Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students

Admissions Questions:

What are the admission requirements?

Application. All applicants must submit the online application available through the School’s Admissions Office, which includes the submission of:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, and
• Personal statement

Application instructions are available on the admissions website. (At this time, JHSPH is not participating in SOPHAS).

Transcripts from each academic institution beyond high school.  All academic transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by a U.S.-based external credentialing service.

Three letters of recommendation (forms provided in online application materials).  It is suggested that both professional and academic letters of recommendation be submitted.

Standardized test scores – Official scores of the GRE, MCAT, GMAT, or LSAT, are required of all MPH applicants.

• Applicants who do NOT clearly demonstrate strong quantitative skills are not admitted into the program.
• Applicants may elect to have their applications reviewed without standardized test scores if they have earned an advanced degree beyond the baccalaureate. However, in doing so applicants will be putting themselves at a significant disadvantage for admission into the program unless their admission materials clearly demonstrate significant quantitative and analytical skills. This is particularly true for applicants with medical degrees earned outside of the U.S.
• Applicants who request to have their applications reviewed without standardized test scores will likely not be awarded a scholarship.

Coursework. All matriculating Master of Public Health students shall have successfully completed at least one college-level course in each of the following areas:

• Mathematics (e.g., calculus, algebra, statistics)
• General biology
• Health-related science (e.g., nutrition, microbiology, anatomy or physiology), OR another biology course

English language proficiency. Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must submit official scores of the TOEFL. A minimum TOEFL score of 250 on the computer-based test, 600 on the paper-based, or 100 on the Internet-based test is required for admission into the MPH program. A list of countries that require TOEFL is available. Applicants may also submit IELTS scores with a minimum score of 7.0.

Experience. A minimum of two years of full-time post-baccalaureate health-related work experience is required of all applicants who have not earned a doctoral degree. This requirement may be waived for applicants to the MPH combined degree programs (except for the combined MPH/MBA degree, which does require the two years of health-related work experience).

Can I apply electronically?  
Yes. You may apply online by completing the application form.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Unfortunately, we do not accept any transfer credit for the MPH program.

If admitted, can I defer my start date?
Once admitted to the MPH program, deferrals can be requested. A letter should be addressed to the MPH Admissions Coordinator requesting a deferral of enrollment. Deferrals are granted for one year beyond the initial date of admittance to the program. Students who request a deferral must pay the non-refundable $600 enrollment deposit before a deferral will be granted. This is effective for all students admitted to the January 2007 cohort and thereafter.