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Anyone else heard back from Johns Hopkins MSPH for Fall 2015 yet? I got into their Health policy program. I'm excited to share this experience with more people!
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Johns Hopkins MSPH 2015
- Thread starter kimt08
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Congrats! I'm still waiting to hear back from a few schools but I think I'm 80% set on it. You?
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I know ZERO about Baltimore lol. I'm from sunny California...very different. lol
I'm trying to go to one of the admissions day!
Me as well! I currently live in Chicago but have been travelling quite a bit since coming to the States 5 years ago. I prefer smaller cities so was happy to get accepted into JHU. My second choice would've been Columbia. I didn't get a good vibe while in NYC a year ago.
Okay let me know how that is! I most likely will not be able to make it.
Okay let me know how that is! I most likely will not be able to make it.
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Just got my acceptance from Hopkins Health, Behavior and Society MSPH! So excited! I'm from Philly (really close to Baltimore) and have family there so have spent a good amount of time there... I really like Baltimore but definitely know some people who are not quite as charmed by "Charm City". However if you like the urban setting and are smart and keep an open mind, it's a really fun, diverse place to be with so much going on!
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Congrats for getting in!
For those who did not like the school, what did they not like about it?
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Sorry for the lack of clarity... I meant Baltimore as a city. I have heard only good things about Bloomberg (Hopkins as a whole is another story but that's more issues with the ultra-competitive culture that is fostered there that I do not think is really a part of the school of public health).
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@kimt08
I, too, got into the MSPH in health policy. The 2nd year field placement is really appealing given the tuition break for JHU; on the flip side, I'm concerned about the coursework timeline given that field placement.
What are your plans after a Master's? I plan to pursue a Ph.D., and I'm wondering what people think about the MSPH timeline and its preparation for a PhD candidate.
I, too, got into the MSPH in health policy. The 2nd year field placement is really appealing given the tuition break for JHU; on the flip side, I'm concerned about the coursework timeline given that field placement.
What are your plans after a Master's? I plan to pursue a Ph.D., and I'm wondering what people think about the MSPH timeline and its preparation for a PhD candidate.
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@tickytocky I'm planning to get an MD afterward, so much different than your plan. I think the MSPH can definitely give you an upper leg depending on what kind of you are looking into for the second year (research vs field placement). One thing for sure is that JHSPH is REALLY big in research you can definitely get awesome exposure and hopefully a few publications!
But anyways, I'm happy to know another person who got into MSPH Health Policy!
But anyways, I'm happy to know another person who got into MSPH Health Policy!
Hello there,
I have a question regarding the "portal." I applied in early November for the GDEC Track in International Health as well, but have not heard any anything yet regarding a decision?
What portal are you speaking of? The MSPH application portal? Or a different one?
When did you apply, maybe I just need to wait longer?
Will it make a difference that I am currently a Senior Undergrad student, as compared to a professional?
Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Hi rperkey,
I am talking about the Bloomberg online application portal. https://app.applyyourself.com/AYApplicantLogin/fl_ApplicantLogin.asp?id=jhsp
Submitted Date: 12/2/2014 6:37:00 PM EST
Referred to department 12/8/2014 4:14:00 PM
Decision: 2/21 ( A Saturday strangely..)
no harm giving them ( I called Cristina Salazar) a call and asking about your application. I did a week before I
Hey! Congrats to all of you who've been accepted!
To those of you who are familiar with the neighborhood, can you answer some of my housing queries?
1. When do you think is a good time to start looking for housing?
2. What/ how much do you think I should be prepared to pay for rent? What is a realistic/ budget?
I did my undergraduate in Ann Arbor, MI and currently live in Chicago ( Hyde Park) and have never forked out more than $600/ mth ( including all utilities) for rent for my own private room.
I don't mind living with large groups of people (I've lived with 8-15 people in the past. 2 of which were housing co-operatives: ICC and Qumbya)
Ideally I am hoping to spend less than $500 ( not more than $600) for rent. Realistic? Hmmm.. I feel some heads shaking..
I also would like to bike to class/work. So a neighborhood that is within 20 minutes max of the Bloomberg SPH.
3. What neighborhoods should I be looking at if I want a place that is within 20 min bike ride of Bloomberg SPH?
4. What websites should I check out to look for houses/ room mates? I am beginning my preliminary search using the off-campus Hopkins medicine site (https://offcampushousing.hopkinsmedicine.org) and will try browsing through Craigslist. Any other site suggestions?
Any suggestions/ advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks all and congrats on all of your acceptances!!
