Emory vs BU vs UMich vs Duke

[gvs4]

I am trying to decide between the following programs: Emory MPH, Boston University MPH, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor MPH, and Duke MsGH. I have been accepted into all four and need to make a decision soon! I am ultimately deciding between Emory and Duke, but I do not want to completely eliminate BU or Michigan yet. 

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is a significant difference in the way a MPH or a MsGH (Masters of Global Health) is viewed in the job market or in academia. I am coming straight out of my undergrad and I ultimately want to continue my education after grad school (either get a PhD or possibly MD). I am interested in infectious diseases and outbreak preparedness. 

I was also hoping someone could tell me some general pros/cons of these programs or of their own experience. I am from North Carolina, so I know what life is like in Durham and at Duke, but I have never been to Ann Arbor and I have only spent a short amount of time in Boston and Atlanta. 

[juilletmercredi]

In academia...not really. It's going to be more about the university and program itself; Duke is pretty well-respected in health.

In industry/job market - maybe a little, although where you go outweighs that. For example, Johns Hopkins offers MHS degrees instead of an MPH for their applicants with no experience, but it's also Johns Hopkins, so few people care that it's not an MPH.

I'm from Atlanta, and I went to undergrad there. I also got into Emory's MPH program (and only turned it down because I got into a PhD program at Columbia; otherwise I totally would've gone there). Atlanta is a great city - vibrant with lots to do, but not outrageously expensive (yet). There are so many young professionals in the Atlanta area to socialize with and make connections. And of course, there are tons of public health jobs in Atlanta, which makes interning and networking easier. It is quite spread out and a car makes everything easier; I wouldn't advise living in Atlanta without one, personally.

Michigan also has an excellent MPH program. I have lots of friends who went to Michigan and they all love Ann Arbor; half of them are trying to get back there in some shape or form, including a couple of Michigan alumni I know who said they want to retire there lol. It is a college town but there are business and companies that have outposts there because of Michigan.

I don't know much about Boston - never been - but BU does have a great MPH program too.