Choosing a degree

[zjwah]

Hi there!

I'm just starting to look at DrPh vs PhD degrees at various schools. I don't want to get into the whole DrPH vs a PhD discussion right now, I'm more interested in whether I should be considering an MPH. I have an MA in International Affairs and a Certificate (from while I was getting my MA) in Global Health Affairs. I've worked as a research assistant with two professors on two separate projects while in grad school. And I've also interned at the World Health Organization. My main focus has been population aging and chronic disease epidemiology. I'd like to be in a program that teaches a little more science, I've done mostly policy and affairs courses with my MA (but health focused). However, as I'm looking at the doctoral degrees I see that a lot of them require an MPH or MPH coursework as prerequisites. I'm planning on working for a few years in the field (mostly doing academic based research like I have in the past) before pursuing the degree. I'm hesitant only because I've been told getting another master's would be pointless since I have one already. Any other thoughts on this?

Thanks!

[TheSavage]

You could take a class or two in any are you think you might not have an equivalent background to someone with an MPH (ie, epidemiology courses, maybe biostatistics, general public health, etc?). You're right that a whole extra masters isn't worth the time and money - you're better off focusing on relevant work/research experience.

[statzman]

Since you already have a Master's degree, you may also consider getting a graduate certificate in public health or biostatistics, instead of earning a second Master's. It will take you less time to finish it (typically, about one year), and if you do good there, it will make your profile stronger.

http://www.sph.unc.edu/globalhealth/certificate/

http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/cert/

[katalytik]

Hi there!

I'm just starting to look at DrPh vs PhD degrees at various schools. I don't want to get into the whole DrPH vs a PhD discussion right now, I'm more interested in whether I should be considering an MPH. I have an MA in International Affairs and a Certificate (from while I was getting my MA) in Global Health Affairs. I've worked as a research assistant with two professors on two separate projects while in grad school. And I've also interned at the World Health Organization. My main focus has been population aging and chronic disease epidemiology. I'd like to be in a program that teaches a little more science, I've done mostly policy and affairs courses with my MA (but health focused). However, as I'm looking at the doctoral degrees I see that a lot of them require an MPH or MPH coursework as prerequisites. I'm planning on working for a few years in the field (mostly doing academic based research like I have in the past) before pursuing the degree. I'm hesitant only because I've been told getting another master's would be pointless since I have one already. Any other thoughts on this?

Thanks!

I think you may want to do the MPH to prove yourself to the grad schools if you are thinking about a Phd. I had problems going to the PhD since I don't specifically have an MPH. For whatever reason, they require an MPH. I have an MHA (Masters in health adm).

[Dreams]

Hi there!

I'm just starting to look at DrPh vs PhD degrees at various schools. I don't want to get into the whole DrPH vs a PhD discussion right now, I'm more interested in whether I should be considering an MPH. I have an MA in International Affairs and a Certificate (from while I was getting my MA) in Global Health Affairs. I've worked as a research assistant with two professors on two separate projects while in grad school. And I've also interned at the World Health Organization. My main focus has been population aging and chronic disease epidemiology. I'd like to be in a program that teaches a little more science, I've done mostly policy and affairs courses with my MA (but health focused). However, as I'm looking at the doctoral degrees I see that a lot of them require an MPH or MPH coursework as prerequisites. I'm planning on working for a few years in the field (mostly doing academic based research like I have in the past) before pursuing the degree. I'm hesitant only because I've been told getting another master's would be pointless since I have one already. Any other thoughts on this?

Thanks!

I will chime in as the voice who will tell you (in case you have not already done so) to go ahead and apply to the doctoral programs. Not all schools require a masters level public health degree, and your work experience will work in your favor. Take my case: I have an MA in a field totally unrelated to public health, but I have work experience in multiple areas of PH. I applied and was accepted to several top PH doctoral programs. Just be sure you make the case on why you are pursuing the degree. Good luck.