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Thank you everyone in advance, this is my first post! I am coming from a very different background (International Politics), so I could certainly use a lot of advice.
My questions is this: which masters program is most logical to pursue? MS, MPH or MPA?
Short-Term Goal: My immediate worries are finding employment in this economy. I am not as worried about the end result--I will eventually work up to the position of my dreams as the economy recovers. I am terrified about earning a masters degree and still getting paid minimum wage, working at full-time unpaid internships, etc. (Remember, I am from a different background and this has been my experience, whether it's a logical fear or not for health care fields).
Long-Term Goal: working for the federal gov't in foreign aid or homeland security, through the prevention of pandemics and disease control. Some examples are the CDC, WHO and Dept of Defense Bioterrorism Unit. I would like a position that is interactive with the population I serve and rewarding, not overwhelmingly isolated from human interaction. Also, I aspire to work in the US. I adore travel and field statistics, but do not want to expose my hypothetical, future family to such dangerous conditions.
My Experience/Background: I speak fluent Spanish. I will take classes on terminology related to the degree I pursue, of course. I speak some Mandarin Chinese. I taught English in a very poor, rural area of China for one year and also in Spain for 3 months. My undergraduate degree was a B.S. in Political Science, emphasizing East Asian Politics. Because of the B.S. degree, I have already taken the statistical classes required for an MPH or MS. I will still need to take a few prerequisites, such as biology and/or organic chemistry. I am 27. That seems too old for an MD, but right on track for an MPH or MS.
Reason for shift toward health care: I came in contact with a horrible disease in rural China that caused me to be quarantined for 45 days, without any Western medication. Many people in my village died within a few hours of showing symptoms of the disease, but, as an American, I had the nutritional strength and basic health knowledge to survive (drink lots of water, lower your fever, do not allow a doctor to use dirty needles, etc). This was a humbling experience that made me realize the *significant* impact a bit of health education can have on a population. My end goal has always been aid, and health care is the quickest, most pragmatic source of aid.
So far in my research, it seems an MPH concentrating in Epi is the most suitable. Perhaps combining that with an RN or MT would make me more marketable. What is this I am reading about a shortage of Biostatistic professionals?
Any advice is greatly valued!
My questions is this: which masters program is most logical to pursue? MS, MPH or MPA?
Short-Term Goal: My immediate worries are finding employment in this economy. I am not as worried about the end result--I will eventually work up to the position of my dreams as the economy recovers. I am terrified about earning a masters degree and still getting paid minimum wage, working at full-time unpaid internships, etc. (Remember, I am from a different background and this has been my experience, whether it's a logical fear or not for health care fields).
Long-Term Goal: working for the federal gov't in foreign aid or homeland security, through the prevention of pandemics and disease control. Some examples are the CDC, WHO and Dept of Defense Bioterrorism Unit. I would like a position that is interactive with the population I serve and rewarding, not overwhelmingly isolated from human interaction. Also, I aspire to work in the US. I adore travel and field statistics, but do not want to expose my hypothetical, future family to such dangerous conditions.
My Experience/Background: I speak fluent Spanish. I will take classes on terminology related to the degree I pursue, of course. I speak some Mandarin Chinese. I taught English in a very poor, rural area of China for one year and also in Spain for 3 months. My undergraduate degree was a B.S. in Political Science, emphasizing East Asian Politics. Because of the B.S. degree, I have already taken the statistical classes required for an MPH or MS. I will still need to take a few prerequisites, such as biology and/or organic chemistry. I am 27. That seems too old for an MD, but right on track for an MPH or MS.
Reason for shift toward health care: I came in contact with a horrible disease in rural China that caused me to be quarantined for 45 days, without any Western medication. Many people in my village died within a few hours of showing symptoms of the disease, but, as an American, I had the nutritional strength and basic health knowledge to survive (drink lots of water, lower your fever, do not allow a doctor to use dirty needles, etc). This was a humbling experience that made me realize the *significant* impact a bit of health education can have on a population. My end goal has always been aid, and health care is the quickest, most pragmatic source of aid.
So far in my research, it seems an MPH concentrating in Epi is the most suitable. Perhaps combining that with an RN or MT would make me more marketable. What is this I am reading about a shortage of Biostatistic professionals?
Any advice is greatly valued!
