Admissions Information for the 4+1 BS/MPH Program in Epidemiology

Information about 4+1 BS/MPH admissions requirements and the application process

The accelerated MPH degree program in epidemiology is designed to offer high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a graduate degree with only one year of graduate studies after completing their undergraduate degree.

The program is rigorous and demanding, requiring students to take courses toward a graduate degree during their last year of undergraduate studies. Students in the program complete the remaining requirements for the graduate degree during one year of study as a graduate student.

Chart provides a visual representation of the 4+1 application timeline

Who is eligible to apply:

  • This program is open to all UMass Amherst students, AND to students from the Five College Consortium.
  • Students from any major can apply.

Credits needed to apply:

  • Students interested in the 4+1 should have earned a minimum of 96 credits going into their senior year.

GPA needed to apply:

  • Students should have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.

Timing of graduate coursework:

  • The MPH in epidemiology requires 42 credits in coursework. The accelerated degree program requires students to take 18 of these graduate credits while still an undergraduate student.
  • The remaining credits (24) are taken after completing the undergraduate degree.

Additional requirements:

  • Successful applicants should have demonstrated ability to manage the workload, strong quantitative skills, and excellent writing ability.
  • Applicants should have successfully completed PUBHLTH 223 and/or PUBHLTH 224 prior to applying to the 4+1 program in epidemiology. Successful applicants to the 4+1 program in epidemiology typically have earned a grade of A- or better in PUBHLTH 223 and/or PUBHLTH 224. We strongly recommend that applicants complete PUBHLTH 413 during their junior year (fall or spring) with a grade of B+ or better.

Internship information:

  • There is no requirement to have completed an internship prior to enrolling in this program.

Application information:

  • Applications are due by February 1 during the student’s junior year; students should have earned at least 75 credits prior to applying to be on-track to enroll in the program.
  • To apply, students are required to submit a completed application, unofficial transcript, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should come from faculty or an internship/work supervisor. Letters from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities (i.e., faculty members with whom you took a class) are preferred.
  • Junior-year admission to the 4+1 MPH program does not entitle students to enter the MPH program directly. In their senior year, 4+1 students formally apply to the Graduate School and must meet admissions requirements to continue in the MPH program.

Link to application portal:

Questions?

  • If you have questions, contact the Epidemiology Accelerated Degrees Program Coordinator by sending an email to epi4plus1 [at] umass [dot] edu (epi4plus1[at]umass[dot]edu).