MPH vs. MSPH

[blindluck]

Whats the difference between a MPH and a MSPH?

 

[betshsu]

The MPH is a terminal professional degree. Programs often require that you have a professional degree of some sort (MD, DMD, PhD, JD, etc) or that you have prior work experience in the field of public health. The MSPH is a master of science in public health and is generally seen as a stepping stone to getting a doctorate in public health. I'd guess you could apply for the MSPH right out of undergrad without prior work experience.

 

[blindluck]

ok, thanks. i had a general idea, but wasn't sure if the curriculum was really different, but if one is a terminal degree and the other is to ready people for further studies, then they're probably very different.

 

[apgmph]

The MPH is a terminal professional degree. Programs often require that you have a professional degree of some sort (MD, DMD, PhD, JD, etc) or that you have prior work experience in the field of public health. The MSPH is a master of science in public health and is generally seen as a stepping stone to getting a doctorate in public health. I'd guess you could apply for the MSPH right out of undergrad without prior work experience.

Most schools do NOT require a professional degree before getting a MPH. I only know of a couple. Some schools do require some work experience prior though. I went into a MPH program straight out of undergrad with only a BS degree. I don't know much about MSPH programs, because I never looked into it. However, I always thought that MSPH was more science based and MPH was more research based (epi, education, etc). Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[blindluck]

I'm not sure, but I thought it was the other way around, that the MSPH is more research based and the MPH was more administration/policy making/public awareness based. Thats sorta how it sounds in the program descriptions, but it doesn't clearly specify.

Is anyone in a MPH or MSPH program that can clarify the difference?

I am pretty sure that both "sciencey".

 

[AspiringDoctor9]

Hihi guys,

I think I can clear this up a bit, hopefully. There are 2 main differences as far as I can tell between the MS and MPH.

1) MPH is usually a terminal degree. MS can be used as a stand-alone degree, but often is a bridge to a PhD.

2) MPH degrees typically gear students to find jobs after graduation. These jobs can be in the public or private sector, but many schools require internships to hone working skills. An MS will be more academicaly-focused and will include a lot of research type of work. An MS/PhD will be primarily for those going into research or academic careers. If you want a doctorate but want an MPH type job, there are DrPH degrees out there just for that. Many of those have huge work experience requirements (usually 5-7+ years full time), so it's made for mid-career professionals.

I hope this helps!

 

[blindluck]

yea, that def helps...and i'm a lot more comfortable now applying to msph programs.

 

[snowhite]

I agree with what most of you guys have mentioned. I started out MPH, switched to MSPH and then switched back the MPH myself. Needless to say, it took me forever to finally finish. The difference at least at the school I went to was that MSPH was a lot more science and research based. It was fewer class hours than the MPH, but required a thesis (our MPH degree does not require a thesis). The MPH plan required a practicum/internship as well along with comprehensive exams.

People that I have known with MPHs moved on to DrPH, PhD, med school, nursing school, optometry school, and jobs with the health department and program planning programs. People I have known who finished with an MSPH have gone on to Med school and PhD programs (mostly).