Public health grads thrive: 91% land jobs or advance degrees, fueled by interprofessional education

mthomp7 — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 20:30:24 +0000

Public health grads thrive: 91% land jobs or advance degrees, fueled by interprofessional education mthomp7 Thu, 10/24/2024 - 16:30

In This Story

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS

College of Public Health 2023 Graduates Report Strong Career Outcomes

Grads report positive career outcomes

Graduates from the George Mason University College of Public Health are thriving, with 91% of undergraduates and 85% of graduate students reporting positive career outcomes in 2023. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with undergraduate outcomes rising by nearly 5%. As the only interprofessional College of Public Health in Virginia, Mason's programs offer a unique, comprehensive approach that prepares students to excel in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.

Grads are landing jobs and pursuing advanced degrees in their field

Of those employed after graduation, 92% of undergraduates and 90% of graduates reported working in positions or pursuing a degree directly related to their career goals, demonstrating an improvement from the previous year. Notably, INOVA remains the top employer for Mason graduates, reflecting the strong ties the College maintains with regional healthcare institutions. The College is located near a wide array of employers – ranging from large government agencies to private industry – making it an attractive location for new grads to build fulfilling careers. Learn more about May 2023 graduate McKenzie Lauber (pictured below), who was deeply involved in research at the Social Work Integrative Research Lab at George Mason and is advancing her education in George Mason's Advanced Standing Social Work program.

May 2023 graduate McKenzie Lauber was deeply involved in research at the Social Work Integrative Research Lab at George Mason and is continuing her studies in George Mason's Advanced Standing Social Work program.

CPH experience fueled career success

Students have highlighted the importance of coursework, clinical experiences, engagement with faculty, and academic advising in their preparation for successful careers. 87% of undergrads agree or strongly agree that their CPH experience contributed to their success in getting (or advancing) in their current position. Graduates agreed that course work and hands-on learning opportunities played a key role in preparing them for success. One 2023 graduate shared, “The hands-on experience I gained through my practicum and the guidance from faculty prepared me to confidently step into the workforce. I felt ready to make a real impact from day one.”

Interprofessional education leads to exciting careers

Melissa Perry, dean of the College of Public Health, remarked, “These outcomes demonstrate the strength of our programs in preparing students for impactful careers. As the only interprofessional College of Public Health in Virginia, we are proud to see our graduates excel in fields that are shaping the future of public health.”

The College is home to essential careers of the future that are growing faster than average, such as health informatics, social work, public health policy analysis, nutrition epidemiology, and community health work. With nurse practitioners, data scientists, and health informatics specialists projected to see job growth rates over 30%, Mason graduates are well-positioned for long-term career success. These career opportunities align closely with the college’s commitment to interprofessional education, which equips students to address complex public health challenges in innovative ways.

The college continues to foster education in emerging fields and ensures that its graduates are prepared to lead in careers that prioritize innovation, community health, and long-term sustainability in public health.

Learn more about 5 global, interprofessional health careers of the future.

Topics

Bachelor of Social Work

alumni

career outcomes

Career Plans Survey