public health graduate admissions essay

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The admission essay ("the statement of objectives") is a vital piece of information. It provides the Admissions Committee with information not available elsewhere in the application. Here are three critical questions that the written statement answers:

1. is this candidate capable of effective written communication; 2. does the candidate convey a sense of thoughtfulness and maturity about the chosen area of study; and 3. what is the applicant's anticipated career plan? This third piece of information is, in most cases, the most important for two reasons.

• First, it allows the Committee to determine whether a good fit exists between what the applicant plans to do, and what the department is capable of providing.
• Second, it indicates to the Committee that the applicant has the necessary intellectual and personal maturity to pursue graduate study.

1. Read the instructions for the written statement carefully and follow them.

Do not exceed the 2-page limit: do not shrink the font size to fit the 2-page limit. Eleven or twelve point font and two pages is sufficient for meeting the requirements of the essay.

2. Specify the degree program and track of research interest from the offerings of the department.

We offer the PhD doctoral degree, the MHS and ScM masters’ degrees, certificates and non-degree post-doctoral fellowship training. Please select from the following Research Tracks: Epidemiology of Aging, Cancer Epidemiology, Cardiovascular and Clinical Epidemiology, Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis, Environmental Epidemiology, General Epidemiology and Methods, Genetic Epidemiology, and Infectious Disease Epidemiology. The Certificates in Clinical Trials, Healthcare Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology, and Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals are also accepting applications.

3. Avoid extraneous personal or biographical information that does not inform the committee about future career plans.

A high percentage of applicants begin their essay with a personal anecdote about a personal health event, a trip abroad, or an account of illness in the family. While this does allow the committee some idea of the applicant's motivation, it should not be the whole essay. Please keep the anecdote to 1/3 or less of the full essay. One paragraph is usually sufficient to communicate one's motivation.

4. Emphasize what you will do, not what you have done.

Most of the relevant information about what an applicant has accomplished is easily and rapidly accessible to the committee through a review of the CV and other application materials. Many applicants use 90% of the space in the statement to restate and embellish those items. Additionally, in the final paragraph, most applicants will give passing attention to the main objective of the statement (to articulate a clear and concise plan for progressing toward a career in a given field). As a general guideline, more than half of the essay should be spent explaining what the applicant intends to do during and after graduate study.

5. Provide evidence that you as an applicant are well matched to the interests of the department.

Some applicants engage in “name dropping” subsequent to a review of catalogues and web sites. However, faculty members do change schools or areas of research. A well-written statement explains how particular faculty, research programs, or course work is particularly well-suited to meeting the training objectives of the applicant. Additionally, if the only faculty member doing the research discussed leaves the program, the Department cannot in good conscience grant admission to the program.

6. Be as concrete and specific as possible about your interests and proposed course of study.

An applicant's failure to articulate a clear and detailed training plan leaves the Committee with the impression that the applicant has not thought through the nature and meaning of graduate training, and may not be ready for admission. These are the questions to address: (in Epidemiology for instance) How will the applicant help rid the world of disease? To what end will skills and knowledge be directed? What specific aspect of a broad domain of work holds the applicant’s interest? And finally, the statement of objectives is not a binding document. Students, once they matriculate, often shift and refine their focus of study. No one is obligated to remain faithful to the plan they articulate. However, the statement of objectives is designed to provide the department a strong understanding of the applicant's motivation and commitment to the field and a clear indication of the applicant's writing ability.

Admissions Deadlines: Doctoral (PhD): December 1 Masters (MHS & ScM): January 15 Certificates: September 1 Non-degree post-doctoral fellowship: minimum of 90 days prior to the start of training

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How to Write a Great Personal Statement for the Global MPH

May 15, 2019

Imperial College London’s School of Public Health is renowned for conducting world-class research on today’s most pressing public health issues. No matter how compelling your research findings are, it is essential to communicate them clearly in order to promote positive change.

The same principle applies to your personal statement for the Global Master of Public Health (MPH) program . This personal statement is a chance to make the case that you belong at Imperial. Making that case clearly and effectively can be as important as your academic and professional qualifications.

Many students get anxious about this portion of the application, or worry that their writing skills aren’t up to the task. Our advice? Don’t panic!

You don’t have to be an outstanding writer to craft a great personal statement. Your task is to provide Imperial’s reviewers with the information they’re looking for in 1500 words or less. Let’s break the key points down into three specific areas: your past, present, and future.

1. Past: your background in public health

Start by introducing yourself. You’ve already provided a CV with your application, so this is an opportunity to put your experience in context. Tell us how and why you became interested in public health, the skills you’ve developed, and what you’re most proud of in your studies and career. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!  

Key points:

• Previous academic and professional experience
• Relevant exposures to public health related work and research
• Areas of interest in healthcare and why they interest you

Examples from the MPH Class of 2018-19:

“Throughout my years at University and recent postgraduate studies, I have worked in a pharmacy as a pharmacy/ dispensing assistant, in both community and hospital settings with the latter being involved with cancer clinical trials. These roles have greatly advanced my knowledge of patient care, different treatment options and health awareness strategies within the NHS and local CCGs.”

“I worked on a retrospective study to examine the trends and outcomes of aortic valve replacements performed on veterans from 2005 to 2015. Prior coursework in statistics equipped me to interpret data analyses. I co-authored two abstracts. I often considered how researchers contribute towards reducing health inequities in specific populations.”

