll for an MPH, the student needs to have a bachelor’s degree in education, biology, sociology, or business. Through an MPH, student capacities are broadened in five distinct fields. They are,

1. Public health administration and policy
2. Behavioral and Social sciences
3. Biostatistics
4. Environmental health
5. Epidemiology

After the completion of the degree, the individual can move on to a career in public policy, administration, education, or even community practice. Some of the well-known professions to which the student can move on to are the medical assistant, nurse, health scientist, lecturers, community health educators, and coordinators, health care analysts, etc.

What is MSPH?

MSPH stands for Mater of Science in Public Health. Unlike MPH, which is a professional degree, MSPH is considered as an academic degree. This is one of the key differences between the two degrees. In MSPH, the focus is mainly on public health research. The specialty is that through this degree the individual is exposed to both qualitative and quantitative research that will enhance the student’s capacities when conducting research. Also, the student gains a more scientific understanding in contrast to the student who follows an MPH.

A similarity between MPH and MSPH is that both degrees share the same key areas of public health through the course. Hence, the student is exposed to Public health administration and policy, Behavioral and social sciences, Biostatistics, Environmental health, and Epidemiology.

In order to enroll for the course, it is mandatory that the student has completed a bachelor’s degree. However, the stream is not specified similar to MPH. Still, in some universities, the requirement is for a health-related bachelor’s degree. The minimum GPA also differs according to the university.

Those who have completed their Masters in this course can find employment in a variety of fields. It is necessary to stress that since this is an academic qualification, there is a higher possibility for individuals to choose careers related to academia, such as researchers, health educators, lecturers, etc. Other than these, they can also find employment in NGOs, state sector organizations, industries, etc.

This highlights that before choosing which degree to pursue it is vital to pay attention to the differences between the two degrees, in order to make an informed decision.

What is the Difference Between MPH and MSPH?

Definitions of MPH and MSPH:

MPH: MPH stands for Master of Public Health.

MSPH: MSPH stands for Master of Science in Public Health.

Characteristics of MPH and MSPH:

Nature:

MPH: MPH is a professional degree.

MSPH: MSPH is an academic degree.

Research:

MPH: In MPH, there is less focus on research.

MSPH: In MSPH, the major focus is on research.

Career opportunities:

MPH: The individual can move on to a career in public policy, administration, education, or even community practice.

MSPH: the individual can find employment in NGOs, state sector organizations, industries, etc. However, mostly, the careers are related to academia.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Salk headlines” by March of Dimes – March of Dimes. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

2. “Influenza virus research” by Photo Credit: James GathanyContent Providers(s) [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons

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