Accredited public health degree programs in Mississippi offer numerous opportunities for students. Public health is one of the fastest growing fields in the world today, and as people continue needing help with their medical needs, there will always be a high need for people trained and capable of working in this field. Once you finish your master's degree, you can use your degree to work for federal government agencies, in community health centers, for nonprofit organizations and for dozens of other employers. Though Mississippi only offers two accredited master of public health programs, both programs are among the top available in the country today.

Jackson State University

School of Health Sciences

Jackson State University originally opened as a seminary and initially only accepted African American students. The seminary helped to better prepare the future black religious leaders in the south. It later changed its name to Jackson College after moving to Jackson, Mississippi. Some of the oldest buildings on its campus date back to the turn of the 20th century. Though the school remains predominately African American today, it now accepts students of different races and backgrounds. More than 30 of its former students gained fame playing for the NFL and in other professional sports organizations, but the university also saw its graduates work in politics, law and other diverse fields.

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

When Jackson State University established its Master of Public Health program, it wanted to make the program more accessible to all students. That is why the university gives students the option of studying on a full time or part time basis. It generally takes full time students two to two and a half years to finish, and part time students can finish the program in three and a half years or less. Students can also select a concentration in behavioral health promotion and education, epidemiology or health policy and management. The health policy and management program is best for those hoping to lead others and work in medical settings, while the epidemiology program teaches students the science behind testing and identifying different diseases. As one of the top accredited public health degree programs in Mississippi, students can also learn how to assist and help the general public with a concentration in behavioral health promotion and education.

Accreditation

  • Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

Contact

400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217
(601) 979-2121
[email protected]
http://www.jsums.edu/publichealth/masters-of-public-health/

University of Southern Mississippi

Department of Public Health

The University of Southern Mississippi opened in 1912 as the Mississippi Normal College. Like other normal schools of the time, the college awarded students certificates for completing a teaching program. From 1924 to 1940, the college operated as a teachers college and gained the right to grant diplomas and degrees to graduating students. After the school began offering courses on psychology, history, agriculture and other topics, it became Mississippi Southern College. Its current name reflects its ability to award different types of degrees at all levels to its graduates. With a population of more than 15,000 students, the University of Southern Mississippi is one of the largest public colleges in the state.

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health program at the University of Southern Mississippi is one of the top accredited public health degree programs in the state. Students enrolling in the program can choose a concentration in epidemiology and biostatistics, which examines the role diseases play in certain populations and how research can prevent certain diseases. A concentration in health education better prepares students for work in community health organizations and similar facilities that educate patients on their risks of developing certain health conditions. Students can also choose the health policy and administration concentration to work in management positions. All public health students must take the same five classes on topics like environmental health and statistics. They then take seven courses in their concentration. The University of Southern Mississippi also lets students earn up to nine credits for completing an internship relating to their concentration.

Accreditation

  • Council on Education for Public Health

Contact

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-1000
[email protected]
https://www.usm.edu/community-public-health-sciences

Public health professionals work to protect the public at large. They help identify illnesses and diseases that affect certain populations and identify issues that might harm a larger group of people. If you love the idea of working with patients without becoming a doctor or nurse, you might look into the accredited public health degree programs in Mississippi.