Admission to the Program

All MPH applicants will be expected to have adequate preparation in the sciences, including at least one college-level course in general biology (including human biology), mathematics (e.g., calculus or algebra), and a social science (e.g., sociology, anthropology, or psychology). Basic computer skills are also expected.  Courses in health-related fields such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, chemistry, physics, and statistics are not mandated, but are strongly recommended.  Previous professional or other relevant work experience is also highly desirable, but not required. 

A multi-disciplinary faculty committee will determine admission to the Master of Public Health (MPH) program.  Criteria for the selection process are broad because of the wide range of backgrounds from which students may come and the wide range of disciplines they may study.  Prior work in health care is not necessary for admission, but may be considered in the admission process. The following is necessary for application:

• Applicants must hold a bachelor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) or a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the major subject area.  Current Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (from within the past five years) will be expected for all applicants (verbal and quantitative scores will be reviewed). 
• Applicants already holding a doctoral degree or its professional equivalent may be exempt from the GRE requirement.  Those who have earned professional school standardized test scores (MCAT, DAT, GMAT, and LSAT) may be substituted for the GRE by applicants who are working toward or who have already earned post-baccalaureate degrees in areas such as medicine, dentistry, management, or law. 
• Applicants whose native language is not English will be expected to submit acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Letters of recommendation from at least three persons familiar with the applicant’s academic background or experience in public health related issues, specifying in detail the applicant’s capabilities for graduate study and for future performance as a public health professional, are required.  At least one letter from a former professor or instructor is required.   
• Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose in approximately 400-500 words indicating his or her present interests and career goals, including why s/he wants to pursue an MPH program.