Would Appreciate Some Pointers

[SarahK MPA Fishing]

Hi Everyone,

First Timer to the Cafe! Soforgive me if I'm long winded.

I've been reading for a while andwould love to get some input. I'm starting the process of applying toSchools for Fall 2012. Why this early? I need to get started or knowingmyself, I might get caught up with work and next thing you know, the deadlinewill have passed me by.

I’m in my late 20s, graduatedfrom Liberal Arts College about 5 yrs ago, work for a national nonprofit that focusedon improving the health of low-income, etc (board scope) through consultancyfor trainings, program monitoring, etc.

Strong interest in public health withthe goal of getting an MPH. However, my experience over the years has been moreof an administrative one than programmatic with more involvement with management,development, budgeting, etc. I still get involved in programs but more from overallplanning than delivery. While my chancesfor a Health Policy & Management MPH could be good IMO, I’m now leaningmore towards the MPA and or MPP. I noticed that many schools I’m interested in mayrequire Economics (Micro/Macro). I’m considering taking some summer or fall classesin it if need be. I’d also have o retake the GRE since I’ll be just around my 3^rdyear (took it in 2008 when I initially considered going back to school). In an ideal , I'd like a combo program with MPA/MPH or MPP/MPH in Health Policy & Management. however, there's time, money and usefulness -it may or may not be necessary and that's why I'm hoping to pick you brains here.

Myinterests: Pretty broad at this point - Government, Policy, Health access, Womenempowerment, Development, Africa, etc.

GPA: 3.89,graduated Pre-med major;

GRE:Average Score, I think it was 1400, would check again

Communityservice: I cofounded a nonprofit that focuses on raising funds for womeneducation in Africa. Have done some volunteer experience with HIV/AIDs orgs; Conflictresolution, peace building, etc

Other:Originally from Africa and intend to move back and work there so my programwould have to have an international focus

Work Experience: While not international focus, some of our population we served bring an international focus ; 5 years exp in on profit setting esp with management level

Career Goals: Would liketo work for an International NGO/Development Org, or Start my own

Schools: HKS, WWS, GWU Elliot, NYU, Duke,JHU

If more info needed, I’ll providebut that’s all I can think of right now.

Thanks!

[mppgal55]

I'm at work, so don't have time to be totally inclusive of details. That said, you should consider the MSHCPM program at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz School. It's a Masters of Science in Health Care Policy and Management. It is a very well-connected program, and has a variety of econ, management, policy, and health care classes. My friends from the program are working at consulting firms, hospitals, gov't agencies, and a few are internationally focused.

Or, you can do the MSPPM at CMU and focus in health policy - you still have access to all the HCPM classes.

Just my 2 cents. Best of luck!

Hi Everyone,

First Timer to the Cafe! Soforgive me if I'm long winded.

I've been reading for a while andwould love to get some input. I'm starting the process of applying toSchools for Fall 2012. Why this early? I need to get started or knowingmyself, I might get caught up with work and next thing you know, the deadlinewill have passed me by.

I’m in my late 20s, graduatedfrom Liberal Arts College about 5 yrs ago, work for a national nonprofit that focusedon improving the health of low-income, etc (board scope) through consultancyfor trainings, program monitoring, etc.

Strong interest in public health withthe goal of getting an MPH. However, my experience over the years has been moreof an administrative one than programmatic with more involvement with management,development, budgeting, etc. I still get involved in programs but more from overallplanning than delivery. While my chancesfor a Health Policy & Management MPH could be good IMO, I’m now leaningmore towards the MPA and or MPP. I noticed that many schools I’m interested in mayrequire Economics (Micro/Macro). I’m considering taking some summer or fall classesin it if need be. I’d also have o retake the GRE since I’ll be just around my 3^rdyear (took it in 2008 when I initially considered going back to school). In an ideal , I'd like a combo program with MPA/MPH or MPP/MPH in Health Policy & Management. however, there's time, money and usefulness -it may or may not be necessary and that's why I'm hoping to pick you brains here.

Myinterests: Pretty broad at this point - Government, Policy, Health access, Womenempowerment, Development, Africa, etc.

GPA: 3.89,graduated Pre-med major;

GRE:Average Score, I think it was 1400, would check again

Communityservice: I cofounded a nonprofit that focuses on raising funds for womeneducation in Africa. Have done some volunteer experience with HIV/AIDs orgs; Conflictresolution, peace building, etc

Other:Originally from Africa and intend to move back and work there so my programwould have to have an international focus

Work Experience: While not international focus, some of our population we served bring an international focus ; 5 years exp in on profit setting esp with management level

Career Goals: Would liketo work for an International NGO/Development Org, or Start my own

Schools: HKS, WWS, GWU Elliot, NYU, Duke,JHU

If more info needed, I’ll providebut that’s all I can think of right now.

Thanks!

[nogone]

I know the LBJ School at UT Austin offers a dual MPAff/MPH three year degree. It's a decent and respected program that is still inexpensive, and they can be rather generous with funding.

In terms of application, the MPH is probably going to open a lot of doors for you, so I wouldn't count it out just yet.