Thanks for your response! I should have specified the programs to which I’ll be applying vary a bit but all have the central focus around Environmental/Security Studies. This combines my undergraduate interest in policy and (some) of my graduate coursework in Public Health although I admit it is a bit of a shift. I definitely think I can lessen any concerns though if I flesh out my reasoning and accolades in an interest statement.
I appreciate your comment on the funding, it lessens my worries. I’m also being realistic about the schools I put on my interest list (I am thinking I will be apply to about 10).
As for research experience, the McNair usually consists of a two-part research experience. The first part gives you the “scholar” status. The second is optional and where the bulk of the heavy research is conducted. Unfortunately, I was a special case. I was admitted to my MPH as an accelerated undergrad which made me ineligible for the second part. So my research experience is limited to my undergraduate thesis (in Political Science, though very extensive, it was a 2-year endeavor) and the first part of McNair (topic was in public health). I am going to try and see if I can maybe find some research opportunities this year, but I fear halfway through my degree, faculty may be skeptical to let me jump on board. Also, while my university conducts research, I wouldn’t say there are extensive opportunities.
I am also wondering if there might be any benefit to the fact my MPH requires an internship if it is close enough to my PhD interests or if it wouldn’t because the PhD is more research driven and less professional?