Obesity and an MPH, and does my experience count?

[js13]

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I've searched the forum and not found anything that really touched on my experience, so I was hoping to get some insights.

I've lost a lot of weight over the past couple of years (nearly 200 lbs) and am interested in getting into a program that would help me work in obesity research and/or policy. Are there any schools with particularly strong reputations/programs in this field? I have a undergrad degree in Political Science with a GPA of 3.39 and a GRE score of 680 verbal/710 quant/5.5 essay. My big problem is that outside of my personal experience, I don't have much background in the field - I've worked in the flavor industry since graduating college (7 years ago) doing computer, writing and graphics work. What I do have is personal experience as well as experience as an active member of an online weight loss community wherein a fair number of people have cited me as an inspiration and resource in their weight loss. I've basically helped a fair number of people lose a lot of weight, but on an unofficial basis. One of the other members of the forum (who has lost over 100 lbs herself), in fact, has even written me a letter of recommendation to that effect.

If anyone can recommend schools that would be good for my interest that would be approachable entry-wise with my background, I'd appreciate it greatly. The process of researching schools and programs is so immense that literally any insights would be really helpful.

Thanks-

-j.

 

[Leejwwc]

I know that Columbia University has an Institute of Human Nutrition that works on obesity-related research but I believe it is affiliated with the med school and not the school of public health (Mailman). You may want to look into it though. Many, but not all, MPH programs do not require any experience in the field at all. I am also a newbie in this area so you may want to search the archives for some schools that accept people with little/no public health experience. Your GPA and GRE scores though would be fine for most any program out there. Good luck!

 

[js13]

I know that Columbia University has an Institute of Human Nutrition that works on obesity-related research but I believe it is affiliated with the med school and not the school of public health (Mailman). You may want to look into it though. Many, but not all, MPH programs do not require any experience in the field at all. I am also a newbie in this area so you may want to search the archives for some schools that accept people with little/no public health experience. Your GPA and GRE scores though would be fine for most any program out there. Good luck!

Thanks so much for the tip - just that was enough to spur me into some more leads, particularly relating to public health and nutrition epidemiology programs.

Anyone with insights into those programs, or any additional input on my questions, would be really, really helpful.

Thanks-

-j.

 

[erikalindsay]

At my school (U of Minnesota School of Public Health) there is an Obesity Prevention Center, with a variety of funded projects. The SPH is affiliated with the OPC.

http://www.obesityprevention.umn.edu/

Also, Mary Story, one of the directors, is great. 🙂

You should look into the MPH in epidemiology or public health nutrition. Most of the MPH programs require some experience, but the experience of each individual is taken into account. Call the SPH and speak to major coordinators if you're interested.