To those of you who are familiar with the neighborhood, can you answer some of my housing queries?
1. When do you think is a good time to start looking for housing?
2. What/ how much do you think I should be prepared to pay for rent? What is a realistic/ budget?
I did my undergraduate in Ann Arbor, MI and currently live in Chicago ( Hyde Park) and have never forked out more than $600/ mth ( including all utilities) for rent for my own private room.
I don't mind living with large groups of people (I've lived with 8-15 people in the past. 2 of which were housing co-operatives: ICC and Qumbya)
Ideally I am hoping to spend less than $500 ( not more than $600) for rent. Realistic? Hmmm.. I feel some heads shaking..
I also would like to bike to class/work. So a neighborhood that is within 20 minutes max of the Bloomberg SPH.
3. What neighborhoods should I be looking at if I want a place that is within 20 min bike ride of Bloomberg SPH?
4. What websites should I check out to look for houses/ room mates? I am beginning my preliminary search using the off-campus Hopkins medicine site (https://offcampushousing.hopkinsmedicine.org) and will try browsing through Craigslist. Any other site suggestions?
Any suggestions/ advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks all and congrats on all of your acceptances!!
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Hi all, congratulations!
I was accepted into the Health, Behavior and Society MSPH and was happy to learn that the MSPH programs are about 20-25 students. However, I have only read that on these forums and could not find that kind of information on the JHSPH website. I'd love to learn more about this program...
Also, anyone else attending the admitted students' day on March 27th?
I was accepted into the Health, Behavior and Society MSPH and was happy to learn that the MSPH programs are about 20-25 students. However, I have only read that on these forums and could not find that kind of information on the JHSPH website. I'd love to learn more about this program...
Also, anyone else attending the admitted students' day on March 27th?
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I talked to a Baltimore resident recently and he said that the Mount Vernon area is within walking/shuttle distance and is relatively safe and good for students. I think the rent is around $500 if you double up with someone else (might be cheaper with more people...not sure)
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I'm not a Baltimore expert, but pretty familiar with the city and school. If you want to be able to bike to work, I'd recommend looking at Fell's Point. It's a really cute area with lots of restaurants, and you can walk or bike to JHSPH without a problem. Mount Vernon is also great area, and should be cheaper than Fell's. I don't think I would recommend biking to the school from Mount Vernon, however there's a really quick shuttle to JHSPH from there. It's also walking distance to Inner Harbor / Downtown area.
Check out craigslist to get a sense of prices, but you should be able to get something around $550-600 without much trouble. It really depends on your neighborhood and building taste (you can get something brand new or more lived in) and preference for roommates. It shouldn't be difficult to find a rental or sublet late into the summer - med students and researchers are always in and out of the city.
For anyone worried about Baltimore, the city gets a bad rap, but really unfairly so IMO. It's a quirky and charming and wonderful city - grittier than a place like DC, for sure, but I very much prefer Baltimore. It's more "real." Also, if you live somewhere near the Charm City Circulator, it's FREE public transportation (what?!): http://www.charmcitycirculator.com
I promise I'm not a Baltimore tourist agent. 🙂 So I should add that JHSPH is an excellent school, for those still deciding. I wasn't eligible for the MPH program (needed bio/chem prereqs), otherwise I would have applied. But I've taken some classes there and had great experiences. I hope everyone who decides to enroll enjoys JHSPH and Baltimore!
6
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Hi everyone,
I've been accepted to the Pop Fam department, and will be attending the March 27 accepted students day as well!
I've been accepted to the Pop Fam department, and will be attending the March 27 accepted students day as well!
Hello and congrats to everyone that has been accepted. I've been accepted into the MSPH in the IH department for Health Systems. I know very little about Baltimore and have been busy researching. I also have reached out to some professors in the department and have been very pleased with their responses. I'm debating between Columbia and JHSPH, but I'm leaning towards JHSPH. The size of my program (15-25) new students is also very appealing compared to Columbia's.
I hope those of you that are able to attend the admitted students days will post their impressions here for those of us that can't.
I hope those of you that are able to attend the admitted students days will post their impressions here for those of us that can't.
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Hello everyone! I've been accepted into the MSPH in the International Health Department for SBI
I talked to a current student about the structure of JHU's MSPH and she said the downside is that the pace of the coursework is very tough and you start to really get into your courses and then they end abruptly. She said the upside is that you get to finish all your coursework sooner.
What do you guys think about this aspect? I feel like after being on the semester system from high school - college it seems a little intimidating to go to JHU and have such a quick pace for classes
I hope to see some of you at admitted students day!
