January 26, 2000

Bowling Green, Ky. -- Two new master's degree programs are improving career opportunities for Western Kentucky University graduates entering the rapidly changing health care industry.

"When people go into this field, whether it's public health or health care administration, they typically are operating in an industry that is increasingly cutting edge," said C. Wayne Higgins, a professor of health care administration.

To better serve students and the health care industry, Western's Department of Public Health has added master's degree programs in health care administration and public health.

The master of health administration prepares people to be administrators in the health care system, while the master of public health with options in public health education, gerontology and environmental health prepares people for careers in public health.

"Western has been offering both programs as options in a master of science degree, but the new programs "are more practitioner oriented, more about skills and improving one's ability to carry out job duties in those fields," said Richard Wilson, a professor of public health and coordinator of the master of public health program.

The programs allow students to specialize in their fields and prepare themselves for careers in the public health sector and health service organizations, Dr. Wilson said.

As the $1.2 trillion health care industry continues to grow, more job opportunities are being created for people with degrees in health care, said Dr. Higgins, who is coordinator of the master of health administration program.

Public health graduates can find jobs not only with government agencies, nonprofit groups and health departments but in businesses and industries that are starting health and wellness programs, department head David Dunn said. The programs have a combined enrollment of about 50 students.

"These students have a broad career outlook," Dr. Dunn said.

Graduates can find high-paying jobs across the United States or worldwide, Dr. Higgins said. "It's a very good field," he said.

The master's degree programs attract students from Kentucky, across the United States and around the world, Dr. Dunn said.

"We do have good diversity," Dr. Higgins said.

Both the master of health administration and master of public health degrees fill needs in Kentucky, Dr. Dunn said. "These programs fill a niche for the practicing health professional who desires graduate-level education," he said.

To accommodate students who are already working in the field, Western offers late afternoon and evening classes, courses at distant sites and courses by interactive television and the Internet, Dr. Dunn said. The master of health administration requires a minimum of 45 hours, while the master of public health requires a minimum of 36.

To learn more about the master's programs, contact the Department of Public Health at (270) 745-4797.