classicrokr

HI. I graduated last August from an online/on campus MPH program at San Jose State University with a specialization in Community Health Education. I wanted an online program so as not to relocate, I was finishing up a job as an Executive Director, and a number of other reasons. I always advice people if you are looking for an online program: a) make sure there are on campus residencies; that it is cohort based; and c) it offers a substantial amount of synchronous online teaching. I loved the program, many of us remain close friends because we were a single cohort together for 2 years, and I found it to be quite manageable. Obviously some courses will take more out of you than others. Although I got an A+ in biostats, I had to spend a lot of time getting there The cohort based on campus/online format really made me feel a part of the school and I developed excellent relationships with the faculty.

Yeah - the portal seems somewhat infamous for not always being up to date. I think you are going to an on-campus MS program for epi? In any event - the email from Gwen seemed very certain that would be the time period for me to know. Trying to think of that as positive.... but obsessing on the possibilities of what it could mean

Heard this morning that the decision will be viewable within two weeks. I have no idea how to read that especially since I know a lot of rejections were already released - such as yours Snowmo18. Maybe I am on an unofficial wait list? I have started obsessively checking. I applied to UNC online DrPH also and they are making final decisions today. They, too, have sent out a bunch of rejections so I am guessing I am in the final cut stage. I hate the waiting and uncertainty.

I still haven't heard....emailed Gwen on Monday and hadn't heard back. They are looking for those with some leadership experience. I would say reapply in 1-2 years. If your job doesn't allow added responsibilities then volunteer somewhere like APHA and take on a leadership role. Then again, don['t take my advice until I know what my status is and get my own feedback

@ EOH_2014 - I know several people have been rejected by UIC DrPH (online) program and they found out over the last couple of weeks when the online status page showed "Deny". I am waiting to hear on that one as well and emailed them this morning to ask about a timeline. Also waiting to hear about UNC DrPH online program.

I'm sorry to hear that. Don't give up! You sound like you have a lot to offer. I also checked this morning.and there was a bunch of activity down at the bottom. Each school I attended showed as being entered apart from SOPHAS application received. Sort of odd - but apparently they are doing something.

Fingers crossed! I would love to know. But I still have a healthy dose of skepticism based on last year. I remember vividly laughing out loud when I received the letter in the first week in June. But let's hope for the best! And success!

They were very nice last year. Did they ever say on the site that mid-March is when they hope to have everything? I would just ask about their timeline. But don't take their response to the bank either based on how things rolled out last year. I picked March 17 only because I heard (after asking) the decision last year on March 25. The Department will make their decisions and then send them to Brandon. So he relays what the department tells him. I am probably going right to Gwen who is in the department and will know precisely where things are.

Gwen Murphy was who I dealt with primarily last year and she is the one that did provide detailed feedback. :Last year Brandon Sieglaff was Asst. Director of Admissions and Recruitment. My plan is to wait until March 17th or so and then do a gentle inquiry as to timing.

I relate to the obsession of checking. I am still guilty. But based on last year it is none of the above. In response to my email inquiry on March 25 2013 they told me no. I called and did get good feedback. I NEVER got an email and my letter arrived the first week in June. The portal - I think it may have shown rejection in May.

I know for a fact that GW is doing rolling decisions based on when they received applications. There have been some initial acceptances issued - but the process will drag on - it appears to dribble out. If you haven't heard don't take that as a no.....

So subjectively based on discussions with others, they have a fair to good reputation for giving out money in some form. They will rely heavily on having you work as a TA of some sort. Not at all unique. Also they allow the basic Stafford Loan amount up to $37000 (maybe 37500) versus the standard $20,500 because of incentives made for many degrees in public health by the Dept. of Education. Assuming you want to amass that debt. I don't live in DC right now - it is an online/hybrid program so I have my periods of residency and most of my time is at my home. Nice set up. I actually did my MPH the same way at a different school. But I have lived in DC and I am even considering a move back and yes, it is one of the more expensive cities to live in at least in terms of rent. Bargains can be found but you would have to be more adventurous as to exactly where you live. If you are looking for a brownstone in Georgetown - you can forget about it

Sure. My career was a bit backwards. I worked in significant leadership positions for 10 years and then finally went for my MPH. I graduated the MPH program in the Summer of '13 so the transcripts they saw had only half of my MPH program. One item of feedback was they wanted to see professional experience applying what was learned in the MPH program. I feel I did not market myself very well either (in hindsight). So this year I have been busy with post MPH accomplishments and really focused on the leadership and work experience I have amassed. And of course they will see a full transcript from my MPH. It sounds like your experience really fits the profile of what they are looking for!

Hi - anyone apply to this program? Anyone called already for interview? Anyone know their timing? Thanks.

I am a student there now in a graduate certificate program run by the SPHHS and the graduate Psychology Dept. (jointly). Great school. Great Public Health Dept. Yes, tuition is outrageous! If they give you a nice financial package - it will be a good place to go. If you have to pay it all or go into that much debt - well - weigh your options against other schools you may have applied to. Just my two cents.

I applied. I also applied last year and was rejected but got useful feedback from Admissions. They said I made the final cut (top 20% of applicants) but at that time I hadn't finished my MPH yet and a few other areas that ultimately worked against me. As to timing.... welll.... they weren't very organized. Only after calling Admissions the last week in March did they tell me I didn't make it. They said they were in the process of sending out letters. I kid you not, my rejection letter arrived the first week in June. So for whatever that is worth- who knows about this year? I also know that my online status did not indicate any change from pending until May. Maybe they were holding me out for a possible waitlist?????