EDIT: Also, does anyone know if we can switch concentrations with a department? I got accepted into SBI but recently I've been feeling like Health Systems might be a better fit for me
I talked to a current student about the structure of JHU's MSPH and she said the downside is that the pace of the coursework is very tough and you start to really get into your courses and then they end abruptly. She said the upside is that you get to finish all your coursework sooner.
What do you guys think about this aspect? I feel like after being on the semester system from high school - college it seems a little intimidating to go to JHU and have such a quick pace for classes
I hope to see some of you at admitted students day!
EDIT: Also, does anyone know if we can switch concentrations with a department? I got accepted into SBI but recently I've been feeling like Health Systems might be a better fit for me
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Admitted Students day March 27th! See some of you there 🙂
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It's fast. I've done extremely well in my coursework at JHU so far, but I definitely feel burned out at times (time management is key and also try not to get super involved early on before you get used to the workload). Towards the end of every quarter it feels like you just have so much work to do but so little time, but eventually you get it done. You will learn a TON though and I'm a fan of getting classes out of the way sooner , which gives you the opportunity to get involved with your practicum and research projects and so it is definitely a plus although it has drawbacks. Ask yourself how much do you learn in the classroom anyway. I think doing the actual work or research is more valuable but that's just me. I'll be a TA next year, I'll take some electives and I will also be doing research and completing my thesis. It's nice to know that after a brutal year you will pretty much be done with the brunt of the work. Well then you have comprehensive exams (not sure if this is the case for every department), but those shouldn't be too bad and you need to pass to get the tuition waiver for the second year.
Note: With the quarter system especially in biostatistics and epidemiology courses there is some repetition so it helps solidify concepts. You can't leave JHU not knowing regression, interpretations and other important big picture concepts. Like seriously they drill it into you.
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Hi everyone... I just saw my unofficial acceptance letter(MSPH in International Health dept, Health systems) in the portal.. What does that mean? By when do we get the official letter? Is anyone going on April 10th for admitted students day?
I agree that you learn a ton more out of the class and its nice to just get the classes out of the way.
I started my undergrad in a community college (quarter system) and then transferred to UMich (semester system). I personally felt that I retained more information with a semester system. I am good at memorizing facts ( was a bio major) but find that I often did not retain most. it does help if the department drills certain concepts over and over again in the course of 4 semesters
@ NeurosciTMS : From your experience, do most MSPH candidates graduate in 1.5 or 2 years? I spoke with the academic advisor at my program and it seems that most finish in 1.5 years but that you can take it easy and complete your essay, take on a TAship, and participate in research as you mentioned in the remaining 0.5 years. Is this description accurate?
Hi, my admission letter was dated on the 21st of Feb ( a Saturday strangely..) although I didn't notice it until the 23rd on Monday, and I received my official letter which was sent to my inbox on the 24th. Hope that helps!
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I also graduated from Michigan with a degree in Neuroscience #GoBlue. I am an MHS candidate in epidemiology and so I don't think I'm qualified to comment on what the academic advisor said specifically, but from what my classmates in the MSPH program say, they can finish early if they secure their practicum by the beginning of the summer. I would definitely talk to current students if you have a chance to attend any of the admitted students days about your degree specific questions. I can't be of much help there. I apologize.
In terms of retention, there is a lot of repetition in some of the classes that you take every term (epidemiology and biostatistics), however sometimes I find trouble retaining a lot of the information, but you'd be surprised how much you still remember. Because I take a lot of epidemiology and biostatistics courses, the concepts come up over and over again especially in our journal clubs and the papers we read and our concentration specific courses. We have to also take comprehensive exams which cover the entire years worth of material and so in terms of retention I think I will have a solid foundation. Again, I am not an MSPH candidate so there may be differences but we all do take some similar core courses (biostatistics and some epidemiology). I hope this helps.
Hey..
Thanks! I got my official letter via email yesterday, and they said they wont be sending any mail. So that's it i guess.
How do you know who your academic adviser is?
Also, @fernweh526, I had the same doubts about changing my concentration as well. I was admitted to Global Disease Epi and Control and was considering switching to Health Systems .
I guess part of my doubts is that I feel my concentration's research focus is very narrow. The faculty in my concentration focuses heavily on infectious diseases, vaccination and micronutrients (which are all extremely relevant and interesting topics) but I was hoping to expand and explore more areas. I was also worried if the narrow scope would affect my chances of employment in other fields when I graduate.eg. a project on gender/race inequality and healthcare.
