UCLA mph vs. Emory

[norcal13]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I was wondering if anyone knew about the UCLA mph program and how good it is - specifically in Epidemiology. I am deciding between UCLA and Emory. I know Emory has a great program, but I know little about UCLA. Is UCLA's program comprable to Emory's? Also, any specifics about the epi program at UCLA would be really helpful! Thanks so much

 

[Daydreamer2008]

I was wondering if anyone knew about the UCLA mph program and how good it is - specifically in Epidemiology. I am deciding between UCLA and Emory. I know Emory has a great program, but I know little about UCLA. Is UCLA's program comprable to Emory's? Also, any specifics about the epi program at UCLA would be really helpful! Thanks so much

Hey! I got my MPH at UCLA in Epi. I really loved it there. If you like LA and Cali, then go here. I would try to find as much as I can about the Epi core classes. When I was at UCLA, they were revamping and doing great improvements on it. That is probably the hardest course and you want good professors b/c you are going to be in it for a year (3 quarters). My last quarter was with a professor named Greenland-he wrote the book "Modern Epi" and let's just say, it was kind of confusing. I managed to get an A- but it was still hard. I know nothing about Emory or their program but I'm sure they are very comparable. anyways good luck. if you have any other questions about UCLA MPH in Epi let me know! 🙂

 

[nymbarra]

From an MPH standpoint, I think they both have strong programs and it doesn't matter much.

At both places you'll encounter large class sizes, maybe 100-200 for the core classes and about 10-20 for those in Epi. That's just the norm with the good public health schools.

At both places MPH students usually don't get the attention that doctoral students get.

At both places you may get TA-ships or research funding, as well as other financial aid, but not in the same range as doctoral students. The reason is that doctoral students help to create knowledge for their research groups, whereas MPH students generally take classes for a few semesters and then graduate.

To make the most at either place, I would plan according to my goals and plan well. Are you even thinking about the PhD or DrPH? Do you plan to do Epi in developing countries? etc.

PS If you're a guy, you will luck out...maybe less so in Biostats or Epi 😍

 

[mpurcell]

Hi, i should start by saying i'll be at UCLA epi next fall, so i guess i'm a little biased. Also, I didn't apply to emory and i don't know anything really about their program...HOWEVER, i do know that UCLA has a really great one. It's got the advantage as well as being located within walking distance to the medical, dental, and nursing schools, as well as all the other health sciences, which means there is a lot of research going on, and a lot of opportunity in that area. I'm sure the program at emory is excellent as well, i just don't know enough to be able to boast about it! Good luck with the decision, and maybe see you next fall at UCLA!

 

[norcal13]

Thanks so much for all of your responses! I have a couple of questions you all might be able to answer: Do most MPH students graduate in 2 years, or is it common for it to take more than 2 years, like an UCLA undergrad? Are there a lot of opportunities to work with public health organizations in LA, or are the opportunities mostly research based within UCLA. Do many MPH students at UCLA use their MPH as a terminal degree, or is the program meant for students to get a further degree after graduation? I want to work in Public Health right after graduation, instead of going on immediately to get a Phd. Also, do Masters students have a lot of faculty support and interaction, or are the faculty mainly focused on the Phd candidates?

Thanks!

 

[mpurcell]

Thanks so much for all of your responses! I have a couple of questions you all might be able to answer: Do most MPH students graduate in 2 years, or is it common for it to take more than 2 years, like an UCLA undergrad? Are there a lot of opportunities to work with public health organizations in LA, or are the opportunities mostly research based within UCLA. Do many MPH students at UCLA use their MPH as a terminal degree, or is the program meant for students to get a further degree after graduation? I want to work in Public Health right after graduation, instead of going on immediately to get a Phd. Also, do Masters students have a lot of faculty support and interaction, or are the faculty mainly focused on the Phd candidates?

Thanks!

I think the person who posted who got the MPH at UCLA will probably be better suited to answer these questions, however, I can at least give you my idea or impression. As for the first question, I think most people do graduate in two years, as the programs are relatively small (they admit about 250 new grads each year, spread among the 5 specialties)- so there is probably at little more pressure than with undergrads. I would call the school though and ask them all these questions, i'm sure they can give you better answers than anyone.
Also, I don't know how many people work with organizations in LA versus staying on campus to work, however, I know the number of health organizations available are seemingly endless, so I know there is no shortage of need. For this reason I would imagine plenty of students do take avantage of the opportunity, at the very least for the summer internship.
If you want to work in Public health directly after graduating for awhile, I would say that LA is a great place to be based...as I said, no shoratge of opportunities. As for how many people get their MPH as a terminal degree, I really don't know- but call the admissions office, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to answer these questions or direct you to someone who could. I hope that this has maybe helped a little bit...Again, my best advice is to call! Good luck