Minerva School of Public Health
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SPH Home Prospective Students Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


General Questions



Which degrees are offered at the School of Public Health?
M.S., M.P.H., Ph.D., and Dr.P.H. degrees are all available at the school. Students will concentrate their degree in one of four departments; Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Health and Toxicology, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, or Health Policy, Management and Behavior.

What is the difference between an MPH and an MS degree?
The difference between the MPH and the MS degree is breadth versus depth. MPH students are required to take at least one introductory course in Health Policy, Social Behavior, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics thereby providing them with a broader understanding of the expanse of public health. MS students however take the majority to all of their course work within their department and become well versed in their chosen field.

Are internships required to complete a degree?
Internships are an integral part of the School of Public Health's mission. The requirements of each degree vary so it is best to look at your department's web page to see how many credits are needed for graduation.

Which undergraduate degrees are appropriate for Public Health?
Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ecology, Anthropology, Health and Wellness, Health and Society, Communications, Business, and Human Biology are examples of acceptable undergraduate degrees for Public Health. However, many fields are encompassed within public health and if you are uncertain of a particular degree please contact us.

How long will it take to complete a degree in Public Health?
In order to graduate students must complete between 45 and 51 credits for their Masters, depending on prior experience. Full time students typically take two years to complete their degree.

What student support programs exist?
Upon enrollment students are matched with a Faculty Advisor who serves as the main resource while at the School of Public Health. An internship coordinator is available to assist students in procuring internships that suite each student's interests and career goals. As an intern, students will have a mentor on site whom they will be in frequent contact with. The School also provides Career Development Workshops and student mentors. Another very accessible resource is the Assistant to the Chair within the four academic departments.

Can a part time student complete the degree?
Part-time study is permitted in certain departments in the School, including Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Health Policy, Management, & Behavior. It is recommended that students carry at least three credits per semester and are continuously registered. In accordance with University policy, all degree requirements must be completed within six years.

How do I get more information?
If you would like to request more information please complete the form on the website and we will send you a more detailed brochure.

Do you host students that would like to visit the school?
We will gladly assist in making the necessary arrangements, such as a tour of the facility and the opportunity to speak with faculty members, for students who would like to visit the school.


Admissions Questions



Can I substitute the MCAT test scores for the GRE?
MCAT scores may be submitted in place of the GRE score however applicants must notify the school prior to submission. Please contact the Assistant to the Chair for the department you wish to be considered for.

What is the tuition for study at the University at Albany School of Public Health?
For current semester charges please visit the Student Accounts site

Are there fellowships and graduate assistantships available?
Both fellowships and graduate assistantships are available for our students. For more information please visit the admissions portion of our website.

Read FAQs about the application process here (pdf)

- Application FAQs

School Demographics



How large is the school?
There are 12,000 undergraduates and more than 5,400 graduate students at the
University at Albany. The School of Public Health enrolls over 300 graduate
students.

What is the ratio of males to females?
The entering class of 2003 was 35% male and 65% female.

How diverse is the school?
In 2003 the school was 25% students of color, 29% International, and 46% white.

What is the class size?
The ratio of faculty to student is approximately 2:3 allowing the School to maintain small and personal classes. Currently the average class size is about 20 students.


After Graduation



What types of jobs can one attain with a degree in Public Health?

Students who attain a degree in Public Health are able to work at the county and state level through health departments, on the governmental level at Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Health and Human Services, or at the international level for non-profit organizations and the World Health Organization. Students are also able to work in the private sector with HMO's and pharmaceutical companies. Other avenues of employment are academia, hospitals and schools.

To learn more about employment opportunities in public health visit www.asph.org and www.publichealthjobs.net


- Application FAQs

 

 



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This page last updated: 11/3/06