With that said, I realized after some thought that I would still be able to work with researchers from other departments. ( This is not unusual practice..right?). I also spoke to one of the faculty members at Columbia and asked her if it mattered much at all in the workfield if a candidate graduates with a MSPH degree in Epidemiology vs International (or Health Systems in this case). She said that she personally feels that it doesn't matter too much and that what matters most is what you conduct your thesis on or other research experience.
In my case, the reason I wanted to switch out was because of the research focus and not because of the courses offered. I still think epi would be a good fit for me because my strength is in the quantitatives. If you still feel strongly about switching out, I suggest you contact your department and ask. Let me know what they say!
I guess part of my doubts is that I feel my concentration's research focus is very narrow. The faculty in my concentration focuses heavily on infectious diseases, vaccination and micronutrients (which are all extremely relevant and interesting topics) but I was hoping to expand and explore more areas. I was also worried if the narrow scope would affect my chances of employment in other fields when I graduate.eg. a project on gender/race inequality and healthcare.
With that said, I realized after some thought that I would still be able to work with researchers from other departments. ( This is not unusual practice..right?). I also spoke to one of the faculty members at Columbia and asked her if it mattered much at all in the workfield if a candidate graduates with a MSPH degree in Epidemiology vs International (or Health Systems in this case). She said that she personally feels that it doesn't matter too much and that what matters most is what you conduct your thesis on or other research experience.
In my case, the reason I wanted to switch out was because of the research focus and not because of the courses offered. I still think epi would be a good fit for me because my strength is in the quantitatives. If you still feel strongly about switching out, I suggest you contact your department and ask. Let me know what they say!
@SagiMaggi
Check out their Academic Guide. http://www.jhsph.edu/departments/international-health/current-students/academic-guides.html
Check out their Academic Guide. http://www.jhsph.edu/departments/international-health/current-students/academic-guides.html
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Thanks!! But for health system they have not given the sample order of the classes 🙁 I hope I can meet couple of current students in Health systems when I go to visit on admitted students day.
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It was great! Very well organized and informative. The department specific break out session was my favorite. I am intl. health and we got to hear from the director and then split into our concentrations.
There was also a session where we spoke with current students without any faculty present. This is where we were able to ask the downfalls of the program (which there weren't many) and hear an insider perspective. I asked about accessibility of professors to Masters students (which is my biggest concern) and I was happy to hear that it is easy to just go to office hours, knock on their door and get help in whatever way is needed.
I went to Columbia's admitted student day and I thought Hopkins's was much better. I paid my admissions deposit once I got back to my hotel room so clearly they achieved their goal of selling me on the program!
Let me know if you have any specific questions about it. Happy to give you my take on it all.
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I pretty much agree with everything she said! (Except that I'm still waiting to go to Columbia's upcoming day on the 10th...calling it close..but I'm pretty set on Hopkins) Talking to current students was great--they were super honest and the faculty were friendly, straightforward and really wanted to talk to us (or really good actors haha)
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Guys, do you know much the total tuition costs will be or how the tuition reduction works? The first year is $48,960 and the second would be somewhere around $12,240 (with the tuition reduction), so the total is around 62k?
Or is it more like, you only register for 2 terms in the 2nd year for electives, so it's 75% off each of the $12,240/ term fee? Then the 2nd year is like 6k?
Or is it more like, you only register for 2 terms in the 2nd year for electives, so it's 75% off each of the $12,240/ term fee? Then the 2nd year is like 6k?
When I talked with them I understood that you have to take a minimum of 16 credits per term your first year so 64 total which is the $48,960. Your next year your first two terms have to be at least 16 credits each of practicum (not electives) so $6,120 with the tuition reduction. When I called she made it sound like you can be done at that point if you have fulfilled all of the requirements, but she said most students take electives and focus more on a certain area during their final 2 terms since we will have the reduced tuition and it can be hard to take electives during your first year since the curriculum is so intense. So I believe it is up to you once the first year, practicum and essay are done if you stay and take classes for the final 2 terms. There is more info here about it. http://www.jhsph.edu/departments/in...mic-guides/masters-AcademicGuide2014-2015.pdf
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Thanks! Is there a minimum credit you need to take to graduate? I haven't seen info on the number of credits of electives you need to take.
I believe the minimum is 96 but I would call someone at JHSPH to verify. I know I've talked with Cristina Salazar in the international health department and she was very helpful. Her email is [email protected]. Good luck!
