involved in public policy/admin. out there?

[forward25]

As a prospective graduate student in nursing, I am currently researching various accelerated programs for individuals with non-nursing bachelors degrees. I am interested in programs that will allow me to obtain advanced education as a nurse practitioner in adult health with a dual degree in social justice/ public policy and administration.* I have not been successful thus far in finding programs that combine these disciplines and was hoping to obtain a contact who could advise me about the most effective way to obtain this education.*

* I also wanted an "insiders" opinion of the perception of a Masters in Public health degree versus a Masters in Public Administration degree.*

My current educational and professional background is in the field of Public Health and I seek a program that will allow me to combine clinical nursing experience with the ability to participate in international health- related public policy. My long term goal is to assume an administrative capacity in a non-governmental organization or other social justice organization but having the ability to work in a clinical environment part time.**

I would be very grateful for any direction, contacts or advice about how I might work toward this objective.* Any ideas or comments are appreciated.

Thanks.

[Category X]

I'm bumping this person's question about the MPH vs. a master's in public policy or administration, because my career goals are similar. Which degree is likely to open up more doors in the health-related non-profit/social justice world? Is the degree itself the most important qualification, or are other factors (connections; school and program reputation) just as influential?

[withasmilelpn]

I don't know if this helps or not. When I went to U of D I wanted a dual major (Art and English- before went into nursing). What I had to do was confer with the heads of both departments to determine what my focus would be, then determine the appropriate classes to obtain my degree. I had basic requirements and then my own custom plan which was different then some others say just doing an Art major. You might want to talk to the heads of the depts of the university you are interested in to see if they could accommodate sp? your specific needs and determine your own custom program?