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I had a great experience at Emory University. I really appreciated the school’s hybrid learning approach — it gave me the flexibility I needed while still keeping the academic experience engaging and supportive. Although the program I was enrolled in has since been phased out, I believe it was the right decision for the university’s long-term direction.

Even so, the curriculum fully prepared me for the workforce. What I learned at Emory has directly translated into the skills I use every day, and... Read More having the Emory name behind my degree has absolutely opened doors. Overall, I’m grateful for my time there and would recommend Emory for anyone looking for a strong, well-rounded educational experience.

I cannot say enough positive things about Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. The caliber of instruction was top notch. Professors had a wealth of real-world experience, both at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and well-known organizations. In addition, some professors were well known in their respective fields, creating research and professional opportunities for students. Professors always made time to meet with students, which I have observed is not the case in other... Read More institutions. The school environment fosters learning and success. There is a very active student body which is supported by staff and faculty. Students enter the program with a wealth of experience in different areas of public health, which deeply enhanced my learning. Students are not competitive with each other but instead support one another. I made incredible friends during my two years in the program and these relationships and continued to enhance my professional and personal life over the past decade. The location of the school (Atlanta, GA) made for a fantastic academic environment. The school Is located right next to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and many students receive paid or unpaid work opportunities during the program and/or work at the CDC after they finish the program. There are other prominent public health organizations in Atlanta, as well, such as the Carter Center or CARE. While it has changed someone since I was in school Atlanta is still a relatively affordable city compared to other cities where schools of public health are located (e.g., New York City, Boston). My time at Emory University was two of the most enjoyable and formative years of my academic and personal life, and I know I am not alone in appreciating the unique environment it has to offer.

The Masters of Public Health Program at Emory is distinct for a wide array of reasons: (1) you are taught by public health professionals, many of whom are leading experts in their fields, e.g. one of my immediate advisors was cited in the original CDC report describing the initial observance of HIV infection in the United States, before the virus was named and identified. (2) Your role as an MPH student at Emory affords you access to careers at the CDC, the Carter Center, Emory hospital, and Grady... Read More Health system. (3) The courses are directly aimed to preparing students for work in the field of public health. (4) Emory is located in Atlanta, which is a great and affordable place for persons in their 20's to attend graduate school, while still having access to plenty of social activities. Since I have enrolled at Emory, I note how the program yields a very high return on investment, but the investment for the program is very pricey: (1) The cost of the degree is very expensive ($17,000+ per semester, not including living expenses, cost of books, computer etc.) (2) The nature of the degree program can be quite competitive, and it may be difficult to maintain a 4.0, with the rigor of the classes. (3) Student diversity, while high, is not entirely representative of all backgrounds/ethnicities.

Rollins does a great job of helping students network, land internships, and navigate careers in public health. Faculty members are very approachable and accessible and there are ample opportunities for thesis projects. The CDC is located within walking distance (it's literally right next door to Rollins) and offer work study jobs, internships, etc. to Rollins students. Only criticism I have for Rollins is about their dual degree curriculum. I'm enrolled in the fast track, one-year dual degree program... Read More and was hoping for some kind of accelerated coursework designed specifically for dual degrees. Having a slow first semester makes it a little bit difficult to get a jump start on our thesis project, because our epi methods and biostats base is still pretty limited after the first semester.