Best program for social epidemiology

[PHAspirations]

Hey there, first post here. I hope I'm not already breaking rules.

I'm moving toward my second year in my current job and hoping to apply to MPH programs for Fall 2016 admission.

My interests lie in social determinants of health and health disparities. It seems like Yale and Columbia have the best programs in terms of the intersection between epidemiological methods and a focus on the social. Most other schools appear to house their social-behavioral/sociomedical programs in different departments entirely.

Are there any others you guys would recommend I look into?

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[AoiSora]

I have the same interests and also concluded that Yale and Columbia are the places to be. I'm visiting both this week and will be happy to share impressions. You might want to add Harvard as well (I didn't apply because of location and timing preferences, but it would probably have been on the list otherwise.)

 

[PHAspirations]

I have the same interests and also concluded that Yale and Columbia are the places to be. I'm visiting both this week and will be happy to share impressions. You might want to add Harvard as well (I didn't apply because of location and timing preferences, but it would probably have been on the list otherwise.)

Thanks for the reply! I'd love to hear your thoughts after your visits, and I'll check out Harvard in the meantime.

 

[Sabrosura]

What about Hopkins' Health, Behavior and Society concentration in their International Health department?

 

[PHAspirations]

What about Hopkins' Health, Behavior and Society concentration in their International Health department?

Another great suggestion! The only thing about JHU is their desire to see prior PH-related work experience and/or another advanced degree. I unfortunately have neither. =\

 

[Sabrosura]

Another great suggestion! The only thing about JHU is their desire to see prior PH-related work experience and/or another advanced degree. I unfortunately have neither. =\

That is only for their accelerated, 1-year MPH. You can apply for the MSPH (Master of Science in Public Health) program, which is similar to the MPH but it takes 2 years as the second year is a field placement (for at least two terms out of the four). I was accepted to JHU's International Health department for an MSPH and I have no experience at all as I am switching careers.

And in fact with the MSPH you will probably be able to take more courses in what you are interested in as their 1-year MPH is pretty restrictive in terms of electives as I understand.