MPH vs PhD out of undergrad?

[dreynolds]

Hello! I am trying to decide whether to apply to MPH or PHD programs next year. I am interested in public health.

background info: I will have 2 years research experience in 3 labs by the time I graduate from undergrad in December, will have presented a project, written a few posters and possibly possibly possibly will have been published by the time I apply (i am really not considering this yet, as we aren't sure if it is happening.) I haven't taken the GRE. I have really good relationships with my research mentors. My undergrad GPA is a 3.9 at a top public university. I have a great background story that I'm not sure if I will tell in my application (homeless to nearly graduated from college) but it makes me much more confident that I have a unique perspective.

I know that a lot of applicants to Ph.D. programs in public health have previously earned their MPH. I, however, don't know if i need to do this. I am not so much interested in working with a master's degree. I really love research and I want to pursue an academic career. Also, I feel like I have pretty specific research interests and I know I will always benefit from additional opportunities to be involved in research like that in the masters programs I'm considering, but I am not sure if I really NEED that.

1. Do I need a master's degree to be successful in a Ph.D. program? Will I be at a greater disadvantage?
2. Will I be a less competitive applicant without a prior MPH? Will I even be admitted? 
3. What would be the specific advantages of earning an MPH? Are they worth the price tag on a masters degree?
4. The schools I'm most interested in have both MPH and Ph.D programs that I would want, but I can only apply to one of the degrees. Do you reccommend applying to the Ph.D. programs at those schools first, and then if I am not admitted, applying again to the MPH programs?

Thank you I am new here so if  I did anything  wrong like post in the wrong place I'm sorry!