Why is Yale's MPH program ranked so low?

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Anyone have any insight as to why Yale's MPH program is ranked at number 13? Naturally one would assume that such a great university would have a higher ranking.

 

[ben_loper]

Anyone have any insight as to why Yale's MPH program is ranked at number 13? Naturally one would assume that such a great university would have a higher ranking.

Welcome to the post grad truth about ivys: They aren't always the best. I applied and was accepted to several schools for both public policy and health admin, (not quite MPH), but I was surprised too. In my research, in both types of programs, I found that the ivy league schools tend to focus on a few major things, and keep those ranked in the top, then the overflow degrees created aren't always the best. Just like Dartmouth CECS, you don't have to be 'best in class' to get in. However, I think they make up for it by having some of the most incredible business, law, medicine, natural sciences, engineering, and PH.D programs.


My advice, it's probably an alright program, and maybe lost some points do to the astounding price of attending. If you have the money and want to go around saying you went to yale, and yes it does actually impress people, then go. If you're only interested in getting a good education and not being in debt when you get out, go for one of the publics ranked higher. I've also heard that the classes are two years in the same exact building, and not much placement help afterwards, whereas publics like UAB (which is tied with them, or roughly the tied) have extensive alumni relationships, and put heavy focus on job placement, as it is a requirement to graduate. Hope this helps.

 

[Path2Felicity]

I'm actually at Yale right now. To be honest, it is VERY expensive... very. I will be in debt unfortunately

But... to be fair... the program I'm in is actually VERY practical and useful. I'm interviewing for summer internships right now, and the skills that they are teaching me at Yale are veryyyy useful and impressive.

But, it's all a matter of what you're looking for in a school, and how much you are willing to spend...

 

[exmike]

Just because its Yale doesnt mean its gonna be the best. There definitely is a misconception that 'elite' schools are jacks of all trades. That is simply not true. Yale's MPH program isnt ranked low b/c its bad; its actually really good. Its just that other schools are even better/more storied/larger/etc.

 

[redlotus]

Hey Path2Felicity, I'm strongly considering Yale's MPH right now (accepted a while back and will hear about fin. aid next week). Do you know anything about the health policy track and, if you have a few minutes, would you please elaborate on what you appreciate about the program? Esp... what you're learning that is practical and useful. Also, are you a pre-or post med person? I'm strictly public health and want my school to appreciate that route -- not just serve the med students.

Any insight would be much appreciated!!

 

[Path2Felicity]

Hey Path2Felicity, I'm strongly considering Yale's MPH right now (accepted a while back and will hear about fin. aid next week). Do you know anything about the health policy track and, if you have a few minutes, would you please elaborate on what you appreciate about the program? Esp... what you're learning that is practical and useful. Also, are you a pre-or post med person? I'm strictly public health and want my school to appreciate that route -- not just serve the med students.

Any insight would be much appreciated!!

Hey! Glad to know that you are considering Yale 🙂

I am personally in the Social and Behavioral Science track, so I don't have a lot to do with Policy. BUT the policy program is great here. We are required to take one policy class first semester, and it was probably my favorite class to date. All of the policy people I know are really excited about their program, and the professors are really interesting as well. Dr. Schlessinger (I really don't know how to spell his last name, we called him Mark), who taught the general Policy class for all EPH students, was so amazing that I almost switched my track to Policy since he made it so appealing.

As to what I appreciate about the program- first, my fellow students are amazing! I have learned so much from them. Second, the courses I have taken are REALLY practical... The first semester Epi class taught by Dr. Dubrow is EXCELLENT. This semester I'm taking data management classes, as well as measurement issues in epidemiology, and similar classes. That would be a bit different than the classes you take, but I am very very satisfied with the pace of the classes, and the information I am learning. The program here has a strong emphasis on learning SAS, and the places I'm interviewing at for the summer, are very impressed with this. The core classes we are required to take are also very useful and very well taught. The professors really do everything they can to cater to the students needs. It is VERY student focused, which is exactly what I was looking for. THe professors also make themselves available for you. In addition to all that, the guest speakers and lecturers that come and speak are amazing and inspiring. It gives you a good idea of the opportunities available to you.

I am not a pre-med or post-med student. My focus is purely public health, and I think the program is COMPLETELY catered for students like me. I've never felt that the people around me didn't care about MPH and were only there to get more experience for their med school applications. I've actually never ever felt that the school of public health was catering to med students at ALL. Quite the opposite, really.

Okay, if there's anything else you have questions about, let me know. I hope you make the best decision for you regarding schools of public health, and if Yale happens to be it... then great! 🙂

 

[redlotus]

That was outstanding information about the program. You answered a lot of important questions for me. Thanks so much!!! 😉

 

[ubercoo]

That was outstanding information about the program. You answered a lot of important questions for me. Thanks so much!!! 😉

Hi everyone,

I personally asked Yale admissions 'why is the school ranked somewhat lower on US News and Word report than I would have expected given the school's reputation?'. I was told they supposed it to be the small size of the school overall. They furthermore said that the rankings would be recalculated within about two years...Of course I don't know if its the whole story or if they know precisely...yet the only real complaints I've read on this forum from a good two years ago involving Yale were the state of facilities being somewhat poor. Specifically people complained about computer facilities.
They didn't look too bad to me...plus the school will take you directly to your door if you have to stay late at the lab. That's more than Columbia seemed to offer...and it looked a bit more dangerous around the medical school area there than it did in New Haven.
Other people, including some admissions people at some of the 'big schools' said they didn't think it was Yale's small size...but they didn't offer an actual alternative reason either. Barring any consideration of its ivy league status, the general consensus seems to be that Yale is not bad, but there are others that are better in the field of public health...no one has proved this to me yet..either way! I do hear that Yale is strongest in its epidemiology.
I personally felt that Yale (and Columbia for that matter) offer the most flexibility for you to take other classes outside your specialization....Their career service seemed pretty well linked to positions around the country. I do think they work with you on tailoring your resume..rather than just handing something in your lap. (I do recall a complaint some time ago on this forum with that regard.)
One big question I have is how is Yale perceived 'in the field of public health'? Is it really viewed to be at a disadvantage compared with the very top ranked schools for this field? I understand that it is very well received just about everywhere outside that field..as well as in industry.
I hope some people have some opinions on this thread! I think it could be interesting...

 

[Path2Felicity]

Thanks for your post ubercoo. I think you pretty much nailed it right there. I honestly don't think that I am at any sort of disadvantage attending Yale, despite other schools being ranked higher. I think we have to realize that most people, when hiring for positions, don't necessarily KNOW the rankings, but they go by reputation of the school, and reputation of public health expertise of people coming out of the school. When I was searching for summer internships, I did not feel at any sort of disadvantage when compared to my peers from other, higher ranked schools.

In the end, you have to find the school that works for you. You have to know what you want, how you want your MPH education to be, and where you want to go with it. I don't think so much emphasis should be placed on rankings for this.