MPH / MSPH 2021: Applied, Accepted, Waitlisted, Rejected, Attending

[shawarmasharma]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I did email Boston last week and they were very nice and let me know I could expect a decision in early March at the latest. This was encouraging but still frustrating that I haven't heard anything and I applied quite early. Emory is a wonderful school! I think that's a great way to think about it, you can kind of get the best of both worlds, and get amazing opportunities in ATL at Emory and then come back to DC and get great opportunities and establish yourself there as well at amazing organizations like USAID! The decision is all about balance and I think that is really hard but we can all work through it together! I posted my STATS a few pages, back. You seem to have a lot of experience and were accepted into so many amazing schools! Any chance you are willing to look at my STATS and let me know what you think in terms of my chance of getting in and how they compared to yours? Either way Congrats! 🙂

Hey! I also applied to BU when did you apply? I applied 1/15.. I am so nervous about hearing back..

 

[PHStan23]

I am wondering about this too! I think any experience is what you make of it, however, I am also wondering if employers ' look down' on the applicant who went through an online program vs an in-person. I applied to a couple of online programs because staying home and completing my master's is more financially reasonable for me. But I noticed a lot of people talking down about these programs as well. I am also planning to apply to Medical School after, so I am wondering if admissions will look down on an online degree. I really hope this isn't the case but I'd also love some insight from others on this!

A lot of people on here seem to be saying online MPH programs aren't the route to go if you don't already have an "established career." Doesn't the concentration of the MPH matter? Also isn't an internship required as part of many of these programs? Most people would do an internship in their local health department. Isn't that where you gain connections and/or employment opportunities? Have you ever heard of someone getting an MPH in epidemiology online from a top 20 public health school, do an internship, and still not find an entry level epidemiology position? Is competition for a 50-60k starting position really that crazy right now? Does anyone have data to back this up? Thanks!

I don't agree with the thought that online programs are only for those with an "established career." Online programs are becoming more popular, because institutions see the benefit of making schooling accessible for people at any point in their academic career (Directly post-UG or mid-career). Some online programs are better than others. The same goes for residential programs. From my understanding and experience with hiring, employers don't ask if you went to school in-person or online. They care more about the accreditation and if you have learned the skills to complete that job. The curriculum in a lot of the programs mirror the same as a residential program. Most online programs I have seen still require you complete 120-240 hours of a practical experience (The same as residential). You can still network and build relationships through the practical experiences, with your profs, your cohort, alumni, etc. How well you make those connections will be up to you and the work you put in (Just like in a residential program).

Also, your degree will say Master of Public Health and that is what really matters. Overall, do whatever you think is best for you, your finances and your career goals.

 

[Mlm1986]

I am wondering about this too! I think any experience is what you make of it, however, I am also wondering if employers ' look down' on the applicant who went through an online program vs an in-person. I applied to a couple of online programs because staying home and completing my master's is more financially reasonable for me. But I noticed a lot of people talking down about these programs as well. I am also planning to apply to Medical School after, so I am wondering if admissions will look down on an online degree. I really hope this isn't the case but I'd also love some insight from others on this!

I've asked many of the programs that have both on campus and online MPH programs and they mentioned that you get the same exact degree as someone who completed it on campus. Your degree doesn't say anything about it being online. Its not something that you even have to mention or anyone would even know. The people here are mentioning networking and connections.....im not really convinced that you cant obtain the same networking or connections through required internships.

 

[banhcam]

Has anyone heard about financial aid packages from anywhere? I emailed University of Minnesota last week asking when I might expect information, but only radio silence. I'm between BU and Minnesota at this point (haven't heard from Berkeley but not holding out hope that I'll get in), and I'm really torn because a huge factor is cost - after a 25% scholarship from BU, the tuition costs are pretty similar right now but I know cost of living is higher in Boston. Kinda feel like I'm in purgatory since I can't make a decision yet!

Not sure if this is helpful but I emailed the coordinator at UMN of my department (the contact info they listed on the portal) today and she responded in around 20 mins. I asked about a scholarship letter and she said it would come out later on this week or early next week the latest.

 

[doctorinwanting]

So far, for HSPH:

1. Thursday: acceptances
2. Tuesday: waitlists

i like how we've all become forensic detectives

 

[nwabiafra]

i'm in at rutgers yay 😀

Congratulations! Are you thinking of attending? I’m torn between Emory and Rutgers 😅

 

[Sunshine2021]

i like how we've all become forensic detectives

That should prep us to become well-trained disease tracking professionals. 😎

 

[acutepotatitis]

Congrats!! When did you turn in the supplemental app?

