Pursue Master in Public Health or SLP?

[ConfusedSLPorMPH]

Hello, I wasn't sure where to post this, so I hope it's okay to post here.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication and I am not able to do much with this degree. I'm in my early 30s. I have been accepted in a MSc in Public Health in the UK (I have lived there for a short time in the past). It would start late September. I am nervous and having cold feet! I'm not sure if it will land me a job when I graduate. I've been told it could be a good fit with my writing skills and undergrad degree (could work in health communications, etc).

My other idea is to become a Speech Pathologist. I'm already signed up to do leveling courses through distance education. This will be a much longer path (3-4 years vs 1 year for the MSc in Public Health).

I have read so many varying things online. Some people say they struggle to find a job in Public Health even with their MPH. I could do a grad certificate in Public Health if I start doing the MSc and find that it's not what I expected (though I'm not sure how useful a certificate would be). The Speech Pathology option will also be much more $$$ and is very competitive to get into grad programs, so there are no guarantees that I will even get in (I have a decent undergrad GPA).

My other option would just be to not go to grad school at all and try to keep making it with what I have right now.

I am so confused! Any input would be great. I am under a lot of pressure to make a decision FAST.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Speech pathology, much in demand, and valuable, feel you will always find employment!

Speech pathologist have taught me very much, and help make me a better nurse......

[ConfusedSLPorMPH]

Thank you for your reply! Yes, I love that it would have so much job stability. Have you known any people with an MPH? Did they manage to find a job?

[Nurse Magnolia, BSN, RN]

My daughter is an undergrad in Speech Pathology but is planning to do a 2nd degree nursing program after the undergrad. The reason? Getting into the grad programs is BRUTAL! The undergrad programs kick out 300-400 students for 25 grad spots. And it's like that at ALL of the schools. A 3.8 GPA is standard to get in...and lots of people go through several cycles before they get in. My daughter has a 3.4 GPA, which will be nowhere near enough. So she's rerouted and will do a 2nd degree nursing program.

SLP is a great career with a strong demand and many options...IF You can get into the grad programs.

Good luck!

[ConfusedSLPorMPH]

My daughter is an undergrad in Speech Pathology but is planning to do a 2nd degree nursing program after the undergrad. The reason? Getting into the grad programs is BRUTAL! The undergrad programs kick out 300-400 students for 25 grad spots. And it's like that at ALL of the schools. A 3.8 GPA is standard to get in...and lots of people go through several cycles before they get in. My daughter has a 3.4 GPA, which will be nowhere near enough. So she's rerouted and will do a 2nd degree nursing program.

SLP is a great career with a strong demand and many options...IF You can get into the grad programs.

Good luck!

Thank you for your reply! I'm very worried I wouldn't be able to get into a program. I read a lot of message boards for SLPs and there are tons of girls saying they can't get in. It's very discouraging! Some have spent hundreds and even 1000+ dollars applying to schools for 3-4 cycles and still can't get in. Makes me think maybe I shouldn't even try. SLP has become very popular the last couple of years because it's always listed as a "hot" career on these lists of careers to pursue, etc. Did you draughter volunteer at all or work with children? They say experience really helps on an application. It's just crazy how many applicants apply and how few spots there are!