Applying to MPH programs if already have an MA degree

[thomez]

Curious if anyone has any input on this issue. Working on an MA in Biological Anthropology right now, considering applying to MPH programs after the completion of this program - realization has hit me that what I want to do (international health related work) might not be best suited to Anthro, other than a few isolated departments that offer Medical Anthro programs (which I will likely also apply to, such as Case Western Reserve).

Is it common for MPH applicants to already have a Masters degree? How would that be looked at?

BS from Tulane. I have a 1300 GRE score w/5.5 writing (could retake it and improve if needed), and plan to finish my MA program with a solid GPA and a quality thesis + publication. I was hoping this would make me a competitive applicant at some of the top MPH programs but I've also considered that it may be frowned upon by some to be seen as hopping from one program to another both at the Masters level. Looking for your input.

Thank you.

[aginath]

Have you considered a DrPH instead? Or do you not want a doctorate?

[thomez]

Have you considered a DrPH instead? Or do you not want a doctorate?

I have considered it but I do not likely have the knowledge base expected of a DrPH applicant. Undergrad Antho, working on MA in Biological Anthro but not much related to human health at all. I should finish this program with a strong statistics background, a course in Immunology, a course in Genetics, and a course in Brains/Hormones/Behavior. Not sure if that is enough relevant experience to apply to DrPH programs. Opinion?

My career goal is to work in a private or NGO setting, not excited about academia.

Edited May 29, 2010 by thomez

[SpaceShuttle]

If you have a strong statistics background have you thought about things in biostatistics in public health? Also, you could look at what courses in pub health you've taken already and see which ones you like the most and what aspects you like about them. People also come into public health from different backgrounds and you'd be surprised what type of backgrounds can get you into doctoral programs. E.g. I haven't taken a single biology class (besides a computational biology seminar course) and made it into public health via the biostatistics division. To be fair though, I do have an extensive mathematics and statistical background from undergraduate, but I don't have a masters. So go figure.

[thomez]

Non-arrogant-but-it-may-come-off-that-way-unintentionally statement: I'm sure I could do very well in a biostatistics program, and probably have suitable math skills and training to get into one. 720 on my math GRE with minimal prep means I could improve further there if needed.

Honest statement: I don't want to do the math, make the models, sit in front of a computer, etc. for my professional life. I can do it, but I have no passion for it. I want to find something more hands-on (even if both are equally necessary to get the job done).

I'm much more interested in treatment and prevention of tropical diseases in an epidemiology-type role. I took an undergrad course in Darwinian/Evolutionary Medicine and was fascinated. However, I'm not sure I am adequately prepared for a PhD program in such. I've had a graduate Immunology course and could take at least one and maybe 2 further related courses before the completion of my current program. Also will finish with 8 hours of graduate level statistics (3 hours stats, Calc 1, Calc 2 in undergrad). What do you guys think?

I could also continue looking for a PhD program in Medical Anthropology but I'm not sure if the large employers look upon that equally with a background specifically in public health. Not sure there. Input appreciated.

Edited June 2, 2010 by thomez

[varekai1018]

Thomez - your backgrounds sounds really interesting! I had an MA (international peace studies) before going for the MPH, and a couple of my classmates did as well. I wouldn't say it's terribly unusual, though not necessarily commonplace either.

An MPH in Epi sounds like it would really compliment your existing degree, and give you some solid skill sets to work in international settings. I'm not sure if you have previous work experience, but the MPH has a strong practicum component during which you could focus on getting work experience in a particular country/region/theme (international health jobs are incredibly tough to come by, and tend to value previous overseas experience).

Good luck with the process!

[thomez]

Thank you.

I do not have previous work experience in that field - I was considering applying to programs that would give me some valuable experience, possibly even a program that involves Peace Corps service abroad.

What is an entry-level job in such a field? For example, I looked at WHO jobs and all seemed to require years of experience - from what organizations are they pulling their newly-experienced job candidates?

Thanks again for all input thusfar, it has been very helpful.

[varekai1018]

Thank you.