2/5

 

[LittleLizard]

Still nothing from University of Arizona Epi concentration..Anyone received anything yet?

 

[acutepotatitis]

I emailed Columbia financial aid office yesterday and they said they are still waiting for admissions to update the records in order for them to populate financial aid profiles. Currently, they cant even find my name in the system. I just have a feeling its gonna be nothing at this point.

 

[Sunshine2021]

I emailed Columbia financial aid office yesterday and they said they are still waiting for admissions to update the records in order for them to populate financial aid profiles. Currently, they cant even find my name in the system. I just have a feeling its gonna be nothing at this point.

You might need to provide your ssn bc some schools seem to not have access to your ssn, eventhough your ssn should be on your Sophas app. If the financial aid office does not have your ssn, they cant pull your fafsa. Make sure to ask if they already have your ssn in the system.

 

[titoincali]

Still nothing from University of Arizona Epi concentration..Anyone received anything yet?

I got into the other concentrations I applied to at UA. I didn't apply to Epi though. I haven't heard anyone talk about the epi concentrations on here.

 

[acutepotatitis]

You might need to provide your ssn bc some schools seem to not have access to your ssn, eventhough your ssn should be on your Sophas app. If the financial aid office does not have your ssn, they cant pull your fafsa. Make sure to ask if they already have your ssn in the system.

Thanks! I will email them again tonight.

 

[acutepotatitis]

Whos going to the Columbia admitted student week events? Why is it required? The time slots are really awkward for healthcare shifts >.>

 

[acutepotatitis]

You might need to provide your ssn bc some schools seem to not have access to your ssn, eventhough your ssn should be on your Sophas app. If the financial aid office does not have your ssn, they cant pull your fafsa. Make sure to ask if they already have your ssn in the system.

How do you update your SSN with them? I dont think emailing SSN is a good idea(security)

 

[aev20]

How do you update your SSN with them? I dont think emailing SSN is a good idea(security)

I had to do this for a different school and they gave me a call so I could give it over the phone.

 

[bluecoffee12]

Whos going to the Columbia admitted student week events? Why is it required? The time slots are really awkward for healthcare shifts >.>

I'm in class for almost all of them, but I registered for the required ones (and optional ones I was interested in) since they'll be recorded!

 

[Sunshine2021]

How do you update your SSN with them? I dont think emailing SSN is a good idea(security)

Is that the issue you are having with them? Ssn missing?

You can:

1. Fax
2. Have them call you
3. Email

Some schools will refuse to take it over the phone. For security reasons, emailing is not a good idea.

That leaves only the option 1 if they refuse to do 2.

 

[stryker1520]

Does anyone know when UCLA will send out decisions? Or when the last batch of acceptances will go out?

 

[nunuuuxoxo]

Still nothing from University of Arizona Epi concentration..Anyone received anything yet?

No I’m still waiting as well.

 

[nunuuuxoxo]

I got into the other concentrations I applied to at UA. I didn't apply to Epi though. I haven't heard anyone talk about the epi concentrations on here.

When did you apply?

 

[acutepotatitis]

Is that the issue you are having with them? Ssn missing?

You can:

1. Fax
2. Have them call you
3. Email

Some schools will refuse to take it over the phone. For security reasons, emailing is not a good idea.

That leaves only the option 1 if they refuse to do 2.

Nah, they just said I don't have a profile probably because I was only admitted last Tuesday.

 

[crashfan]

Does anyone know when UCLA will send out decisions? Or when the last batch of acceptances will go out?

It is rolling and random it seems. I got mine 6PM PST on friday. which for east coast is the dead of night.

 

[lan15]

Anyone have thoughts on decision-making for MPH between Hopkins v. Harvard v. Columbia?

For reference, these were my timelines/details if that's helpful for anyone:
- JHU: concentration = health leadership & mgmt, decision = 12/28/20
- Columbia: concentration = HPM, decision = 1/20/21
- HSPH: concentration = health mgmt, decision = 2/18/21

These are all post-Masters 1y programs for me. Also pending fin aid decisions from Hopkins & Columbia, though I think it'd be on par w/ HSPH since my impression is that their aid processes are all similar for these 1y programs (i.e. little to no aid). I've been mentally prepping for financing this on loans since I applied though, so not too fussed if that's the case (I've accepted my fate lol).

 

[Sunshine2021]

Anyone have thoughts on decision-making for MPH between Hopkins v. Harvard v. Columbia?

