Director's Message to Prospective Students
Welcome!
There is a critical need for technically competent public health professionals who also understand the dynamics of complex emergencies. The MPH in Forced Migration and Health at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health brings together the resources of a world-class educational institution, including experienced faculty-practitioners, top-notch students and cutting-edge applied research, to address real world crises.
Students who have had at least two years' experience in international humanitarian relief (either at headquarters level or in the field) and wish to pursue careers as public health professionals will benefit most from the program. During the selection process, strong preference is given to students with two years of prior experience in public health.
While in the program, students will study the core disciplines of public health while focusing on the design, evaluation and management of health and social programs in conflict and post-conflict settings. Students will have an opportunity to apply the competencies they learn to practical problems. The program culminates in a field practicum and capstone paper where students apply their skills in the real world.
Some students opt to pursue a dual degree program in public health and another graduate discipline at Columbia. Most commonly, students have graduated with dual degrees from Mailman and the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) or the School of Social Work. Other combinations are possible; please see Mailman's application materials for a full-list of approved programs or visit http://mailman-handbook.com/node/32/
Columbia University is home to leading scholars and practitioners in the fields of international health, sustainable development, emergency response, conflict resolution, international human rights, and humanitarian law and practice. Our program faculty have unparalleled experience working directly with war-affected and refugee populations, and are also actively engaged in innovative field research that tests new ideas and promotes new solutions. We engage with leading policymakers and practitioners in the heart of New York City, home to the United Nations and the center of world politics.
Along with financial aid through the Mailman School of Public Health, the Program awards a limited number of Graduate Research Assistantships, which provide monthly salaries and tuition reduction, on a competitive basis for up to one year. In the past, program students have worked as interns with United Nations agencies or for one of the many international NGOs headquartered in New York City. Students have also found part-time employment opportunities in research projects or in departments within the university. Students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships.
To get more information about the MPH application process or to submit an application, please go to the Mailman School of Public Heath's admissions page. Admission is for fall tem only. In addition, the Program on Forced Migration and Health Newsletter provides an overview of program activities, research, and academic developments (Fall 2009 Newsletter, Fall 2008 Newsletter, Spring 2008 Newsletter, Fall 2007 Newsletter, Spring 2007 Newsletter).
Our innovative program brings together dedicated women and men from around the world to study and shape the future direction of public health in emergencies. I invite you to come to New York and learn with us.
Dr. Neil Boothby
Director of the Program on Forced Migration and Health
Professor of Clinical Population and Family Health
