Yale MPH Public Policy for Nutrition, Etc.

[MichaelCooks]

Hello,

I am currently a student at UConn obtaining a B.S. in Nutritional Science in 2013. I am interesting in studying on a policy track as it relates to nutrition in an MPH program. Since I live in Ct, and due to what I've already read, Yale appears to be an excellent choice.

I was wonder if anyone could recommend how I could possibly better prepare for applying to the program. My GPA is strong, I have good industry recommendations, and although I haven't taken them yet, I believe I will do with on the GRE's.

To give a brief background, I am a professional chef, and have worked in some of the best restaurants in NYC and Boston over the course of the last 8 years. I have learned a ton about food, nutrition, the economics of it, people's relationship with it, and its overall need for improvement. This propelled me to go back to school and receive a degree in Nutrition. I wonder how this background would go over with the adcom of an MPH program?

Are there any agencies, internships, professional groups, etc that you could recommend looking into to supplement my education and improve my chances for admission.

Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated, and if I'm not asking the right questions (I have many more), please let me know what would be better questions to ask.

Thanks very much in advance,

Michael

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[Cooger]

Hello,

I am currently a student at UConn obtaining a B.S. in Nutritional Science in 2013. I am interesting in studying on a policy track as it relates to nutrition in an MPH program. Since I live in Ct, and due to what I've already read, Yale appears to be an excellent choice.

I was wonder if anyone could recommend how I could possibly better prepare for applying to the program. My GPA is strong, I have good industry recommendations, and although I haven't taken them yet, I believe I will do with on the GRE's.

To give a brief background, I am a professional chef, and have worked in some of the best restaurants in NYC and Boston over the course of the last 8 years. I have learned a ton about food, nutrition, the economics of it, people's relationship with it, and its overall need for improvement. This propelled me to go back to school and receive a degree in Nutrition. I wonder how this background would go over with the adcom of an MPH program?

Are there any agencies, internships, professional groups, etc that you could recommend looking into to supplement my education and improve my chances for admission.

Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated, and if I'm not asking the right questions (I have many more), please let me know what would be better questions to ask.

Thanks very much in advance,

Michael

Hey Michael,

I'm so glad to see someone else interested in MPH Nutrition! I myself will be applying to Tufts, and my career goal is to work in the federal government reforming nutrition policies.

You personal background sounds awesome and perfect for MPH programs. As long as you articulate your personal statement well and do decent on the GREs, you should be in great shape for admissions.

As far as programs to get involved with, really any position working in government offices or programs would help. WIC, SNAP, USDA, or local offices. Working in a hospital would probably help too. The key is to stay involved with something public health, even if it's not directly related to your future career aspirations. For example, I'm spending most of my summer volunteering at the red cross since I couldn't find any worthwhile paying jobs for the next 6 months.

Ask any questions you have and good luck!

 

[MichaelCooks]

Hey!

Thanks for your reply. Tufts has such a great program. I went to Berklee in Boston years ago, and if I wasn't burned out on the city, I would definitely be looking at Tufts as well. I read their health and nutrition letter, super good.

We have very similar career aspirations. My impetus for going back to school is that I got a bit fed up with cooking this frou frou food for rich people, and felt as if I needed to use my skills to give back a bit. Working with a governmental agency implementing new nutritional policies is also my ultimate goal. Inasmuch as I realize there are global nutritional concerns, I think there are tons of problems in this country, and change begins at home, no?

Anyway, I will definitely heed your advice in terms of opportunities. Currently I do some kitchen consultation and catering to make ends meet, but would prefer to get involved with something that will further my education in policy, etc. You make good suggestions.

When are you looking to apply to Tufts? Are you applying to any other programs? What specifically about Tufts do you find so appealing?

Thanks!

Michael

 

[Cooger]

When are you looking to apply to Tufts? Are you applying to any other programs? What specifically about Tufts do you find so appealing?

I'll be applying to Tufts for next Spring. I think admissions opens in late Summer and ends October 15th. I won't be applying to any other programs for the spring, since most schools don't offer spring admission.

Tufts is my number one choice for a couple of reasons. One, it offers a dual degree program in MPH/MS. Second, it offers very unique concentrations within those degrees that I've not seen anywhere else. And three, it's got great class sizes and academic resources 🙂

 

[mystal]

Hello,

I am currently a student at UConn obtaining a B.S. in Nutritional Science in 2013. I am interesting in studying on a policy track as it relates to nutrition in an MPH program. Since I live in Ct, and due to what I've already read, Yale appears to be an excellent choice.

I was wonder if anyone could recommend how I could possibly better prepare for applying to the program. My GPA is strong, I have good industry recommendations, and although I haven't taken them yet, I believe I will do with on the GRE's.

To give a brief background, I am a professional chef, and have worked in some of the best restaurants in NYC and Boston over the course of the last 8 years. I have learned a ton about food, nutrition, the economics of it, people's relationship with it, and its overall need for improvement. This propelled me to go back to school and receive a degree in Nutrition. I wonder how this background would go over with the adcom of an MPH program?

Are there any agencies, internships, professional groups, etc that you could recommend looking into to supplement my education and improve my chances for admission.

Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated, and if I'm not asking the right questions (I have many more), please let me know what would be better questions to ask.

Thanks very much in advance,

Michael

Hello Michael! I'm matriculating into an MSPH/RD program in the fall. I think with nutrition policy, having an RD credential gives you more authority (people will be more likely to listen to you). The schools I applied to and was accepted at were Hopkins, UNC Chapel Hill, and Michigan. So that's something else you could look into. If you have any questions about Hopkins or UNC, you can PM me.

 

[2013MPH2013]

You may want to do some more research about Yale's Policy program. There is very little opportunity to focus on nutrition and there are only around 3 nutrition related classes in the entire MPH curriculum. They are really good classes but if you are really interested in nutrition policy, it may limit your options unless your main interest is obesity prevention.

 

[MichaelCooks]

Thanks for your reply, and good to know about Yale's MPH program.

I'm interested in a well-rounded MPH Policy program, where I can learn not only nutritional policy, but other fields.

Are there other programs, besides Tufts, that you're aware of that provide such a thing? I know Johns Hopkins provides a similar program, but as they require 2 years of post-graduate work experience, I don't believe I would qualify.

Thanks.

 

[mystal]

I know Johns Hopkins provides a similar program, but as they require 2 years of post-graduate work experience, I don't believe I would qualify.

Thanks.

You don't need two years of post-graduate work experience for Hopkins. I applied straight out of undergrad. The two years is just for the general MPH program.