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- Jan 6, 2015
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1. The first thing to know is that MPH applications are not like those of a typical academic master’s programs. Being a mostly professional degree, admissions takes a more holistic approach. So don’t panic over that 3.1 GPA or 151 GRE quant score. Just make sure that you write a compelling statement of purpose and have strong LORs to make up for any deficiencies in your app. If your GPA is below a 3.0, consider adding an explanation. Also, don’t apply to only top ten programs if your GPA or GRE score is low.
2. Go onto CEPH website to see a list of accredited MPH programs. I would highly advise AGAINST applying to MPH programs that are not accredited, as it may be difficult to land a job after graduation (a degree from a CEPH accredited program is often a job requirement).
3. Make an excel spreadsheet highlighting qualities that are important to you (location, tuition, COL, class size, funding opportunities, etc.) to help guide you in determining which schools to apply to. Never apply to a school that you have no intention of attending.
4. If you are an international applicant, you have additional barriers to worry about, such as not qualifying for federal funding. Make sure that you are able to obtain some other source of funding (even if self-funding) and can afford to attend the schools that you are applying to.
5. Remember that applying to schools is expensive. Make sure to determine your financial threshold for applying to programs (if your living alone and on a budget, don’t apply to 20 programs). Do what feels right for you, and make sure to apply to at least two safeties.
6. No one can tell you if an MPH is right for you. Or tell you which concentration to choose. That is a question only you can answer.
7. Don’t worry about not having public health experience. Most incoming students don’t have any direct work experience; that’s why they are getting their MPH, so that they can break into the field. More and more students are going straight into grad school from college, and don’t have any relevant work experience. For programs that do require post graduate experience, do something relevant, like lab work or clinical research, or even intense volunteer work (like AmeriCorps or Habitat for Humanity).
8. Please do not apply to MPH programs unless you actually want to work in public health. The cost of attendance at most programs is extremely high (think 100K+, including living expenses) and the pay is not very high (unlikely to break six figures). If you are a foreign dentist and want to sit for the NBDE, do it on a visitor’s visa instead.
9. An MPH will not boost your application to medical or dental schools. These schools want to see straight A’s in hard science classes, of which an MPH will not provide. At best, it will be seen as an interesting EC, especially for DO schools since they tend to take a more holistic approach to medicine. If you’re trying to boost your app, do a 60-credit post-bac or an SMP. After you are competitive enough, then revisit the idea of applying to MPH programs.
10. Lastly, don’t stress. MPH programs are nowhere near as competitive as other professional schools like med and dental. Do your research, apply smart and you’ll do fine.
Additional required reading for first-time members:
MPH - wwmmkk's Master Advice Post for Applying to MPH programs (USA)
MPH - Addressing Common Questions and Anticipated Questions
2. Go onto CEPH website to see a list of accredited MPH programs. I would highly advise AGAINST applying to MPH programs that are not accredited, as it may be difficult to land a job after graduation (a degree from a CEPH accredited program is often a job requirement).
3. Make an excel spreadsheet highlighting qualities that are important to you (location, tuition, COL, class size, funding opportunities, etc.) to help guide you in determining which schools to apply to. Never apply to a school that you have no intention of attending.
4. If you are an international applicant, you have additional barriers to worry about, such as not qualifying for federal funding. Make sure that you are able to obtain some other source of funding (even if self-funding) and can afford to attend the schools that you are applying to.
5. Remember that applying to schools is expensive. Make sure to determine your financial threshold for applying to programs (if your living alone and on a budget, don’t apply to 20 programs). Do what feels right for you, and make sure to apply to at least two safeties.
6. No one can tell you if an MPH is right for you. Or tell you which concentration to choose. That is a question only you can answer.
7. Don’t worry about not having public health experience. Most incoming students don’t have any direct work experience; that’s why they are getting their MPH, so that they can break into the field. More and more students are going straight into grad school from college, and don’t have any relevant work experience. For programs that do require post graduate experience, do something relevant, like lab work or clinical research, or even intense volunteer work (like AmeriCorps or Habitat for Humanity).
8. Please do not apply to MPH programs unless you actually want to work in public health. The cost of attendance at most programs is extremely high (think 100K+, including living expenses) and the pay is not very high (unlikely to break six figures). If you are a foreign dentist and want to sit for the NBDE, do it on a visitor’s visa instead.
9. An MPH will not boost your application to medical or dental schools. These schools want to see straight A’s in hard science classes, of which an MPH will not provide. At best, it will be seen as an interesting EC, especially for DO schools since they tend to take a more holistic approach to medicine. If you’re trying to boost your app, do a 60-credit post-bac or an SMP. After you are competitive enough, then revisit the idea of applying to MPH programs.
10. Lastly, don’t stress. MPH programs are nowhere near as competitive as other professional schools like med and dental. Do your research, apply smart and you’ll do fine.
Additional required reading for first-time members:
MPH - wwmmkk's Master Advice Post for Applying to MPH programs (USA)
MPH - Addressing Common Questions and Anticipated Questions
