MPH vs. MBA: Which Degree is Right for Your Career in Health?

Our healthcare industry is complex and rapidly evolving. Every day, hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, health insurance providers, and medical device manufacturers strive to provide effective and equitable healthcare and service. As the system grows in scale and new challenges arise, the need for skilled leaders who can drive communication, collaboration, and innovation has never been greater.

Whether in healthcare delivery, insurance, or biotechnology, every organization needs professionals who combine managerial expertise with a deep understanding of healthcare. You can gain that expertise through a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in areas related to healthcare. Each pathway offers distinct advantages and can position you for success in leadership roles across healthcare and public health.

Which is the right fit for your career aspirations? Read on to explore how MBA and MPH degrees connect to key opportunities in the field—from public health leadership to healthcare management and emerging health technologies.

What is an MPH?

A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate-level professional degree designed for individuals who want to make a measurable impact on the health of communities and populations. Unlike degrees that focus on individual patient care, the MPH focuses on the health of populations, emphasizing the social, political, economic, and environmental factors that influence public health. Public health professionals use this knowledge to design interventions that reduce health inequities and improve population health.

Benefits of an MPH

MPH programs provide comprehensive foundations in public health, covering key areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and health promotion. Students gain a broad understanding of public health systems and the specialized skills needed to address today’s most pressing health challenges.

The MPH degree builds the skills to design, implement, and evaluate programs that improve population health at local, national, and global levels. Graduates of MPH programs are prepared to take on leadership and specialized roles across state and local public health agencies, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, government departments, and international health organizations.

Duration of Study

A full-time MPH program typically takes two years to complete. However, for students looking to advance their careers more quickly, accelerated programs may be completed in as little as 12–18 months.

Specializations

Many MPH programs allow students to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest. Common specializations include:

• Community and global health: An examination of historical issues, theories, and social determinants of health to build a better understanding of how to promote health equity and social justice among diverse populations.
• Health policy and management: The focus on how healthcare systems, organizations, and policies work together to deliver services and improve population health, with an emphasis on leadership and effective program management.
• Biostatistics and epidemiology: The use of data analysis and research methods to study patterns, causes, and outcomes of diseases to help public health professionals make evidence-based decisions.
• Clinical research administration: This area prepares graduates to oversee clinical trials and research programs, ensuring they meet regulatory, ethical, and financial standards while advancing new treatments.
• Environmental health and management: This area examines how environmental factors such as air, water, food, and workplace conditions affect health, and develops strategies to reduce risks and promote safer communities.

What is an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate-level degree that provides broad training in business management, strategy, finance, marketing, analytics, and operations. It is for professionals who want to lead organizations, solve complex business challenges, and drive growth and innovation.

MBA programs provide instruction on the core areas of business, which often include finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurship, and operations, with a focus on developing leadership and decision-making skills. For those interested in healthcare, a specialization or focus on management and finance can build the skills to help make patient care more efficient by expanding access to services, innovating systems and processes, and strengthening community engagement.

Duration of Study

A traditional full-time MBA program typically takes two years to complete. For students seeking to advance their careers more quickly, accelerated MBA options can be completed in 12–18 months.

Specializations

In addition to the general MBA curriculum, students can tailor their studies by choosing a concentration. Common specializations that can apply to healthcare include:

• Healthcare finance and marketing: This area prepares students to manage the financial performance of healthcare organizations while developing strategic, data-driven marketing approaches that improve patient engagement, service delivery, and competitive positioning in the healthcare market.
• Corporate financial management: A specialization in corporate finance focuses on prioritizing budgeting, investment, and resource allocation in healthcare organizations to maximize efficiency, sustainability, and growth.
• Human resources management: This specialization emphasizes talent recruitment, staff development, and workplace policies to build effective healthcare teams and improve organizational performance.

Differences Between an MPH vs and MBA Program

While both the Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration prepare students for leadership roles, the focus, coursework, and career pathways for each differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide which program best supports your goals.

MPH Coursework

The MPH is designed specifically for students committed to improving community and population health. Coursework emphasizes the social, political, economic, and environmental determinants of health and builds specialized expertise in research, analysis, and program planning and evaluation.

Courses can include:

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Environmental health
• Leadership and management
• Public health research methods
• Health systems and policy

MPH graduates strengthen their skills in quantitative analysis, public health research, and population health strategy. They are trained to design, implement, and evaluate programs that improve the health of entire communities. Because the degree is highly specialized, it is most effective for professionals already working in, or committed to, careers in public health.

MBA Coursework

The MBA is centered on business administration and management, equipping students with the leadership, financial, and strategic skills needed to oversee organizations. For those interested in healthcare, an MBA with a concentration in healthcare combines traditional business training with industry-specific knowledge.

Courses can include:

• Business ethics
• Business leadership
• Data science and analysis
• Financial accounting
• Micro- and macroeconomics
• Operations management

MBA students gain organizational leadership, financial acumen, and decision-making abilities that are broadly applicable across industries. This flexibility makes the MBA a strong choice for professionals who may want to pivot between healthcare and other sectors. Within healthcare, an MBA prepares graduates to manage hospitals, health systems, or biotechnology firms, with an emphasis on efficiency, strategy, and growth.

