How important in my concentration for my MPH?

[vonmiller]

I'm deciding between schools and ideally I would like to concentrate in epidemiology. I got into UVA and while it's a small program I came away impressed. The main issue I have though is they don't have a specific concentration in epidemiology. They do cover it a bit in their core classes along with biostatistics and SAS & Data Management. They also of course offer a field placement as well, which ideally I would push toward gaining experience in a setting related to epidemiology. But, I still fear it won't be as in-depth in comparison to a program with a strict concentration in epidemiology.

So the question is, if I don't go to a school with a concentration in epidemiology am I severely hurting my chances to pursue that career option professionally?