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I got waitlisted for the MSPH program at Dept Health, Behavior & Society. Does anyone know the class size? I've been waiting for a decision and called the admissions department, but they couldn't say anything else except that they will let me know soon.
If I get accepted, I would enroll immediately! :/
If I get accepted, I would enroll immediately! :/
Hi all! I was accepted to the department of International Health and will be attending Admitted Students Day on April 10th. Does anyone know what is the maximum number of credits that we're allowed to take per quarter during our first year? All I know is that there's a minimum of 16, adding up to the 64 total credit requirement over 4 quarters, but I'm wondering if it would be possible to complete the 64 credits earlier (say, in 3 quarters instead of 4) if we load up on credits each quarter. I can't wait to meet you all!!
Hey!! Even I am attending on April 10th. From what I have heard, 16 credits is very intense and I am not sure if they recommend us to take more credits! Let us find out in 10 days!!! 🙂
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I had spoken with Cristina Salazar. She told me that the maximum you can take is 22 per term.
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Up to 22 per quarter. You can disregard this. I didn't know someone responded to your message.
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Hi guys, I have been torn trying to comprehend how to fund MSPH degree at Hopkins without any funding other than 75% 2nd year scholarship granted to all students. I am an international student and have been accepted into MSPH Health Systems for fall 2015. I have few questions, hopefully, some of the experienced students here can guide me:
1. Is it realistically possible to work during the 1st year of MSPH? I keep on hearing how grueling each terms may be.
2. What are the chances MSPH students actually get assistantship position inside Health Systems department? When I spoke with Cristina, she said, you won't get any opportunity until you finish initial Biostat and Epi classes 1st and 2nd term. How true is that?
3. If I pass the comprehensive exam, during the following summer, do students generally take Paid internship at Baltimore or DC Metro area? Or, do we have to immediately have to start practicum experience that summer?
4. Generally, what is the pay range of summer internship for Health Systems students?
5. During the practicum period, at school or abroad, do students earn anything? I know, if we decide abroad practicum, we will be funded for travel and living expenses, but will there be additional stipend? How much should be expect?
6. And finally, after graduation what kind of placement should we expect? Yearly income range? Does the department offer career services to MSPH students?
I know, these are a lot of questions, but the clock has been ticking and I am still torn as to which program to choose. For now, it all depends on funding situation. Another most cheap option I have right now is, The EuroPubHealth program by Erasmus Mundus at U of Copenhagen and U of Sheffield, which costs only Euro 18,000 (tuition only). For, JHSPH degree, I have calculated to be around USD 68,000 (excluding living expenses) if I do not get any kind of extra funding opportunity during the degree (which seems to be reality right now). Investing, USD 68K vs USD 20K for the same degree, I have been really indecisive. Other programs that I have been accepted into are U of South Florida, Tulane, BU, Columbia, U of C Berkeley, Colorado, U of Illinois Chicago, and U of Houston.
Any input or opinions will be very much appreciated!!! Thanks guys.
1. Is it realistically possible to work during the 1st year of MSPH? I keep on hearing how grueling each terms may be.
2. What are the chances MSPH students actually get assistantship position inside Health Systems department? When I spoke with Cristina, she said, you won't get any opportunity until you finish initial Biostat and Epi classes 1st and 2nd term. How true is that?
3. If I pass the comprehensive exam, during the following summer, do students generally take Paid internship at Baltimore or DC Metro area? Or, do we have to immediately have to start practicum experience that summer?
4. Generally, what is the pay range of summer internship for Health Systems students?
5. During the practicum period, at school or abroad, do students earn anything? I know, if we decide abroad practicum, we will be funded for travel and living expenses, but will there be additional stipend? How much should be expect?
6. And finally, after graduation what kind of placement should we expect? Yearly income range? Does the department offer career services to MSPH students?
I know, these are a lot of questions, but the clock has been ticking and I am still torn as to which program to choose. For now, it all depends on funding situation. Another most cheap option I have right now is, The EuroPubHealth program by Erasmus Mundus at U of Copenhagen and U of Sheffield, which costs only Euro 18,000 (tuition only). For, JHSPH degree, I have calculated to be around USD 68,000 (excluding living expenses) if I do not get any kind of extra funding opportunity during the degree (which seems to be reality right now). Investing, USD 68K vs USD 20K for the same degree, I have been really indecisive. Other programs that I have been accepted into are U of South Florida, Tulane, BU, Columbia, U of C Berkeley, Colorado, U of Illinois Chicago, and U of Houston.
Any input or opinions will be very much appreciated!!! Thanks guys.