Prior Experience (Career & Academic)

As a master’s level degree, MPH programs may require a science or health-related undergraduate degree, though Pace University's MPH program only requires an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0. Acceptance into a program will also depend on a personal statement, which details relevant experiences from your background and explains your motivation for studying public health.

Depending on the program, admission requirements can include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program; a major in biology, public health, sociology, psychology, or other health-related fields may be preferred
• Previous coursework in math, statistics, biology, or social sciences
• Relevant experience (1-3 years) in healthcare, public health, social work, or community outreach
• Some programs may also require a GRE score or an English proficiency exam if applicable

MBA programs may require either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or a detailed work history in management, along with submitted Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or GRE scores. Acceptance into a program will also depend on a personal statement, which details your work background and explains your goals for entering the program.

Depending on the program, admission requirements can include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program; business-related degrees may be preferred but are not mandatory
• Strong academic performance with a competitive GPA
• 2-5 years of professional experience, leadership roles, and team management are a plus
• Some may require GMAT or GRE scores or an English proficiency exam, if applicable

Prospective MPH Careers

An MPH is designed for those who are committed to being public health leaders in healthcare organizations, agencies, and systems. Graduates often work alongside hospital staff, physicians, and insurance providers to improve health outcomes at the community or population level.

Common work settings include:

• Healthcare systems and hospitals
• Government agencies such as state and local health departments and federal health agencies
• Nonprofit organizations, NGOs, and international organizations focused on global health or community health initiatives
• Private-sector companies that address the health and wellness of populations
• Research institutions and universities

Possible career paths for MPH Graduates

All salary estimates were sourced from Glassdoor in August 2025 and are based on positions in the New York Metropolitan area. Salary ranges are determined by level of qualification, years of experience, and additional degrees or certifications.

• Health Policy Director: Develops, analyzes, and advises on policies and legislative strategies that shape healthcare systems, working with government agencies, stakeholders, and leadership to improve health outcomes and advance organizational or public priorities.
  • Required Skills: Policy analysis and development, understanding of healthcare systems and legislation, data interpretation, strategic planning and advocacy, stakeholder engagement
  • Estimated Salary: $129,000 to $240,000
• Healthcare Administrator/Health Services Manager: Oversees the operations of a hospital, clinic, or public health agency, ensuring compliance with regulations and developing policies to improve care.
  • Required Skills: Healthcare operations management, regulatory and compliance expertise, financial and budget management, strategic planning and policy development
  • Estimated Salary: $145,000 to $232,000
• Health Equity Analyst: Develops and implements policies and procedures to improve health equity and reduce health disparities within a health plan or community organization.
  • Required Skills: Data analysis and interpretation, knowledge of public health and health equity frameworks, cultural competence and inclusive practice
  • Estimated Salary: $135,000 to $205,000
• Epidemiologist: Investigates disease outbreaks and long-term health trends, using data to guide prevention strategies and inform public health policy.
  • Required Skills: Data analysis, biostatistics, research methods, critical thinking, communication
  • Estimated Salary Range: $70,000 to $124,000
• Public Health Analyst/Policy Advisor: Develops, evaluates, and advises on policies to improve healthcare access, reduce health disparities, and strengthen public health systems.
  • Required Skills: Policy analysis, writing, data interpretation, public speaking, stakeholder engagement
  • Estimated Salary: $86,000 to $160,000
• Global Health Specialist: Collaborates with international organizations to address pressing health challenges in low-resource or underserved communities.
  • Required Skills: Cross-cultural communication, program design, global health policy, adaptability, foreign language (often preferred)
  • Estimated Salary: $64,000 to $105,000
• Community Health Program Manager: Oversees health initiatives at the local level, managing programs that promote wellness and address community-specific needs.
  • Required Skills: Program management, leadership, budgeting, community outreach, personnel evaluation
  • Estimated Salary: $65,000 to $93,000
• Environmental Health Scientist: Studies the impact of environmental hazards, such as air, water, food, and workplace exposures, on public health and recommends interventions.
  • Required Skills: Environmental science, data collection, risk assessment, lab analysis, regulatory knowledge
  • Estimated Salary: $65,000 to $107,000
• Health Educator or Communication Specialist: Designs and delivers campaigns that encourage healthy behaviors and improve public awareness of health issues.
  • Required Skills: Public speaking, content creation, cultural competency, marketing, health literacy
  • Estimated Salary: $55,000 to $89,000
• Quality Improvement Specialist: Works to assess and improve the quality of patient care and services within a healthcare organization.
  • Required Skills: Quality improvement methodologies, data collection, performance measurement, problem-solving and root cause analysis
  • Estimated Salary: $64,000 to $108,000

Prospective MBA Careers

An MBA is best suited for those seeking leadership, management, and administrative roles. While many graduates pursue careers in healthcare organizations, the degree also provides flexibility to work across industries—making it a strong option for professionals who want broader career mobility.

