Certificate to masters?

[lucky_stars]

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Not sure if this belongs here, but hopefully I can get some feedback.
Has anyone been rejected from a MPH program but got in after doing a certificate program? I'm specifically looking for UT-Houston, but any program works. I know I didn't have enough hard sciences in my undergrad program, but how much will doing the certificate successfully help in my second attempt?

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[deleted462159]

It certainly can't hurt, but at what cost? In my humble opinion, work experience trumps certificates (in general). Certificates aren't bad though - depends on how much you want to learn that particular topic - but they're no magic bullet to getting you into an MPH program.

 

[totesk]

My B.A. is in Sociology and Ethics and Social Policy with no research or relevant experience. My GPA was mediocre, my GRE was pretty good, and my LORs were awful.

I did a certificate at SUNY Downstate (awful program, do not recommend) made up of the five core public health classes. I think without it, I wouldn't have gotten into the programs I did, because I had zero relevant experience or coursework.

 

[CynoTFunk]

I would agree with the above. I don't think it would hurt, but I also think work experience, a strong PS and strong recs could really help you in this position. If you see some benefit doing the certificate program, I would do it, but if taking some time to gain some amazing experience could show your passions, do that! <3

 

[lucky_stars]

Thanks, y'all! The certificate is in health disparities, so it definitely works with mental health (field I'm employed) and social work (I'm entering a MSW program in the fall). I do want to go more towards the research side, so I'm hoping this can give me some extra background.
Now... to wait on UT to make a decision. Hopefully if I'm rejected again, they won't feel the need to tell me three times like they did with the MPH rejection!

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[Pudu2009]

Thanks, y'all! The certificate is in health disparities, so it definitely works with mental health (field I'm employed) and social work (I'm entering a MSW program in the fall). I do want to go more towards the research side, so I'm hoping this can give me some extra background.
Now... to wait on UT to make a decision. Hopefully if I'm rejected again, they won't feel the need to tell me three times like they did with the MPH rejection!

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If you are interested in mental health and social work, consider getting in MPH in social & behavioral health or something similar. I think one of the reasons you may have been rejected from the MPH portion was because you applied to epi, which probably wasn't a good fit given your interests. This is of course speculation on my part as I have not seen your transcript or personal statement. You could always take a year off during your MSW program to apply/pursue an MPH again.

 

[lucky_stars]

If you are interested in mental health and social work, consider getting in MPH in social & behavioral health or something similar. I think one of the reasons you may have been rejected from the MPH portion was because you applied to epi, which probably wasn't a good fit given your interests. This is of course speculation on my part as I have not seen your transcript or personal statement. You could always take a year off during your MSW program to apply/pursue an MPH again.

That's the new plan, actually 🙂 They have social and psych epi here and there at UT in the behavioral health group, so that will be where I apply for 2017.

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