Hi all, I'm looking at a few master's degree options for the near future. First a little bit about myself. I have a bachelor's degree in public health education and am working on the University of london external program in epidemiology currently. I will finish that next summer. While I am very happy with the University of London program I would like to take some coursework in either leadership or management. I have been thinking of three programs, all of which seem very good. I'm just not sure which way I should go. My options are: 1. An MPA from the university of Missouri Kansas City with a concentration in healthcare management. I figure this would focus on some of the more managment level things I would like to work on. 2. An MPH from the University of North Carolina (via distance) in leadership. This program looks very interesting, the only drawback for me on this one is that it is another distance learning degree. Part of me feels that if I do another degree program I should attend a brick and mortor school. The curriculum of this program is the most interesting to me though. 3. An MPH from the University of Kansas. This school is local and has a great reputation. The drawback for me is that it looks to focus on the aspects I'm already learning in my MSc at the University of London. Another reason that the MPH from UNC or UK is important to me is for the CEPH accredidation. If I found out that I could work for the CDC or HHS with my MSc, the MPA would definetly overtake the other two. Well you all are the most knowledgeable people I've seen, so I thought I would ask. I look forward to your advice. Thanks.
For what it's worth, I work at an academic medical center and UNC has a great reputation. If I recall correctly, they also provide a PhD option through the leadership program.
The University of North Carolina is a brick-and-mortar school which happens to offer degree earning via distance education as an option. Since the MPH from the University of North Carolina in leadership interests you the most of the three options under consideration you would have the reputation of a great school and the flexibility of distance education course delivery.
Oh, I didn't mean to insinuate it wasn't. I just feel that I'm missing some connection to the school/profs/students at the University of London and do not wan't to repeat that again. If anyone has first hand experience with the UNC DL MPH in Leadership (or DrPH) I would be greatly interested in your experience. I do think I've read that UNC requires time on campus. Was this a good way to connect with people? Thanks everyone.
Kevin, May I ask how the MSc in Epidemiology is proceeding? Do you take exams? How many research papers are generally required? What are the admissions requirements? As for your question regarding an MPH or MPA, I recommend going with the program that interests you most (UNC). Great school, great reputation. Thanks, Tom
The University of London Program is going good. There are some things I really like and others that I would change. The things I like are: - Proctored exams - Challenging - Good/relevant coursework - I know I'm learning a lot and not just getting a checkmark (master's degree) The things I don't like are: - Exams are only offered once a year and I feel I waste a lot of time waiting for the exams (I don't feel comfortable taking more than 2 exams a year). - Takes a while for feedback sometimes. - Grades are base on to few assignments in my opinion (one paper = 30% one exam = 70%, for most classes). I would recommend the program to anyone, but I would warn them that it would be almost impossible (in my opinion) to finish in two years. I will take a hard/challenging master's over a cake walk any day of the week though.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights about the University of London. I am starting the LLB as of this coming autumn so the information is timely. The exam-only evaluation, typical of most law schools, including the strictly brick-and-mortar, for each course and all written once per year in May or June will certainly require some planning on how best to keep the material in my head for the 8 months leading up to the examinations. I am especially glad to hear you found your studies at the university to be a worthwhile investment.
