School and Jobs Advice Megathread Part III

[u/SadBreath]

All job and school-related advice should be asked in here. Below is the r/publichealth MPH guide which may answer general questions.

See the below guides for more information:

1. MPH Guide
2. Job Guide
3. Choosing a public health field
4. Choosing a public health concentration
5. Choosing a public health industry

Past Threads:

1. Megathread Part I
2. Megathread Part II

[u/krpaek]

Does it matter whether I go for an MPH in health policy versus an MSPH if I want to work in health policy analysis?

[u/SadBreath → u/krpaek]

In theory, MPH is designed for those who want to go into practice, MSPH is designed for those who want to go into academia. In practice, the MSPH is geared to those without work experience, and the MPH is the more well-known degree. For any specific field, it doesn't really matter, the strength of faculty, coursework, industry connections, and school reputation are much more important.

[u/krpaek → u/SadBreath]

Thank you! I do have some work experience in project management in clinical trials but want to pivot towards health policy analysis, and that is why in applying for the MPH.

So, in reality there would be no difference in degree as long as I take the electives necessary and gain the skills for what they are looking for (stats and programming etc.)?

[u/SadBreath → u/krpaek]

The MPH is slightly more well known, but the actual differences in programs are much more important. In other words MSPH at a great school > MPH at an okay school. And internships/experience gained in policy analysis work trumps all.