Core Competency Gaps Among Governmental Public Health Employees With and Without a Formal Public Health Degree

Objectives: To examine the role of a formal public health degree as it relates to core competency needs among governmental public health employees. Design: This cross-sectional study utilizes the 2017 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS). Bivariate relationships were analyzed by conducting χ2 tests of respondents' supervisory level and reported skill gaps. Multivariate logistic regressions of reported skill gaps were performed holding gender, age, race/ethnicity, highest degree attained, current employer, role type, tenure in current agency, and public health certificate attainment constant. Setting: Nationally representative sample of government public health employees. Participants: A total of 30 276 governmental public health employees. Main Outcome Measure: Self-reported competency skills gaps. Results: Among nonsupervisors, those with a public health degree had significantly lower odds of reporting a co