Harvard MPH vs Hopkins MPH/MBA

[Synorin]

Greetings everyone,

Fortunately, I am accepted to Harvard MPH (65 Credit- Global Health Track) and Hopkins MPH/MBA dual degree program. However, it is so hard for me to make a decision. I am an international student; therefore, I am not very familiar with the USA schools which makes it even harder. I am really in need of advice.

My goal: When I was applying to schools I was planning to work in the International Organizations such as WHO, World Bank as well as NGOs and philantrophy. Yet, I want to keep my options for consulting and pharma open. My main goal right now is to choose the program which will make me the most competitive among variety of sectors by the time of graduation. Location of the school is not a big issue.

My current thought on programs:

Harvard MPH: Excellent name. Excellent education. School has vast connections and reputation among all sectors(not just public health). My worry is that I can face competition in the future from MBA graduates. (80k tuition)

Hopkins MPH/MBA: A good name. Excellent education. Very good reputation in the field of public health and medicine. MBA program is not amazing but it can be a nice compliment to the MPH study. I love the idea of studying public health in the morning and learning about business in the afternoon. My worry is that Harvard name can very well be even stronger than an additional graduate degree in the job market. (97k tuition)

I would really appreciate anyone who can help me with this decision.

My Background: I am an international medicine graduate. I have worked in several student NGOs on public health and global health projects during my medical study for over 5 years.

 

Edited March 19, 2016 by Synorin

[chezismael]

Congratulations! Big programs. I'm not an expert in either of them, but forget the prestige. Both are great with that. It really depends on how you want to approach health. Harvard's program is very anthropological. You will see a lot of social theories. Whereas JHP is a little bit more practical. In terms of US PH schools I don't think Harvard is even top 3 anymore while JHP is number one. 

[COGSCI]

If you are aiming for WHO, World Bank as well as NGOs and philanthropy, it would be better for you to diversify your graduate program so I think JHU would be a good choice for you. For public health, JHU is the 1st and Harvard is 2nd (depends on the research topic) in the country so you really can't go wrong. However, if you would like to enter philanthropy and world bank, it might be a good idea for you to have management background as well. 

Yes, Harvard name is nice and shiny but in your case, both institutions are highly regarded in public health and other fields. Also, I would consider choosing a program that provides scholarship if financial factor is something that you think is important to you.