Published Research Article

TRENDS IN DEGREE CONFERRALS, DEGREE-ASSOCIATED DEBT, AND EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE PUBLIC HEALTH DEGREE GRADUATES, 2001‒2020

September 19, 2018

ASPPH, the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health conducted this study that explores trends in undergraduate education for public health over the past 20 years.

Some key highlights of the report found that undergraduate public health degree (UGPHD) graduates are diverse, with more than 80% being women and 55% being individuals from communities of color. By 2020, undergraduates with public health degrees outpaced those obtaining master’s public health degrees, yet these undergraduates then entering the workforce did not choose government positions. Following graduation, the majority (62%) of degree recipients were either employed or had a fellowship or a volunteer position, while 31% were enrolled in further study. The report also looks at how government public health roles can be made more appealing to UGPHD graduates.