For reference, these were my timelines/details if that's helpful for anyone:
- JHU: concentration = health leadership & mgmt, decision = 12/28/20
- Columbia: concentration = HPM, decision = 1/20/21
- HSPH: concentration = health mgmt, decision = 2/18/21

These are all post-Masters 1y programs for me. Also pending fin aid decisions from Hopkins & Columbia, though I think it'd be on par w/ HSPH since my impression is that their aid processes are all similar for these 1y programs (i.e. little to no aid). I've been mentally prepping for financing this on loans since I applied though, so not too fussed if that's the case (I've accepted my fate lol).

I would choose HSPH from your list of schools for your conc.

 

[KaramazovB]

Anyone have thoughts on decision-making for MPH between Hopkins v. Harvard v. Columbia?

For reference, these were my timelines/details if that's helpful for anyone:
- JHU: concentration = health leadership & mgmt, decision = 12/28/20
- Columbia: concentration = HPM, decision = 1/20/21
- HSPH: concentration = health mgmt, decision = 2/18/21

These are all post-Masters 1y programs for me. Also pending fin aid decisions from Hopkins & Columbia, though I think it'd be on par w/ HSPH since my impression is that their aid processes are all similar for these 1y programs (i.e. little to no aid). I've been mentally prepping for financing this on loans since I applied though, so not too fussed if that's the case (I've accepted my fate lol).

You got into Harvard?

Okay buddy, let's not kid ourselves. $100 bet you're going to HSPH. I'm gonna enjoy a nice meal next month

 

[titoincali]

When did you apply?

I applied way back in October.

 

[lan15]

You got into Harvard?

Okay buddy, let's not kid ourselves. $100 bet you're going to HSPH. I'm gonna enjoy a nice meal next month

Haha there's a decent chance, but the other two have pretty bang up programs & specific opportunities too. 😂 Just want to make sure I'm giving appropriate weight to each option

 

[Sunshine2021]

I've asked many of the programs that have both on campus and online MPH programs and they mentioned that you get the same exact degree as someone who completed it on campus. Your degree doesn't say anything about it being online. Its not something that you even have to mention or anyone would even know. The people here are mentioning networking and connections.....im not really convinced that you cant obtain the same networking or connections through required internships.

If you enroll in a distant online mph program (say in another state) and you plan to work in another state, dont you think employers will not ask you to clarify the situation further from the info on your resume?

 

[lan15]

I would choose HSPH from your list of schools for your conc.

Thank you for the input! Are there specific reasons why you would choose HSPH over the other two for my conc?

 

[djamming]

Um so no Columbia today? Bruh stop playing

 

[nunuuuxoxo]

Does anyone know if CUNY requires the GRE?

 

[Cheeseboard]

Does anyone else feel like they can’t really make a sound decision about where to go until schools announce if classes will be online or in person? I’m betting the pandemic will still be raging on by Fall, even if most everyone is vaccinated by then. Plus our decision deadline is SO soon!

 

[Fashion]

Lol someone needs to tell Emory to stop sending me emails that have nothing to do with financial aid 😩

 

[PHStan23]

If you enroll in a distant online mph program (say in another state) and you plan to work in another state, dont you think employers will not ask you to clarify the situation further from the info on your resume?

Some may ask, but ultimately it should not matter as long as you received your degree. As someone who has been in on the hiring process, it's more impressive to me that you were able to manage both academics and a career at the same time. It shows me that you're able to handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.

 

[epihopeful627]

Someone already brought this up and I know this is such a lame reason to complain but does it bother anyone else that graduate students at Columbia don't get to wear the cool hoods during graduation?? Like I know it's not a huge deal but I feel like it would distinguish us from the undergrads moreso than the slightly different sleeves they mention. Such a weird issue but I would really like a hood lol

 

[dragonsqueen]

Does anyone know where to find data on post-grad employment for Berkely? I'm trying to compare schools this way (Columbia ex: Facts and Figures | Columbia Public Health). I can't seem to find it for Berkley though expect a short list of field percentages.

 

[exkt2754]

Has anyone heard anything from Tufts about aid?

