Looking for feedback about programs

[kta333]

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Hi guys,

I am looking into getting my MPH soon, but am just now beginning my research into programs. I was wondering if you all could give me some feedback about schools you have applied to and/or attended. I currently live in the Southeast, and am interested in staying here but I'm also interested in learning about programs outside the region. I was wondering if any of you could help answer a few questions so I can begin to look more in depth into various schools.

1. What do you consider the most important factors in picking a program?
2. Why did you apply to the schools you did or choose to go to the one you are attending?
3. Are you in an online program or would you consider getting your degree from an online program?
4. How much does the cost of the program matter to you?
5. If you are already in a program, what do you consider to be the greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Thanks so much for your help with this. I really appreciate it.

 

[hereticmnk]

And if anyone has any opinions on University of Florida program, please share.
Sorry OP for the shameless post

 

[kta333]

No problem. I just wish someone would respond to some of the questions. Really interested in what students really think of their program and not just what is on the school website, rankings, etc.

 

[364462]

No problem. I just wish someone would respond to some of the questions. Really interested in what students really think of their program and not just what is on the school website, rankings, etc.

Unfortunately, this is one of the challenges and, I think, drawbacks of the forum. Though immeasurably valuable, the forum is really more for applicants and those interested in the variety of degrees and programs brought to our attention here. Afterwards, folks (understandly) leave the forum and go on to their merry way. I attempted several weeks backs to create a thread inviting successful (and not so successful) applicants as well as current and past students to return to the forum and speak about their experience. As expected, the thread received no responses and was eventually removed.

To answer your question, if I may, I would encourage you to visualize how you imagine your short-term and long-term career to look like. Then, work backwards from there to the application itself. There are excellent online programs out there. Johns Hopkins comes to mind. However, will you be alright, for example, with limited face-to-face, interpersonal contact with classmates, professors, and supervisors that is all too often inherent in online programs? In addition, cost is obviously a key factor, and you would need to consider a wide variety of factors here, as well. I highly HIGHLY recommend reflecting the accrued debt in the context of the current "economic climate." While advanced degrees are regarded as a long-term investment, accruing tens of thousands of dollars DOES affect your credit history and can potentially limit your job prospects and standard of living. One way to mitigate this is getting into a high tier or high ranked programs. For better or for worse, highly ranked programs use their name as caché to both get and keep jobs. Harvard and JHSPH come to mind.

In any case, good luck with the application process. I will be applying for next fall, as well. I will see you around the forums 🙂

 

[LiteBear2011]

1) I think the most important part of picking a program is faculty and program fit. You should have some idea (maybe not a complete idea) of what you want to do and where you want your career to go. Once you figure out that, then start perusing websites and reading about faculty's research interests. Make sure you go to a place where they are doing the stuff you eventually want to be doing. That way, you can get involved with research or public health practice and make connections in the field for after you graduate.

2) See above.

3) Not applicable. Did a classroom based program.

4) Cost is important. Some schools are a little more generous with financial aid packages. Ultimately this is an investment in your career. Not to say that public health generally leads to the big bucks, but I think there might be a reasonably comfortable lifestyle waiting for PH grads.

5) I loved Michigan because it was the perfect fit for me. Great research opportunities and the faculty are leaders in the field I am interested in. Got great connections and am currently applying to doctoral programs at their encouragement. Where Michigan falls short is its emphasis on research. This isn't a bad thing for me, since that is what I am interested in, but I can see that being a problem for other people.

@kta333, I hope this helps you out a bit.

 

[EpiWin]

Hi guys,

I am looking into getting my MPH soon, but am just now beginning my research into programs. I was wondering if you all could give me some feedback about schools you have applied to and/or attended. I currently live in the Southeast, and am interested in staying here but I'm also interested in learning about programs outside the region. I was wondering if any of you could help answer a few questions so I can begin to look more in depth into various schools.

1. What do you consider the most important factors in picking a program?
2. Why did you apply to the schools you did or choose to go to the one you are attending?
3. Are you in an online program or would you consider getting your degree from an online program?
4. How much does the cost of the program matter to you?
5. If you are already in a program, what do you consider to be the greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Thanks so much for your help with this. I really appreciate it.

1. Varies among each person, for me it was rigor of academic program, faculty, and reputation.

2. For the reasons above.

3. I don't have much experience in that realm, but I carry the mindset that a degree from a physical institution still holds greater sway in our society, for better or worse.

