Public Health Careers

At the University of Michigan School of Public Health, students gain the skills and experience to launch meaningful careers across a wide range of public health fields. With an interdisciplinary education and hands-on learning opportunities, you’ll graduate prepared to address real-world challenges in communities.

Michigan Public Health alumni are making a difference across sectors and around the world. From hospitals and nonprofits to health tech, research institutions, and public agencies, our graduates lead and support work that improves lives. They chose Michigan because, like you, they wanted a career rooted in service, impact, and achievement.

• 94% of recent graduates employed or pursuing advanced degree (96% response rate)
• 99% of students report being very satisfied or satisfied with their post-graduation position
• Over 3,500 opportunities posted on our Public Health Job Board annually
• 3 Career Fairs hosted annually with 40+ organizations and 90+ employer representatives
• Over 40 employer and alumni networking events offered annually
• Over 50 career preparation workshops offered annually 

As a student, you’ll have access to one-on-one career advising, resume and interview support, and events that connect you with alumni and employers shaping the field.

  

What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree?

A degree in public health opens the door to impactful work across communities, systems, and populations. At Michigan Public Health, students use their training to solve real-world health challenges, improve lives, shape systems, and build healthier communities. Our graduates apply their skills across diverse industries, from nonprofit organizations to biotech firms, driving change in public health locally and globally.

Our recent graduates are making an impact across sectors:

To view example employers and the percentages of graduates working in sectors broken down by department, view this Employment of Recent Graduates page.

Graduates work across public health fields, including:

• Environmental & Health Risk Assessment
• Health Data Science, Analysis & Research
• Health Policy, Law & Planning
• Health Promotion & Program Development
• Health System Management
• Health & Environmental Consulting
• Individualized Client & Patient Care

To view descriptions of these public health fields, including sample job titles, tasks and responsibilities, hiring trends, core skills, and relevant coursework at Michigan Public Health, click on the Explore Career Paths button below. To learn more about graduate employment and career trajectories, click on the Explore Career Outcome Reports button below.

Explore public health career paths

Explore Career Outcome Reports

Career services and resources for students

The University of Michigan School of Public Health Careers Office is here to support you, whether you are exploring your first job, pivoting careers, or building your skillset and network. At the Michigan Public Health Careers Office, we provide an environment of discovery for all. We help students gain clarity and confidence in their career path, learn how to tell their professional story, and build meaningful relationships within the field of public health. 

We believe in the power of community, where students, alumni, employers, and career coaches come together to support and uplift one another. Through curated resources, career advising, and engaging  events, we aim to connect future public health leaders to the opportunities that matter and prepare them to create lasting change in public health and health equity for all. 

Michigan Public Health students have access to personalized career preparation services, including: one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, LinkedIn profile guidance, and job and internship search support. The careers office also hosts a variety of programming, including biannual career fairs, internship showcases, skill-building workshops, and alumni and employer networking events.

These services are here to support you in exploring your options, gaining real-world experiences, and launching your public health career with confidence.

Learn more about career services and resources

Internships & experiential learning

At Michigan Public Health, your learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Internships are where your skills come to life and are a key part of your professional journey. Through real-world experience, internships allow you to apply classroom knowledge, explore potential career paths, and build connections that often lead to post-grad opportunities. 

All residential MPH, MHSA, and MHI students complete an internship. Students in undergraduate, MS, and PhD programs are encouraged to pursue internships to strengthen their experience and expand their networks.

Our students intern across a wide range of settings, from health departments and hospitals to nonprofits, pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, and consulting firms. Many go on to continue working with their host sites, turning internships into part-time roles or full-time jobs.

While you’re responsible for securing your internship, you’re never on your own. The School of Public Health offers a full range of support, providing opportunities for you to: 

• Schedule career coaching appointments
• Browse curated public health internship postings on our job board
• Connect with employers looking to hire public health students during career fairs
• Attend workshops on internship search and application strategies
• Build relationships with alumni during networking events
• From start to finish, the process is designed to support your growth and help you build confidence in your skills, your goals, and your next steps.

Learn more about internships & experiential learning

What our alumni say about why they chose public health

Contact Information

Phone: 734-763-3918
Email: sph.jobs@umich.edu