Common work settings include:

• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Private healthcare providers and insurance companies
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms
• Consulting firms such as McKinsey & Company or Deloitte
• Non-healthcare industries, including finance, technology, and consumer goods

Possible health-related career paths for MBA graduates

• Healthcare Administrator: Manages the daily operations of hospitals, clinics, or nursing facilities, ensuring quality care, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability.
  • Skills: Leadership, budgeting, regulatory knowledge, strategic planning, communication
  • Estimated Salary: $145,000 to $234,000
• Healthcare Consultant: Works with healthcare organizations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and implement new technologies or processes.
  • Skills: Data analysis, problem-solving, project management, business strategy, client relations
  • Estimated Salary: $129,000 to $222,000
• Pharmaceutical or Biotech Manager: Oversees teams in areas like product development, clinical trials, marketing, or operations to bring new therapies to market.
  • Skills: Life sciences knowledge, regulatory compliance, leadership, marketing strategy, cross-functional coordination
  • Estimated Salary: $83,000 to $155,000
• Health Insurance Executive: Designs and manages insurance plans, analyzes risk, and develops policies that balance cost, coverage, and regulatory requirements.
  • Skills: Actuarial analysis, healthcare policy, negotiation, financial modeling, decision-making
  • Estimated Salary: $94,000 to $175,000
• Healthcare Startup Founder/Leader: Builds and grows innovative companies in areas like healthcare technology, telemedicine, or medical devices, balancing vision with business execution.
  • Skills: Entrepreneurship, fundraising, innovation, networking, adaptability, leadership
  • Estimated Salary: $134,000 to $250,000
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO): Provides high-level leadership, setting strategy and managing operations for healthcare organizations to ensure long-term growth and impact.
  • Skills: Executive leadership, organizational strategy, financial oversight, stakeholder management, decision-making
  • Estimated Salary: $261,000 to $486,000

How an MBA and MPH Compare

Despite their differences, both programs emphasize leadership, critical thinking, and strong analytical skills. Whether improving community health outcomes (MPH) or driving organizational performance (MBA), graduates with either degree are positioned to make an impact as forward-thinking leaders.

How to Choose Between and MPH and an MBA

Choosing between an MPH and an MBA comes down to your professional goals, the skills you want to build, and the environment in which you see yourself working. Both degrees are valuable, but they prepare you for very different paths. Take the time to consider the following:

1. What do you want to study?

• MPH: Focuses on public health programs, management issues, and research. You’ll study epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, and community health to understand and address the factors that shape population health.
• MBA: Focuses on business fundamentals such as management, finance, accounting, and strategy. You’ll learn how to run organizations, analyze financial performance, and make decisions that drive growth.

2. What careers interest you?

• MPH careers: Public health analyst, health policy advisor, community health manager, or epidemiologist. These roles are often within government agencies, NGOs, or healthcare organizations, and they focus on improving public health outcomes.
• MBA careers: Business consultant, marketing manager, financial analyst, or hospital administrator. These roles span healthcare, finance, consulting, technology, and beyond, making the MBA more flexible across industries.

3. What work environment do you prefer?

• MPH environments: Health departments, healthcare systems, hospitals, international organizations, and nonprofits focused on health policy, education, or research. Ideal for those passionate about helping communities and influencing policy.
• MBA environments: Hospitals, consulting firms, biotech companies, or corporate offices. Best for those motivated by organizational leadership, business management, and strategy.

4. What do you want beyond academics?
Think about whether you want to build specific knowledge, expand your skills, grow your professional network, or all three. Networking opportunities may depend more on specific program formats and location than the degree itself.

Pace University’s location in the heart of New York City provides our students with direct access to some of the largest and most distinguished healthcare facilities in the country, as well as many of the Fortune 500 companies established within steps of campus.

Serving the Public Health With Pace

Both Pace’s MBA and MPH degrees offer rewarding paths for graduates, each tailored to distinct professional goals. An MPH is ideal for those dedicated to improving health outcomes and addressing public health challenges, while our MBA program prepares leaders to shape policy, manage resources, and drive change in your sector of choice.

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the MBA and MPH programs at Pace University, where you’ll build the skills, connections, and experience needed to make a meaningful impact in your field. Reach out today for personalized guidance on how Pace can support your journey.

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FAQS

What is a better degree option, an MPH or an MBA?

The answer depends on your career goals. An MPH is better if you want to focus on public health, research, and population health improvement, while an MBA is ideal if you aim to manage finances or work in consulting. Either degree can lead to management or leadership positions in healthcare organizations, and some professionals pursue both to combine business leadership with public health expertise.

Which degree pays more, an MBA or an MPH?

On average, MBA degrees tend to lead to higher-paying executive or consulting roles compared to MPH graduates. However, MPH careers offer competitive salaries, particularly in epidemiology, policy, and global health, and often prioritize mission-driven impact over compensation. Private sector opportunities can provide higher long-term compensation. An MPH paired with a clinical degree is an especially valuable combination that can accelerate movement into leadership and management roles in healthcare.

Is an MBA valuable in healthcare?

Yes. An MBA provides leadership, financial, and strategic management skills that are highly sought after in hospitals, healthcare systems, insurance, biotech, and health startups. It’s especially valuable if you want to advance into executive roles, manage operations, or drive innovation in the healthcare industry.