I do not have previous work experience in that field - I was considering applying to programs that would give me some valuable experience, possibly even a program that involves Peace Corps service abroad.

What is an entry-level job in such a field? For example, I looked at WHO jobs and all seemed to require years of experience - from what organizations are they pulling their newly-experienced job candidates?

Thanks again for all input thusfar, it has been very helpful.

I didn't do one of the internationalist/PC programs, but sometimes wish I had. There are also some fellowships with international NGOs that can get you entry-level access, though some of these also require previous experience (off the top of my head, Catholic Relief Service, Global Health Corps, Mickey Leland - I'm sure there are a bunch of others out there). One of the pros of doing a program like this is that there is an increased chance of securing a position at your placement site.

Also, places like the WHO and UN body organizations do accept unpaid interns, which is a great way to get experience as well as to see if that's the type of organization you'd like to work with. (I did an internship with UNICEF in Kenya, and it was a bit too bureaucratic for my liking...though great people, and I wouldn't trade what I did for anything... and now that I'm a few years removed from it, it does seem like something I wouldn't mind going back to if I could ever get a job there!) Also, depending on the city you end up in, you could intern/volunteer with a group that does international work (American Friends Service Committee has offices all over the place, or if you end up in NY or Atlanta you can try for some UN headquarter or CDC positions). In my (albeit limited) experience, the bigger organizations have that kind of "wow" factor on my resume, but I've gotten the most hands-on experience interning with local non-profits (just because they are so strapped for resources, interns can really oversee a whole project). I think both are valuable, but it depends upon where you see yourself down the road.

One thing that I've heard from a few different people in the field, is that some individuals choose to focus on a particular country or region. So if you were interested in, say, Zambia, you could work at a variety of organizations within the country - ranging from local or international NGOs, the ministry of health, country or regional WHO office, country or regional UN body office. It seems like some people build careers off themes (HIV, malaria, gender-based violence) or by having deep knowledge of a particular area. I guess it's whatever works for you at the end of the day.

[thomez]

Thanks for all of the great info.

Anyone have an opinion on the utility of a PhD in Medical Anthropology for one wishing to work in a global health setting for an NGO or the like? Which do you suppose is better suited for this work, a medical anthropologist or someone educated in Public Health? They seem to be greatly overlapping to me, but I'm not sure which is looked upon more favorably in terms of hiring.

[matilda]

Thanks for all of the great info.

Anyone have an opinion on the utility of a PhD in Medical Anthropology for one wishing to work in a global health setting for an NGO or the like? Which do you suppose is better suited for this work, a medical anthropologist or someone educated in Public Health? They seem to be greatly overlapping to me, but I'm not sure which is looked upon more favorably in terms of hiring.

Well, here is another girl, with double Masters. I did B.Sc. Chemistry, MA in Chemistry (Biochemistry major) and M.Sci.Pharmacy. Now, I want to do MPH. I know that it has nothing to do with the education I had, but it is in collision with M.Sc.Pharm.

You should do Public Health. Maybe Global Health?

It is good to know that I have a pal sharing the same vision.

[thomez]

Well, here is another girl, with double Masters. I did B.Sc. Chemistry, MA in Chemistry (Biochemistry major) and M.Sci.Pharmacy. Now, I want to do MPH. I know that it has nothing to do with the education I had, but it is in collision with M.Sc.Pharm.

You should do Public Health. Maybe Global Health?

It is good to know that I have a pal sharing the same vision.

So you are ready to go for the 3rd Masters? Impressive!

[matilda]

So you are ready to go for the 3rd Masters? Impressive!

Actually, I applied for youple of scholarships (USA, Switzerland, ERASMUS). Some of then were for research in Public Health through my M.Sc.Pharm., and some of them are applying for a new MPH. I really want to do Public Health. I would go for a PhD, but I really don't think that I have the sufficient knowledge for that! And, my University is very teaching oriented, not practice oriented, so basically - I am a zero in research.

That is the part that scares me the most!

[thomez]

Yeah I understand that. I have very little desire to live the life of academia which is why I will not be continuing beyond the Masters at my current school. Good luck with your scholarships.