PHpolicynerd

Thanks for your thoughts! UNC and UMN say that virtually all their students are able to find part-time RA/TA positions (that include a tuition waiver) in their 3rd and 4th years. UNC is a four year program, but UMN would likely take 5 years. I don't see myself going into debt in either program, given that these positions are as plentiful as they are made out to be.

Hello! I'm lucky to have been accepted into 3 public health PhD options, and I WOULD LOVE your advice on how to go about this decision. My options are: 1) University of Washington with NO FUNDING, 2) the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with full funding for two years (no work the first year), and 3) the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill with full funding for two years, dependent on working part-time. I figure I could graduate with minimal debt from UMN and UNC, but might have to take out $50,000-100,000 of loans and/or work long hours if I went to the University of Washington (in-state tuition). The top ranked program of the three is UNC, but the other two are both seen as tier 1 public health schools. My goals after the PhD are to become a government researcher, academic researcher, or work for a public policy research firm. My Qs 1) I've listed a number of criteria below. Which are the most important, from your experience? Is there anything I'm missing? 2) Should I completely rule out the University of Washington because I was admitted without funding, even though I love its urban setting, research, and it's closer to family and my SO? I am middle class and will be paying for all of this myself. Have some savings, but would burn through it all if I attended. 3) What should I ask/look out for as I visit the schools "in person"? Major criteria 1. Funding (tuition waiver and living stipend) 2. Advising 3. Program/faculty reputation 4. Location (distance from significant other--who lives in Oregon-- and family) 5. Research focus areas and opportunities 6. Weather / Climate 7. Work opportunities near the school 8. Recreational opportunities near the school -- I love urban areas and nature! 9. Student atmosphere -- students support one another, and students are supported in their studies

Hello, I am planning to apply to graduate programs in public health this fall 2015, and ideally, I would like to enter a PhD program in maternal and child health or social epidemiology with a public policy / program development, implementation, and evaluation focus. My career goal is to be an applied researcher (local or federal government, research firm, or university) focused on public health programs and social policy interventions to reduce health disparities. My big dilemma is whether I should be aiming for a PhD program, or if I should be directing my attention to MPH programs. Given my background, what would you recommend I do? What might increase my chances of getting accepted into a PhD program? Are there elements that are particularly important to a good application? And what are the pros and cons of going into a PhD program without a master's degree? (Funding is huge for me, and I know I want to get a PhD or DrPH eventually). * Graduated from UC Berkeley with B.A. Public Health and minor in Public Policy (3.8) * At time of application will have 1.5 years of post-undergraduate research experience in public health (focused on my area of interest) * Part-time work experience in public health nutrition research and health education for 2.5 years in college * GRE scores (estimate): 161 V, 158 Q * 1 publication (a non peer-reviewed report) My dream schools: -PhD Sociomedical Sciences - Columbia -PhD Maternal and Child Health - UNC Chapel Hill -PhD Health and Policy - John Hopkins -PhD Health Services Org. & Policy - UMichigan Thanks for your help/advice!