Hey everyone! I know this thread was previously posted a year ago, but I was wondering if anyone had any specific knowledge about the Hopkins program and how it stacks up against the Michigan program. I know that the Michigan program is #1, but I am having a hard time deciding between the two because the two programs are so different. I hope to eventually go into the provider side (i.e. hospitals) and would really like some honest feedback regarding the pros/cons of each program. Thanks and good luck to everyone currently making decisions 🙂
JHU MHA v. UMich MHSA
- Thread starter apw12
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My friend is currently in the Michigan program. I do not know much about the Hopkins program, but I will relay what he has to say about the Michigan program. He was a bit upset because there was too much focus on public health courses rather than strict MHA courses. I know he mentioned that he had at least a third of his classes in public health mixed courses. Not sure if that is different at Hopkins but that might be a problem if you were less interested in public health. Also, he mentioned that although it is a great school, the career opportunities are hindered because of location. Since all health policy and regulation occurs in DC, it is likely they have more of those opportunities. Hope that helps. He does have a great job as a consultant in Chicago though but I think generally there were some issues he had.
The way I see it, the two programs cater to two different types of individuals. The JHU program seems to be tailored to those who want to finish the coursework ASAP because they know exactly what they want to do after they graduate. The director of JHU's program made it fairly clear that if you did not know where you wanted to go after the program, the JHU is not for you.
On the other hand, I see the UMich program as being ideal for those who know they want to be involved in healthcare administration, but aren't sure where exactly they fit in and would like some additional time to explore different career paths. I dont know about UMich, but at JHU everyone in the cohort takes the exact same classes; there are no electives.
Another consideration is the pace of the programs. JHU, in addition to being a one-year program, runs on the quarter system, which means you're going to be ridiculously busy that first year. You're talking 6 new classes every 8 weeks. I'm assuming UMich is a bit more relaxed.
On the other hand, I see the UMich program as being ideal for those who know they want to be involved in healthcare administration, but aren't sure where exactly they fit in and would like some additional time to explore different career paths. I dont know about UMich, but at JHU everyone in the cohort takes the exact same classes; there are no electives.
Another consideration is the pace of the programs. JHU, in addition to being a one-year program, runs on the quarter system, which means you're going to be ridiculously busy that first year. You're talking 6 new classes every 8 weeks. I'm assuming UMich is a bit more relaxed.
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I can understand the "less" focused nature of a MPH program versus a strict MHA program. At the end of the day no one is going to nitpick over how a course you took in grad school was structured.
I had the same debate last year. I ended up choosing a program like Michigan's that was more spread out vs. Hopkins. Hopkins doesn't allow for electives, meanwhile at my program I have already taken two electives and next year (b/c tuition is flat) I will load up with electives at Anderson and at Fielding.
