Global Health vs. others' suggestions

[strgrl522]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to apply for an MPH and have been getting stuck when it comes to concentrations. For example, I love Columbia's Sociomedical Sciences MPH and am extremely interested in pairing it with a global health concentration, but global health concentrations require 2 years of experience (at both Columbia and other schools). I was thinking of doing the Peace Corps or some other international fellowship/volunteer work, but others have advised me to "minor" in something more concrete, such as policy or public health management. As much as I am interested by global health, I really hate waiting the two years and have begun to wonder if the advice to instead study "more marketable" skills is right.

Does anyone have any advice on global health vs. other concentrations, and any opportunities for experience?

Thanks for reading

[sepiasizemore]

There are schools out there that will let you pair GH with another concentration (UIC and Emory come to mind). While experience is definitely important in PH, excellent marks, a great SOP, and excellent rec's can make up some ground. If you are set on Columbia contact an admissions rep there and speak to them about your concerns. I also would suggest visiting schools before putting this off for 2 years. While a program may seem like your dream program on paper, reality is sometimes different (experienced this myself this past application cycle).