cathyc24

Hi everyone, So I just received two admits to BUSPH and Columbia. These were the only two schools in the northeast that I could find that had concentrations in Health Law and Human Rights which is what I'm really interested in studying. At BU I would graduate with a MPH with a Concentration in Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights, and from Columbia I would graduate with a concentration in Health Policy and Management with a certificate in Health Law and Human Rights (from what I can tell, these mean the same thing, although I think the Columbia degree might be more marketable). Anyways, I was hoping there might be people here with information on these two programs. I know Mailman has a higher ranking but I'm really just interested in the academic comparison at the moment, and since this topic is not the most common of the public health concentrations I could really use more information. BUs website has a lot more information about the research happening in the department and it looks awesome, but I've had trouble finding out what Columbia students in the department are up to. If anyone out there can shed some light on this I would be really really grateful! Thanks!!!

Sorry all, I didn't read every post once it got into an argument about who goes to the best school, this one was really helpful though, thanks!

Ok, I think we may have gotten a little off track from my original question. I get it, there are rankings and everyone has a different way of interpreting this data and has different opinions about how accurate the rankings are. That's not really what I was trying to get at so much. I suppose I didn't state my questions very clearly. I want a job. Ideally, working in a non-profit or in some sort of public-service capacity. But I also do not want a mountain of debt, last time I checked, public servants and non-profit workers do not make much money. So I really don't care which schools everyone here thinks are the "real" best schools. That's not the issue. Here is my real question: I know if I get into a top ranked school it will help some in getting employed, but will that advantage in the job hunt offset the disadvantage the debt from a private institution will create?

Hi everyone! So I'm considering applying to MPA/MPP programs specializing in social policy. Now I have several questions on this subject: 1- US News and World Report ranks many programs in the top tier that ARE NOT accredited by NASPAA... should this factor into my school selection? Will employers care more about the rankings in US News more than the accreditation of the school? 2- Given that I'm a relatively ambitious and competent individual, does the ranking of the schools truly matter in regards to employment? A lot of the top tier schools are private institutions that are much more expensive, and being a top tier school makes it that much more competitive to receive funding, so my question I suppose is: is it worth it to try to get into a top ranked school? Will my resume be passed over by employers for someone with a higher ranked school, even if my GPA is better? I'm really trying to approach this practically, and I've seen enough people be overwhelmed by debt without receiving the employment options they hoped for after attending top ranked schools who have wished they went to a cheaper school. So any advice anyone may have on this subject would be greatly appreciated!