Berkeley MPH vs NYU MA in Counseling

[mpb318]

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Hello,

I've been accepted to Berkeley's MPH and NYU MA in Counseling for mental health and wellness program. I'm having trouble deciding which to attend.
(Especially since they are two different program). However, both programs appeal to my interests and future goals.

Finaid will play a big role.

So far, someone from Berkeley called me and said they would nominated me for a fellowship that would give me free tuition the first year and a 10,000 dollar stipend, for my second year i would have to pay tuition, but i would still receive a second 10,000 dollar.

I have not yet heard from NYUs Finaid. From what I keep hearing, their financial aid isnt very promising. I called their office and the financial advisor said, "grad students are usually given up to $20,000 in loans."
anyone know more info on NYU's financial aid?

Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, comments?

 

[jiji7]

so you are officially accepted at NYU?

 

[mpb318]

Yes. I've been officially accepted to NYU.

 

[jiji7]

Yes. I've been officially accepted to NYU.

i applied as well. just curious when you heard back and if it was by mail or e-mail...etc?

i would first look at the program and figure which is more for you and your goals and interests. also location, cost of living in that area....etc. are you looking to stay in cali or nyc? i have been told it is best to go to school in the area you plan on practicing because you start building contacts in the area and familiarizing yourself with those surroundings. that is how i am handling my choices.

if money is the biggest concern... i have often been advised that you should go with the cheapest school, because the school itself won't have a huge impact on your future.

 

[xenobart]

An MPH and an MFT in counseling are fairly different degrees, and I would take a critical look at whether your career goals match up better to the MPH and MFT career paths and choose that school.

If honestly can't choose, I would look into Berkeley's dual MPH/MSW program. You can apply for their MSW program while you are a student at the MPH program and get both degrees (although its' not a guarantee you'll get in, the MSW program is usually less competitive than the MPH program) in three years. If you take this path you'll have the background to do macro level work with populations as well as a counseling focus.

also, you can get in-state tuition in California after one year, so Berkeley would be more affordable.

 

[mpb318]

i applied as well. just curious when you heard back and if it was by mail or e-mail...etc?

i would first look at the program and figure which is more for you and your goals and interests. also location, cost of living in that area....etc. are you looking to stay in cali or nyc? i have been told it is best to go to school in the area you plan on practicing because you start building contacts in the area and familiarizing yourself with those surroundings. that is how i am handling my choices.

if money is the biggest concern... i have often been advised that you should go with the cheapest school, because the school itself won't have a huge impact on your future.

Hey Jiji7,
thanks for the insight. I found out through mail, I received the letter this past Saturday. Depending on where you live, it might take longer to get there. I had called before and they said they dont contact people through phone or email. Hope you hear from them soon!

 

[mpb318]

An MPH and an MFT in counseling are fairly different degrees, and I would take a critical look at whether your career goals match up better to the MPH and MFT career paths and choose that school.

If honestly can't choose, I would look into Berkeley's dual MPH/MSW program. You can apply for their MSW program while you are a student at the MPH program and get both degrees (although its' not a guarantee you'll get in, the MSW program is usually less competitive than the MPH program) in three years. If you take this path you'll have the background to do macro level work with populations as well as a counseling focus.

also, you can get in-state tuition in California after one year, so Berkeley would be more affordable.

Thanks for your insight! I'm really torn, I work in public health right now and was a psych major so I believe I will be happy with both programs. One big issue is the cost of NYU, a 20,000 dollar loan seems like a bit much, considering that probably wont cover living expenses and would add a hefty amount to my undergrad debt.

Guess I have some major thinking to do!

 

[pttrac]

Go to UC Berkeley. They have a top notch School of PH and they are willing to pay for it.

 

[jiji7]

i have been thinking about it and i agree with pttrac.

berkley should be your choice. it is an amazing program and they are willing to help you out financially.