Can I change my MPH Specialty later on?

[2BeDentist]

Hey guys,

I searched for this question beforehand but I didn't find any anwers so here I am again... well, as I've said in other posts, I am applying to SPH schools for Fall 2007 but I'm in such a fix regarding the specialty I would like to study. Right now I am most leaning towards Health Behavior and Education (ugrad major was psych) but at the same time I'm thinking about Health Admin/Management Policy. Per my research, the latter clearly has the most $$$. And just FYI, I am planning on being fully focused with a career in Public Health... no med school, dental school afterwards (though my screen name indicates othervise but that's an outdated, long story which I won't get into ). So basically... I am not sure what specialty I should choose.

I was wondering: Will I be able to change my specialty later on? Like, say I apply to schools with Health Behavior and Eduation, get into programs.... but later, I opt to do Health Policy/Admin? Do programs easily change/switch?

Such a dilemma... please lend me some advice.

Thanks!

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[DrMom]

depends on the school and individual programs. Where I did my MPH, there were only 2 classes that were required regardless of area of emphasis, so if you changed areas you'd essentially be starting over.

 

[swim2006]

Alot of schools allow you to change concentrations and some schools will even let you have dual concentrations.

 

[kcernak]

Depends on the school, but at emory (where I am now) you have to petition for the switch. BUT as long as you're not failing out and you have a good reason to switch then it seems like it is not too difficult to do so.