K-State Olathe Strengthens Greater Kansas City’s Health Future through Advanced Degree
July 24, 2025
K-State Olathe is developing a pipeline of public health leaders to address local and national workforce shortages and aging populations.
The aging population and need for a strong public health infrastructure have created a significant demand for public health professionals in the greater Kansas City area. K-State Olathe is preparing a workforce of skilled public health workers to meet this demand through its interdisciplinary Master of Public Health program.
Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) data shows the metro consistently has dozens of open roles in public health. Filling these positions is vital to supporting a strong public health infrastructure, which underpins a thriving regional economy.
This local demand reflects a broader national trend. A 2021 study by the de Beaumont Foundation estimated that more than 80,000 additional public health employees are needed nationwide to provide foundational public health services. The concerns about worker supply have been at the forefront of public health workforce planning discussions for decades.
This workforce gap isn’t the only thing straining public health resources. The aging population is, too. In 2025, nearly 23% of Johnson County residents are 60 years or older, and the 65 and older age population was the fastest-growing age group between 2010 and 2022, increasing almost 68%. This anticipated growth further underscores the importance of preparing a robust public health workforce to meet the community’s evolving needs.
To meet this rising demand and equip the next generation of public health leaders, educational pathways are critical. One such pathway is Kansas State University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. This program offers learners a chance to gain essential skills and knowledge needed for a variety of impactful roles.
Available at the Manhattan and Olathe campuses, the program prepares professionals to better address health issues at the local, state, national and international levels. The Olathe programs, which are supported by JCERT, offer two specialty areas: food safety and biosecurity or infectious diseases and zoonosis.
Food safety and biosecurity students gain knowledge and skills to identify and categorize risks, challenges and solutions for food safety, biosecurity and defense issues in the food production continuum. Infectious diseases and zoonosis students learn about preventing and controlling zoonoses; investigating emerging infectious diseases; enhancing the public’s ability to respond to bioterrorism and biosecurity emergencies; and coordinating rapid response activities among government, agriculture industries, nonprofit organizations and academia. The master’s program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.