I am from the Northeast, now living in Boston. I am going to have a big decision to make in terms of choosing an MPH program. Part of me wants to stay in Boston (and go to BU or Harvard (if accepted)) because I have my network here, job, friends, close to home, etc. and Boston is an incredible hub for public health. On the other hand, I really am attracted to the idea of going out to Oregon because of geography, trying something new, etc. Just wondering- anyone who has gone through your MPH program (if at any of these places, thats a bonus!), could you give me some insight as to how important it is to go to a "ranked" program? What are your opinions on staying vs. leaving? Pros/cons?
Thanks in advance!
Congrats on all your acceptances!!
🙂 I have a similar dilemma with choosing schools (one close to home, one in a new place), but I honestly think that either school I go to will be fine. Many people have shared the advice of trying to go grad school where you want to work or will give you an edge on getting a job where you want to work afterwards. Your internships, work experiences, connections and networking in your program play a big part in helping you find a job after, and if you move somewhere else after school, you may need to take some time to build up your professional network again.
Though I take that advice with a grain of salt because many people I've come across working at CDC have gone to schools I never even knew existed or have even gone through multiple career changes to get to where they are so it really depends on you and what you make of your own career. I think it's a pro to go somewhere new and learn to live/work there, even if you go back home or an entirely new city after. I'm from the suburbs/city and took a job in rural public health after undergrad and it's honestly given me such a unique and in depth perspective of how public health works on the micro/macro scale, and I really wouldn't have grown the way I have without taking this opportunity (of which my family BEGGED me not to take bc I'd be so far away). But I do understand the appeal of staying (close to friends/family, social support, cheaper, familiar, etc). My personal view is to go wherever you see yourself as the best intellectual/social fit, where the staff/faculty care about your experience, and where you see yourself living for the duration of the program (cost of living, city, culture/activities outside of school ~ so you can still be a regular person lol, travel/commutes, weather/seasons).
I have a friend that goes to OSU for public policy and she loves it and Corvallis. The school is a large research university and from what it sounds like, her professors care about her as a person and the experience she has as a student. I'm sure the school culture would be the same for public health, but I would definitely reach out to current students so you can get a feel of what it's like living, learning, and working with each school. Overall, it depends on what you are looking for out of your program. Idk if I answered well, but that's what I got lol hope it helps somewhat
🙂
And secretly wonder who they arreee... "She looks fun! She must be on SDN too!"🤣
