Online MPH program for Residency and beyond!?

[CalBear456]

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Hello,

I am considering doing an online MPH program from a CEPH-certified university and was wondering how this would be viewed for residency and possibly later on if I seek to take part in higher-leadership positions? I also have the option of taking an in person MPH program but from a far less prestigious university. What would you recommend?

Even if I get an online MPH, how will residency programs or fellowship programs even find out that I did it online?
@Catalystik @Faha @Ismet

Thanks

 

[deleted480308]

Hello,

I am considering doing an online MPH program from a CEPH-certified university and was wondering how this would be viewed for residency and possibly later on if I seek to take part in higher-leadership positions? I also have the option of taking an in person MPH program but from a far less prestigious university. What would you recommend?

Even if I get an online MPH, how will residency programs or fellowship programs even find out that I did it online?
@Catalystik @Faha @Ismet

Thanks

If they can use a calendar they will know it was online if it overlaps with school/residency

 

[CalBear456]

If they can use a calendar they will know it was online if it overlaps with school/residency

I am actually thinking of doing it during my second gap year prior to starting medical school. However, I am not trying to look for shortcuts or anything like that. I just want to know the honest advice on whether an online MPH be looked down on? Like will they basically count it as nothing.

If that is the case, then I might as well just get an M.P.H from an in person program.

 

[Dwan]

I am actually thinking of doing it during my second gap year prior to starting medical school. However, I am not trying to look for shortcuts or anything like that. I just want to know the honest advice on whether an online MPH be looked down on? Like will they basically count it as nothing.

If that is the case, then I might as well just get an M.P.H from an in person program.

The benefit of the MPH depends only on what you are able to get out of it. Don't worry about the prestige of the MPH, as even the top MPH programs are far less competitive than the bottom medical schools, so no one will be particularly impressed with the degree by itself. However, if you think the prestige or online nature of the MPH may affect the learning and productivity of the experience, then those will be factors. I personally found the field experiences with doing an MPH in-person essential to my learning (and boosting my CV). Considering how expensive these degrees can be, don't just do it to add letters behind your name. During residency interviews, you'll often be asked about why you did the MPH and what you accomplished during it.

 

[Moko]

Also keep in mind that many medical schools and residencies allow for their trainees to take a year off to pursue a MPH at their affiliated school of public health -- often at highly subsidized rates via scholarships and discounts. So from a financial standpoint, it may make more sense to hold off until after you get in. I'm generally skeptical of online degrees, especially for fields that should require in-person experiences.

 

[Catalystik]

I am considering doing an online MPH program from a CEPH-certified university and
1) was wondering how this would be viewed for residency and possibly later on if I seek to take part in higher-leadership positions? I also have the option of taking an in person MPH program but from a far less prestigious university.

2) What would you recommend?

Even if I get an online MPH, how will residency programs or fellowship programs even find out that I did it online?
@Catalystik @Faha @Ismet

1) I don't have enough data points to give you a reliable response.

2) The in-person interactions with faculty and co-students and the networking that results are invaluable. My personal bias would be to take the in-person class. But I like the suggestion of @Moko even better.