Harvard Epi vs. Emory Epi: Cost vs. Name Recognition

[emeyeseekayeewhy]

Hi Everyone! I am having a really hard time deciding between Harvard's MS2 Epi program and Emory's MSPH Epi program and would love some input. I attended both open houses and feel like both schools offer some awesome opportunities, so I am really torn. The biggest factors for me are that Emory offered me some scholarship money, which brings down the tuition a bit, and my family lives in Atlanta so I would be able to live with them for a very minimal cost. Thus, Emory's program will be significantly cheaper than Harvard's.

 

However, there is no denying that Harvard has established an incredible brand name and I am not sure if in the end the name recognition will end up being worth it. So many people tell me that I shouldn't turn down the opportunity to go to Harvard no matter what, though most of them are not in the field of Public Health so I wanted to get some opinions from this forum.

 

I am also concerned about the fact that Harvard's program is much more specifically tailored to Epidemiology, while Emory's program provides a more generalized overview of all areas of public health. Finally, while Harvard's program allows me to obtain some incredible research experience, the work experience available is limited. Meanwhile, through the Emory REAL program I would be able to obtain more real world work experience before graduation.

 

Thanks so much for any help or suggestions you can provide! This site has been so helpful throughout the whole application process and I wish everyone the best of luck in their future endeavors!

[juilletmercredi]

I would definitely go to Emory.  Sure, Harvard is Harvard - but Emory is also a top 10 program in public health and you can get the MSPH at far less personal cost than going to Harvard because of your family in Atlanta and the scholarship there.  The MPH is the generalist degree in public health (and Emory's MSPH is an extension of that model), so it makes sense that the Emory program is more broad.  An MS is a more academic degree in epidemiology.  But as long as you take the coursework you really need to do epi practice, I don't think it will be a problem.  Atlanta is also a city with tons of public health orgs - including the CDC - so you can get internship opportunities there.  Also, Emory will ALSO allow you to get awesome research experience - there are many great researchers in public health at Emory, not to mention that the CDC is like literally next door.

 

Seriously, follow that money and don't look back.