Admissions

Consideration for admission is based of 5 key components of one’s application: (1) undergraduate GPA, (2) GRE scores, (3) prior work experience , (4) letters of reference, and (5) one’s personal statement.  All 5 elements are carefully considered to gain as well-rounded a picture of the applicant as possible.  Although we will not automatically exclude from further consideration applications from candidates with less than 2 years of professional experience, we give preference to applicants with substantial professional experience in the field of public health.  We typically receive about 100 applications and approximately 15-20 students start our MPH program each year.  Currently, we receive about 10-15 applications for our doctoral program and we admit 1-2 students each year.

To apply please visit the Graduate School Admissions web site http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/prospective_student_online_application.htm.

Admissions Requirements

Students should meet the following minimum criteria when applying for admission to the program:

• Have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in the United States, or a foreign equivalent.
• Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 (B average on a 4.00 scale) in their baccalaureate degree.
• Meet the general requirements of the Graduate School for admission.

Applicants need to submit an official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); this is required if applicant does not have a doctoral degree. Other professional test scores [e.g., Graduate Management Admissions test (GMAT), Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT), or comparable foreign graduate or professional test] are acceptable in lieu of the GRE. Test scores must not be more than seven years old.

All master's degree applicants whose citizenship is not of the U.S. and/or whose native language is not English must obtain an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  To be considered for admission, the applicant must achieve a score of 600 on the paper-based exam or a score of 250 on the computer-based exam. Additional information for International students is offered.

Applicants may also submit copies of any pertinent publications or reports that one has authored, which would be helpful in evaluating a candidate's potential for success in public health.

Preference will be given to applicants with an advanced professional degree (M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M.) or other graduate degree, or applicants who have two or more years work experience in the field of public health.

Applications must be received by February 1.