Nope :/ I submitted their financial aid app about 3 wks ago and my fafsa was in long before that... we shall see

 

[lmarph]

Someone already brought this up and I know this is such a lame reason to complain but does it bother anyone else that graduate students at Columbia don't get to wear the cool hoods during graduation?? Like I know it's not a huge deal but I feel like it would distinguish us from the undergrads moreso than the slightly different sleeves they mention. Such a weird issue but I would really like a hood lol

I have no idea but I graduated in spring 2020 and didnt get to have a graduation ceremony (not even online, my school just cancelled it) so at this point I'll just be happy to have one.. hood or not LOL

 

[Sunshine2021]

Some may ask, but ultimately it should not matter as long as you received your degree. As someone who has been in on the hiring process, it's more impressive to me that you were able to manage both academics and a career at the same time. It shows me that you're able to handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.

Thx. That response was to respond to the claim that employers might not even know that it is online.

 

[Mlm1986]

Does anyone know if CUNY requires the GRE?

Yes, I asked them LOL. They refused to waive it, even for COVID. Otherwise, I would have applied. Funny how schools like Johns Hopkins and Columbia waived it, but CUNY didn't. I guess there is a lot of value there. In state tuition is a bargain. SUNY downstate doesn't require it though, but CUNY is ranked higher...

 

[exkt2754]

I haven't gotten anything either. I switched my registration around yesterday and think I may have accidentally switched my registration to March without noticing, maybe you did something similar? It's weird because I could view the Dean's welcome yesterday but can't find it anymore.

I DID THAT TOO LMAO, see y’all in March I guess smh

 

[heyimhere]

Does anyone else feel like they can’t really make a sound decision about where to go until schools announce if classes will be online or in person? I’m betting the pandemic will still be raging on by Fall, even if most everyone is vaccinated by then. Plus our decision deadline is SO soon!

To an extent, but the reality is is that we have to get on with our lives. This pandemic sucks and it's going to suck when we're at grad school, no doubt (except maybe if you're studying COVID). But I do not want to put my life on hold because of this. Getting on with life during an international crisis is a testament to the human condition. Also, I don't believe the pandemic will be that much of an issue come our second year of school, so we still have that to look forward to.

 

[lan15]

Does anyone else feel like they can’t really make a sound decision about where to go until schools announce if classes will be online or in person? I’m betting the pandemic will still be raging on by Fall, even if most everyone is vaccinated by then. Plus our decision deadline is SO soon!

Not sure if this is helpful, but I'm currently finishing up my MSN (starting MPH in the Fall) and I've been online (aside from clinical rotations) instead of in-person. I decided to move to Philly (where my school is based) when I went full-time with my coursework, and I've still been able to bond with classmates & get some valuable experiences online. Obvi it's not the same, but I wouldn't hold your breath for things "being back to normal" with any permanence - it's more likely that programs are hybrid and fluctuate between in-person and online depending on case #s. As much as possible, I would try to take the in-person factor out of this for now and focus on being excited about the acceptances you have in hand! Particularly since the whole idea of in-person classes is very ambiguous for most institutions at this point. My opinion is that deferring is complicated and delays your goals. I do think there's some realistic hope of things being solidly hybrid though! Just my two cents.

 

[Mlm1986]

If you enroll in a distant online mph program (say in another state) and you plan to work in another state, dont you think employers will not ask you to clarify the situation further from the info on your resume?

I have no idea. That's what im trying to find out....Somehow paying 20k vs paying 70-80k for an MPH degree is a huge leap for me. It's a lot of money. I want to make sure I have all the facts. I'm still undecided at this point. I guess the only people that would truly know are online graduates...I probably will try to reach out to a few before making a final decision.

 

[pzap27]

Heard back from Columbia financial aid. $5000 need-based grant only 🙁

 

[iFky99]

Yes, I asked them LOL. They refused to waive it, even for COVID. Otherwise, I would have applied. Funny how schools like Johns Hopkins and Columbia waived it, but CUNY didn't. I guess there is a lot of value there. In state tuition is a bargain. SUNY downstate doesn't require it though, but CUNY is ranked higher...

whattt?? I applied to CUNY (nutrition) without GRE scores and was accepted.

 

[Mlm1986]

whattt?? I applied to CUNY (nutrition) without GRE scores and was accepted.

Oh im talking about MPH Epidemiology at CUNY

 

[Sunshine2021]

I have no idea. That's what im trying to find out....Somehow paying 20k vs paying 70-80k for an MPH degree is a huge leap for me. It's a lot of money. I want to make sure I have all the facts. I'm still undecided at this point. I guess the only people that would truly know are online graduates...I probably will try to reach out to a few before making a final decision.

I suggest you should find out.

Good luck though.

 

[Mlm1986]

I suggest you should find out. There are many issues, not just the ones I mentioned. But then you could get lucky and not have any of those issues happen to you.

Good luck though.

What online programs have you heard the complaints from?