PhD or masters in public health?

[Peacebeatle]

Hi Everyone,

this is my first post, so here goes...

I am not sure whether to apply for a masters or PhD in public health. I am very interested in public health research, which is why I'd like to earn a PhD. However, before this semester, I was only looking at masters programs in public health. As a senior, I am worried that it is too late to begin looking at PhD programs. Also, I am not satisfied with my GRE score, 700Q 580V still waiting for AW, and would like to retake it. I rescheduled the exam for Nov; if I decide to apply for PhD programs, I would most likely need to reschedule for an earlier date.

In addition, I am not confident that I would make a strong applicant for a PhD program, I may want to apply to for a masters to gain some credentials. Would admission boards frown upon an applicant who has requested information for both the PhD and masters programs at that school?

[centurysun]

Hi Everyone,

this is my first post, so here goes...

I am not sure whether to apply for a masters or PhD in public health. I am very interested in public health research, which is why I'd like to earn a PhD. However, before this semester, I was only looking at masters programs in public health. As a senior, I am worried that it is too late to begin looking at PhD programs. Also, I am not satisfied with my GRE score, 700Q 580V still waiting for AW, and would like to retake it. I rescheduled the exam for Nov; if I decide to apply for PhD programs, I would most likely need to reschedule for an earlier date.

In addition, I am not confident that I would make a strong applicant for a PhD program, I may want to apply to for a masters to gain some credentials. Would admission boards frown upon an applicant who has requested information for both the PhD and masters programs at that school?

I am also interested in public health. But I am an international student, and I find that it is more difficult for international students to apply to the schools,and apply for some sort of finicial aid. My GRE is 800Q, 620V, 4.0AW. I don`t if it is competitive.

My university here in my country is not a famous one, and my research experience is not good enough, so I am also thinking of the same question: Master or PhD?

[periepi2011]

I am in a similar position, in that I also ultimately want a PhD (in Epidemiology). What I have gleaned from the admissions offices I've spoken to is this, as well as from some others on this forum,: it is very difficult to go directly from undergrad to PhD in this field. But, each school handle this situation differently. For example, U of W has very clearly laid out guidelines that explain eligibility for applying directly to PhD (being first author on a primary research article that involved significant data analysis). Other schools leave it a bit more vague, with language like 'exceptional candidates may apply directly to doctoral programs...' while others still say that a master's is a prereq for phd programs, period.

I asked the same question a while ago about whether AdComs would frown on applying to both levels. Now that I am more fully in the thick of applying, I don't think this is the case. I think that these committees have an intimate understanding of where we are all coming from. There are clear benefits to skipping a master's degree, such as funding, skipping an application process, etc. So, if you may be a competitive enough applicant to go straight to phd, go for it. But, I would also apply to master's programs...to be safe. To be honest, it sounds like if you are just now starting to think about phd applications, it may be best to wait and to focus on master's applications this year. But only you know that!

For myself, I have basically decided not to apply for Phd programs this year. I am applying to 9 schools, which is a daunting process as it is, while working full time. In order to have a hope of getting into doctoral programs, you need to have a well developed relationship with potential supervisors at each school you apply to, as well as a reasonably well developed research idea. I have decided that this is may not be a realistic goal for me this year. If I finish all my master's applications before the phd deadlines and if any correspondence with faculty (at schools that allow for direct phd applications) get to the point that I could ask them to recommend me for phd directly, i will go for it. otherwise, i will be content with my 9 applications to master's programs...

hope this is helpful!