MPH Does the low science gpa matter

[mriyain]

Hi! So, I am about to finish my undergraduate degree in chemistry. My chemistry GPA is low for many reasons ranging from hard classes to "it wasn't my passion so I didn't try hard enough". What I really want to do is make an impact in population health and enter the field of epidemiology/medical sociology. My non-science GPA is perfectly fine, and I am pursuing a second bachelor's degree in sociology after undergrad. Since I know most MPH applicants have a science background, will MPH programs look down on my low original major/science GPA? Thanks in advance!

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[Noyce]

Sorry if this is old but I am bumping because I'm in this same situation.

 

[samnicholson]

Sorry if this is old but I am bumping because I'm in this same situation.

I think it depends on how low the gpa is. If you're talking greater than 3.0, then I doubt it's a big deal because chemistry is a challenging major (same for physics, math, biochem, engineering, etc.). If it's less than 3.0, then I think it will be a red flag. That doesn't mean it can't be overcome, but it is a red flag.

 

[Dr_Grabow]

For an MPH, the most important indicators are your quantitative abilities (i.e. Math course grades). If you have strong math scores and decent verbal and writing abilities, you will be fine.