4. I posted this somewhere else, but everyone has a debt threshold that they're comfortable with. I think of the money you pay as an investment in your future to get onto a line of work that will bring you satisfaction for the rest of your life. As a result, I'm willing to accept a higher cost.

5. N/A

 

[ms newyear]

Me: Health Policy and Management at BU.

1. What do you consider the most important factors in picking a program?
location, location...and access to internships

2. Why did you apply to the schools you did or choose to go to the one you are attending? (I only applied to BU)
Location/access to internships, program isn't too small, offered a good sum of money, ability to finish in 3 semesters, Pharmaceuticals Program Certificate

3. Are you in an online program or would you consider getting your degree from an online program?
I would not do an online program unless I really had to

4. How much does the cost of the program matter to you?
Pretty important. I need to eat/be housed.

5. If you are already in a program, what do you consider to be the greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Strength: very practical based. I'm not interested in going into academic research so I'm happy that I can tailor the program to fit my needs.

Weakness: BU has a totally unwarranted bad reputation around this forum.

 

[Listeningprince]

Hey guys, sorry it seems like the threads get abandoned after the admissions roll out. I promised my self I would always return to this forum to share my experience. I drew strength from this forum as an applicant. As has been said, the best approach is to consider the MPH as a stepping stone and outline your goals beyond the MPH, then find schools that would help you meet these goals. I got accepted into Hopkins and several other schools and I am happy I chose Hopkins. I guess most people can say same for their schools. I share msnewyear's answers to your specific questions. I chose Hopkins because I need high calibre connections in clinical research. I have not been disappointed.The personal interactions with faculty is mind blowing!

 

[Veggie Monster]

Attending: University of Southern California, Sol Price School of Public Policy, Master in Health Administration.

1. What do you consider the most important factors in picking a program?
Location, scholarship funding, career placements after graduation, network.

2. Why did you apply to the schools you did or choose to go to the one you are attending?
USC has always been my first choice before being accepted by all 3 schools I applied to. I applied to USC because of where graduates would end up working after the program, scholarship opportunities, location, and network.

3. Are you in an online program or would you consider getting your degree from an online program?
Not in an online program. Would not consider an online program.

4. How much does the cost of the program matter to you?
It matters a lot to me. I don't want to be in debt for more than 10 years.

5. If you are already in a program, what do you consider to be the greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: network, practical skills to be learned.
Weaknesses: Perfect weather in SoCal. 😀

 

[psychQs]

USC has always been my first choice before being accepted by all 3 schools I applied to. I applied to USC because of where graduates would end up working after the program, scholarship opportunities, location, and network.

I'll be applying to USC this cycle and am having trouble finding detailed info about where grads end up...perhaps you could advise me? Are there many opportunities outside of CA? Or do most alums stay local? Thanks 🙂

 

[Veggie Monster]

I'll be applying to USC this cycle and am having trouble finding detailed info about where grads end up...perhaps you could advise me? Are there many opportunities outside of CA? Or do most alums stay local? Thanks 🙂

http://www.usc.edu/schools/price/programs/masters/mha/curriculum/residency.html

Where you end up doing your residency, you'd have a good chance of working for a particular company after graduation. Many grads stay in California. It's just their personal preference.

 

[psychQs]

http://www.usc.edu/schools/price/programs/masters/mha/curriculum/residency.html

Where you end up doing your residency, you'd have a good chance of working for a particular company after graduation. Many grads stay in California. It's just their personal preference.

That was too kind - many thanks!

 

[healthdisparity]

Go Blue!

1. What do you consider the most important factors in picking a program?
Cost, career/internship placement, responsive alumni/current students

2. Why did you apply to the schools you did or choose to go to the one you are attending?
Michigan has a great presence in Public Health, especially for HMP. I've been working in the industry and like the fact a fair amount of classmates have work experience before matriculating.

3. Are you in an online program or would you consider getting your degree from an online program?
If the cost was right and I wanted to stay full-time at my job.

4. How much does the cost of the program matter to you?
I really despise debt. Plus my goal is to work with safety net hospitals, who I would never expect to pay large salaries.

5. If you are already in a program, what do you consider to be the greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Strength: Alumni, Placements, Reputation (The whole US News Ranking thing), Strong collegiate feel, Top Classmates
Weaknesses: Cold weather, $ for out of state applicants w/o scholarships, limited hospital experience options available during school year (compared to NYC, Boston, LA, Chicago)