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A new study conducted by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health sheds light on whether Master of Public Health (MPH) programs adequately prepare graduates for the demands of the current job market. The study, which analyzed real-time job posting data, reveals that while public health degree programs provide many of the key competencies required by employers, improvements could be made by aligning curricula more closely with evolving industry needs.
The findings, published in the American Journal of Public Health, underscore the importance of ensuring graduates possess specific technical skills that employers are actively seeking. The research, led by Heather Krasna, Ph.D., EdM, associate dean of Career and Professional Development at Columbia Mailman School, marks the first time real-time data from job postings has been used to compare employer demands with competencies mandated by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH), the body responsible for accrediting public health programs.
Real-Time Data from Job Postings Highlights Employer Needs
Using a dataset of over 70,000 job postings for MPH graduates, the researchers examined the top skills, certifications, and software desired by employers. These findings were contrasted with CEPH’s curriculum competencies, which are generally in line with employer expectations. However, the study highlights some gaps, particularly in the technical skills that are increasingly sought after in sectors such as consulting, insurance, and pharmaceuticals.
“Labor market competition for public health degree graduates is strong, particularly for those with technical expertise,” said Dr. Krasna. “Our research shows that CEPH competencies match employer demands to a large extent, but there are opportunities to improve graduate employability by integrating more real-time job market data into academic programs.”
Shifting Job Market for MPH Graduates
Interestingly, the study found that the majority of job postings for MPH graduates come from for-profit industries (26%), academia and research (26%), and healthcare (14%), with only 12% of unique postings in government agencies. This trend reflects the shifting landscape of public health employment, where graduates are increasingly sought after in higher-paying sectors like insurance and pharmaceuticals.
“MPH graduates are moving towards for-profit companies, such as insurance firms and healthcare providers,” added Dr. Krasna. “These industries offer public health professionals the opportunity to make a significant impact on public health, albeit in a more corporate environment.”
Technical Skills vs. Health Equity Competencies
While the study emphasized the demand for technical skills such as data analysis, epidemiology, and biostatistics, there was a notable absence of job postings prioritizing competencies in diversity, inclusion, and health equity. These skills, which are central to public health education and the Essential Public Health Services, were not as frequently listed in employer job postings.
Dr. Krasna explained, “The skewing of job titles towards more analytical and technical roles may explain why health equity skills were less emphasized in postings from sectors like for-profit corporations and healthcare. However, graduates trained in health equity will continue to bring these critical skills to the workplace, regardless of the sector.”
Most Common Job Titles and Skills in Demand
The job titles most frequently seen in the postings were Epidemiologists (1,344), Biostatisticians (1,323), and Environmental Health and Safety Specialists (1,185). In addition to technical competencies, employers also valued skills in communication and management, reflecting the need for public health professionals who can effectively convey complex health data and lead teams in applied settings.
Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment
This groundbreaking study provides a comprehensive analysis of the alignment between MPH academic training and industry needs. By using real-time data from employer job postings, the research offers valuable insights into how public health programs can better prepare graduates for the job market.
The study concludes that while MPH programs are on the right track in providing essential skills, there is room for improvement, particularly in the integration of technical skills that are highly valued by employers in today’s evolving public health landscape.
More information about the study can be found in the article, “Employer Demand and Desired Skills for Public Health Graduates: Evidence from Job Postings,” published in the American Journal of Public Health (2024). DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2024.307834.
