Career Trajectory of Collective Health Master’s Graduates with a Background in Physical Education

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the professional trajectory of individuals with a Master’s degree in Collective Health or Public Health, graduated between 2010 and 2024, with a background in Physical Education. This cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study included graduates from academic master’s programs in Brazil. Of 189 eligible individuals, 113 (59.8%) participated. Descriptive and stratified analyses were conducted across three five-year periods based on year of completion. Prior to the master’s program, 23% had completed a multiprofessional residency, 33.6% had worked in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), and 24.8% in private health care. After graduation, 46% had enrolled or were enrolled in a doctorate program in Collective or Public Health. Additionally, 19.4% worked in Primary Health Care, 13.3% in hospitals or emergency rooms, and 3.5% in Psychosocial Care Centers. Management experience was reported by 26.5%, and 57.5% had experience in higher education teaching. Regarding the importance of the master’s degree for current work, 80.5% rated it as important or very important. Differences were observed across five-year periods. The findings indicate that the master’s degree in Collective Health or Public Health significantly contributed to the professional trajectory of graduates with a background in Physical Education.