EPI2014

Hey guys, I could really use some advice and guidance: I've been accepted to the MPH Epidemiology program at UofT as well as into the MSc Epidemiology program at uOttawa. I really don't know which one to lean towards though.. UofT: - MPH - world renowned school and faculty members - professional program (so no scholarships or funding) - practicum placements in the summers (usually paid) - no thesis (negatively affecting ability to a PhD) - high cost (tuition $10000 plus the cost of living in Toronto) - ability to do a research based practicum (which could lead to a research report, but its still not considered a thesis) if so desired - opportunity for global health focus (which I love) uOttawa: - MSc - not as well known as Toronto, but still some pretty big name professors - no placements - thesis (the main focus of the first summer, and the whole of second year) - low cost (scholarships, living at home) which essentially means I pay nothing over the 2 years - very statistics focused (I prefer some of the social,global, etc aspects of public health) I am still considering pursuing med school after all this is said and done as well. I also wish to use epidemiology as a means of achieving my goals in working in the fields of community and global health (I don't want to be the guy who sits in front of a computer crunching numbers for the rest of his life). please help me with your opinions, advice and comments! thanks!