Conflicted between studying EPI at Emory University or University of CA, Irvine

[GEPIVac]

After extensive research, Emory University and UC Irvine are my top choices to study genetic epidemiology.  Both are good schools, but have distinct advantages. I was hoping to hear how alumnis, current professionals, and current students would make their decision. 

 

My long term plan is go into industry assisting in the development of clinical trial strategies, eradication campaigns, and improving logistics of pharmaceutical products (with a special interest in vaccine).  Both universities have faculty I am interested to work with.

 

 

Emory University EPI (MPH)

Pros: 

1. Stronger reputation + well-known strength in epidemiological methods
2. connection with CDC & other institution
3. more general curriculum if I do not want to continue in genetic epidemiology
4. stronger alumni network
5. more research centers including Vaccine Center and Institute for Drug Development

 

 

UC, Irvine EPI (MS)

Pros: 

1. Smaller student body (<20) which may guarantee working closely with professor
2. situated in more vibrant biotech hub
3. cheaper tuition (30k/year as oppose to 60k/year @ Emory)
4. curriculum revolves around genetic epidemiology 
5. good foot-in-the-door for Ph.D program + shaves off 1-2 years

I have been doing my research for weeks, but I am still reluctant to lean towards one way. Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thank you!

 

Edited March 25, 2015 by GEPIVac

[IntriguedStudent]

Both are strong programs that will likely be able to get you where you want to go. However, those are in vastly different locations. Which coast would you like to end up on long-term? Also, consider that one is an MPH and the other is an MS. Although there shouldn't be a huge difference between the two considering the schools that you're comparing, the MS will give you greater access to research opportunities. And finally, consider the tuition. There's a huge gap in tuition there. Is this something you'd be willing to take on if you went to Emory? It seems like you're doing a pretty good job with the pros and cons, and you really can't go wrong with either school. It really will come down to your personal preferences. 

[seaturtles]

I went to Emory and, while it was an excellent program, there weren't really connections to biotech. It was more geared to government/academia/NGOs. It is a perfect program for someone who wants to go into a job at CDC. For someone who wants to go into biotech, it would still be good preparation, but it might not be worth the extra loans.

[GEPIVac]

@IntriguedStudent:

 

Thank you for your input. From my research in epidemiology forums, UCI didn't get much notice or recognition.  I was worried about the reputation and how it would be viewed by other professionals. Your comment have given me more confidence. UCI have a two programs in epidemiology. The MPH is run by their school of public health while the MS is run by the School of Medicine. I was wondering why the different set-up.

 

If I may ask, what did you 

 

@seaturtles

 

I was trying to browse through linkedin to see if there is any alumni present in industry from Emory and there is a lack thereof... Thank you for your input!
I thought that Emory may have a better connection because they do have the Vaccine Research Center, Yerkes Primate Institute, and Institute for Drug Development. I remember reading somewhere that Emory has a strong portfolio of technology transfers of pharmaceutical products too. 

 

Do they have a strong faculty in genetic/genomic epidemiology?