Experience in "Public Health"?

[blueswirl67]

How important would you say it is to have experience in public health - you know, the "hands on" variety - being in Africa, or volunteering with a disadvantaged group etc etc.

I know that some schools require "public health" experience and some don't, and of course there is a wide range of experiences that could be relevant - but I'm just wondering if it's like Med School ..

Thanks in advance!

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[Stories]

Few schools require real experience (I think Hopkins and Harvard are two of the few that do) for the MPH, but their MPH programs are generally designed for advanced professionals looking to add a PH skillset. Those schools will also generally offer a degree option for those without an advanced health background (eg. Harvard offers a Master of Science for non-health pros).