what kind of public health graduate programs would you recommend?

Answer 1

First and foremost, I'd make sure the PH grad program you're looking at has CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health) accreditation. CEPH reviews PH programs and schools of PH for the quality of their curriculum. http://www.ceph.org for more info.

While many universities have schools devoted entirely to public health, many PH programs fall under other umbrellas, such as schools of medicine or school of allied health sciences. Schools of public health tend to have larger programs. But even small programs have their perks.

What do you want to study in PH? Epidemiology/Biostatistics? Health Education? Health Communication? Health Policy and Management? When you have a general idea of the track you want to follow, then you can seek programs that are reputable in those fields. However, be aware that certain subjects are available at pretty much any public health program (quality varies). For example, you can study epi-biostat anywhere.

You can factor in practical matters. How are fees and tuition? Where is the program located? What are the demographics of the student body?

But then you should also figure in matters specific to your studies and practice. If you want to study immigrant health, then you might want to choose a program near the border, or in a community with a large population of immigrants. Think about work opportunities in the area. It's hard to find an internship in public health-oriented social marketing in places where there is little media production.

About my own studies, I chose epidemiology. My first pick would have been infectious disease epi, but those programs are dwindling. I like my work. I did my thesis on STDs. I currently work in infectious disease epi. It pays the rent (but not by much). My program was okay. I had some great professors. I had one or two lousy ones (argh, clinical trials!). My classmates were from a wide array of schools. Some were fresh from undergrad. Others worked in the field for a few years first. As with many PH programs, it was DOMINATED by women. My program was highly ranked, and the whole university itself was quite prestigious. People (employers and colleagues) recognize my degree. I had no problem with job placement after graduation.

Answer 2

Social health programs, by trained professionals. Should be followed by exam and appropriate certification, recognized by government. The government and non-government organizations could pitch in some funds/grants, in support of "a well chalked out program," by richly experienced and highly qualified professionals.