MHS at Johns Hopkins before med school?

[poppytart]

I was just wondering if anyone has done the one or two year MHS graduate degree at JHU and could offer me some more information. I have e-mailed the program director but she hasn't responded. I just wanted to know what I should do to become a competitve and successful applicant. Thanks!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[BucsFan813]

Are you referring to a MHS at the School of Public Health? If so, the general consensus is that these degrees are a good way to demonstrate that you're able to handle rigorous courses (#1 public health school in the country). That being said, I'm not sure how many MHS students go on to medical school. Secondly, a lot of second year MHS students complete paid internships, which gives you another activity on the AMCAS AND it helps defray application and interview experiences.

 

[RosaVerde]

I did the MHS program in International Health. Yeah, the nonresponsiveness of the administration and faculty to email is something you should get really used to. You should give her a call instead. In terms of being a successful applicant, I think my GRE scores were really high and I had a demonstrated commitment to international health. I think Hopkins is a great institution and obviously a great resume booster. Depending on your motives for going, I might have some useful input for you. PM me if you have questions.

 

[gipper]

I did the 11-month MPH program at Hopkins. The program really worked for me b/c I was fairly focused on what types of skills that I wanted to obtain. Candidates for the 11-month program have to have had at least 2 years of health-related experience - they are pretty liberal with this requirement. I found the faculty very approachable and really loved my experience.

 

[poppytart]

Thank you for the responses....the public health experience that they require...can you tell me some of the experiences that would qualify under this requirement? Does volunteering in the ER count? Can you tell me some information about the applicants? What is a competitive GPA? Thanks for the help!

 

[airflare]

Thank you for the responses....the public health experience that they require...can you tell me some of the experiences that would qualify under this requirement? Does volunteering in the ER count? Can you tell me some information about the applicants? What is a competitive GPA? Thanks for the help!

There is no public health requirement for the MHS program. The MPH program, which does require 2 years of post-bac experience in public health, is a different program and different degree.

 

[poppytart]

You're right in that the two year MHS degree doesn't require any public health experience. However, I believe the one year MHS does...at least that's what the woman from JHU e-mailed me with.

 

[randompremed]

Most of the people who are getting a MHS in the Biochemistry department are pre-meds, and are typically looking to increase their competitiveness for medical school. You don't need any health care experience, nor do you even need a GRE score (MCAT scores can substitute). If you continue in the program for a second year, you switch over to the ScM degree program and spend your time in a lab. I've heard about 75% end up getting into and attending medical school. Here's a link for additional information:

http://www.jhsph.edu/dept/BMB/Masters_Programs/index.html

 

[cakebaker2]

To the original poster (poppytart), did you decide about the MHS program at Hopkins? I've been working in clinical research for the past 2 years, and am looking into applying for the MHS in Epidemiology if I don't get accepted this year. My supervisor went to Hopkins and recommended the MHS over the MPH, because the MPH is so fast-paced and more for people who have a lot of work experience to which they can apply what they learn.

gipper, did you have a lot of work experience before starting the MPH?

Thanks!