School of Public Health Vs. MPH program

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

heyhey20

Junior Member
10+ Year Member
5+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2005
Messages
78
Reaction score
2
Hey all!

I am currently debating between USC vs. Loma Linda University. I'm a little concerned about the fact that USC does not have a school of public health, but rather a MPH program through the Keck school of medicine. I do plan on continuing my education and pursuing a PHD. I've heard mixed reviews of whether or not it matters if you graduate from a SPH. Please let me know what you guys think, usc vs. loma linda?? SPH vs. accredited MPH Program.

thanks!!
 
As far as it impacting your ability to go onto a PhD I don't feel that it will. I know multiple people who received an MPH from a program housed within something other than a SPH and went on to get a PhD or DrPH from different highly ranked schools. In fact, my advisor got her MPH from a program and got her PhD in Epi at Columbia. So I don't really think it's a huge deal.
 
As far as it impacting your ability to go onto a PhD I don't feel that it will. I know multiple people who received an MPH from a program housed within something other than a SPH and went on to get a PhD or DrPH from different highly ranked schools. In fact, my advisor got her MPH from a program and got her PhD in Epi at Columbia. So I don't really think it's a huge deal.

Spot on. The key thing is that you can develop whatever research skills and ideas that you need to succeed in a PhD at that school. If the USC program fits your needs, it shouldn't matter if it's a SPH or a program. However, because programs are smaller than SPHs, if you're unsure of what direction you want your research to head, it's generally a safer bet to go to a SPH because you'll have more opportunity and exposure to other interesting topics you might be interested in getting involved with.
 
Top