Hi! I have about 10-11 schools that I'm interested in, too. I think the only thing that makes a difference to me is money because it isn't cheap applying to schools! I'm in the process of researching the schools and the area the school is in so I can hopefully narrow my choices down to about 7. It's never a bad thing to apply to a few though, but that's my personal opinion.Thanks for making this! I'm looking to get an mph right out of undergrad (going into my senior year now). How many schools do people usually apply to? I've narrowed it down to 11 but I know that's probably too many.
Did you mean list your research interests on your CV/resume, or did you mean list, as in mention, them in your statement of purpose? And what did you mean by approach? As in, how to write it, write about it, complete it, etc.?
I think you are right. The overall point is really to convey how your experience, interests, and career goals match the program. However, for the purposes of the MPH, I personally would not go into it in-depth. It is worth mentioning as a way to elaborate on how the research piece informs and underscores your interest in the application and practice of public health. It is also worth mentioning, in particular, when you have research experience that relates to the program and to the focus/concentration. I would be careful around going into it too much as a potential liability in appearing as if you are interested in a more research-focused program as opposed to a practice-oriented one. In addition, this will vary across programs. Some MPH programs are known to be more research-focused despite how the MPH may otherwise be regarded as more practice-focused. U of Michigan comes to mind (in my opinion). It is a difficult balance because ostensibly we are writing one Statement of Purpose through the SOPHAS, yet addressing all schools whose expectations may be varied.
I agree with cerealrhapsody. School websites should have specific breakdown of the cost and whether or not it includes tuition, fees, living expenses, etc. It can vary by concentration/track and by year, too.
I am beginning an application (not through SOPHAS), and one of the (optional) questions is to list other schools and programs for which I am submitting an application. On a practical note, it seems to be their way of tracking where else their (potential) new students are also applying.
I wonder if folks have thoughts around what or if you would mention on the application where else you are applying. If you do not list any, does it appear favorable in that it would seem like you are only applying to their program and therefore would seem like it is your first choice? If you do list other programs, does it make you less competitive in some way or taken less seriously as an applicant?
The program is abroad, and it is actually high on my list at this moment. The application is completed online, though it is not part of the SOPHAS portal. Thanks in advance!
Are folks aware of any programs that specifically incorporate or focus on mental health/mental disorders? There was a thread on this a few years ago. Many MPH programs have health/social behavior tracks or concentrations. Interestingly, these do not appear to integrate issues of mental disease into the curriculum. My opinion is (somewhat) biased since I am in the psychology field, but mental health should be part of public health.
There is a MSc program in Global Mental Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. There is also a MHS in Mental Health at Johns Hopkins, but it seems more geared towards a research-focused practice.
Thoughts, feedback?
At Hopkins, if you have any post-undergraduate experience of 2 years or more, you can apply to the MPH program, for which there is a mental health concentration. I think it's the only school with an entire department devoted to mental health. I got my MPH at Hopkins, and customized my concentration to cover both mental health topics and social behavioral sciences methods.
I have been back and forth with the admissions offices of both the part-time/internet-based and full-time programs on this very issue. It is possible to start as a part-time/internet-based student at Summer Term and then switch to full-time course load in Term 1 (September). I am told that it is still then possible to complete the MPH through Term 4 (i.e., as if you had completed it as an 11-month, full-time student). This is provided you can take "time off" to (physically) attend the student orientation and intensive summer course for those 2 weeks in June. Also, I was warned that there may be some options not available to you (as far as classes and, potentially, concentrations/tracks) if you switch from part-time to full-time status.
So, for me Johns Hopkins is back on the drawing board. I suggest you think it further and consult with the admission office. They were very responsive.
Early-start/accelerated programs can be difficult to navigate, I agree. I would not rule out Johns Hopkins just yet if you can consider taking time in June to attend the face-to-face orientation and intensive summer coursework for part-time/internet-based students. Then, at a later time when your (personal and professional) schedule allows, you can take a higher number of courseload. I think it is doable.
Yeah management is my focus area. Harvard is, as things currently stand, my only available choice.