2. Present: why you are applying to the Imperial College MPH

After you’ve introduced yourself, explain your motivation for your application. What is driving you to take your career in public health to the next level, and why is the Imperial Online MPH right for you? Make a compelling case why you are applying to this program, specifically, and why now is the right time.

• Your motivation for your professional and/or research career in public health
• Why you are applying for the Online MPH program, specifically

Examples from MPH Class of 2018-19:

“My healthcare background has given me the drive to move my career from disease treatment to increasing awareness of disease prevention. With an increasing life expectancy and an uncertain national healthcare budget, prevention of poor health from preventable diseases has never been more imperative.”

“I am particularly interested in studying at Imperial College London due to its Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, as the research areas of the unit match my own areas of interest for future research which include big healthcare data, healthcare access and health policy; within these areas I have an interest in mental health, cancer and primary and secondary care.”

3. Future: goals for your research at Imperial and your career beyond graduation

Finally, show that you have a specific vision for your time at Imperial and your post-MPH career. Include a short proposal (150 words or less) for a research project that you would be interested in carrying out as part of your dissertation over approximately a three month period. This gives the team more of an idea of your research interests and motivation to undertake the online Global MPH program. If you are accepted, you will not be required to carry out the proposal from your application. If you’d like to pursue the proposal from your application as part of your research portfolio, you can.

Key Points:

• Your future career goals
• Your proposed research area

“I believe the course will be able to provide an opportunity to obtain a more in-depth knowledge within these areas, but also developing a strong theoretical understanding of health policy, epidemiology and research methods, which I will give me the underpinning knowledge to undertake a PhD in Public health evaluation and policy in the future.”

“I aim to perform research to evaluate and improve the effectiveness and accessibility of health services for chronic conditions in low-income communities.”

__________________________

One last piece of advice: write an honest statement that gets across your true character and motivations, rather than writing something you think the panel will want to hear. Imperial’s goal in requesting these personal statements is to get to know prospective applicants on a personal level. Focus on providing a clear account of who you are, why you’re applying, and what you plan to do during and after the program.

The Global MPH offers the opportunity to get a world-class graduate degree in public health from one of the top 10 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2019). The program is affordable, flexible, and 100% online. As such, it attracts a diverse, highly-qualified group of students from across the globe. With a great personal statement, you can significantly increase your chances of joining the next cohort!  

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Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose and Objectives requirements vary by program. Do not underestimate the importance of this statement. It is your opportunity to inform the faculty reviewers of your qualifications, motivation, and potential to make a contribution to the field of public health.

Statement requirement for all Master of Science (SM) and MPH (excluding JD/MPH):  

The Statement of Purpose and Objectives should  not exceed 600 words , although SOPHAS allows for a higher word count.  In your statement, please describe the following:

• Academic and/or professional preparation for a career in public health
• Your focused interest in the degree program/department or MPH field of study to which you are applying
• Career plans upon completion of the program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Note any relevant strengths or weaknesses in your background or in your ability to carry out your professional responsibilities.

Statement requirement for JD/MPH:

The Statement of Purpose and Objectives should  not exceed 750 words , although SOPHAS allows for a higher word count. There is no prescribed format for the essay, but it should include information about the following:

• Your focused interest within the field of public health
• Previous academic, professional, and/or extracurricular experiences that demonstrate your interest in public health or health-related issues
• Reasons for wanting to enroll in the joint JD/MPH degree program
• Career plans upon completion of the joint degree program

The essay should persuasively establish (1) your preparation to undertake this intense course of study, (2) your understanding of the MPH curriculum, and (3) a good fit between the curriculum and your interests and goals.

Statement requirement for DrPH:

In your statement, please answer all of the following questions and number the response accordingly:

• Describe in detail your most significant professional experience and explain why it prepares you to pursue advanced professional studies in public health. (up to 500 words)
• Provide a reflection of your current leadership abilities and describe what you seek to reinforce and/ or strengthen in context to your work, through the DrPH degree program. (up to 500 words)
• Tell us about a public health problem or challenge that you seek to address as part of your studies in the program and/or upon completion of your DrPH degree program. (up to 500 words)

Kira assessment for DrPH applicants:

• Once you begin your application through SOPHAS, you will have access to the Kira platform. Through the Kira platform, you’ll be asked to submit responses to several timed video and one written question. This assessment is done in an asynchronous format, so you can complete your responses on your own time before the Friday, December 1, 2023 application deadline.

Statement requirement for MHCM:

Applicants to the MHCM program who have questions about the essay requirement may  contact Colin Fleming  at 617-432-7075. This statement should not exceed 1,250 words.

• In one paragraph or less briefly describe the organization where you are employed in terms of its purpose, its services and client population, and its scope of operation (state, county, etc., if relevant). Also provide several relevant measures of its size (e.g., annual budget and revenues; number of employees or full-time equivalents; patients or beds; and number of years in existence if less than five years old).
• In one paragraph describe your role in the organization, including title/position of groups or individuals to whom you report; current responsibilities; number and types of individuals you supervise; size of budget(s) you control; and names of principal committees on which you sit.
• Summarize your career development, describe the broad areas of endeavor in which you have engaged, and distinguish between clinically-oriented activities (e.g., teaching, research, practice) and leadership activities.
• With reference to your present and future responsibilities and development, describe what you are primarily interested in learning as a result of participating in the program. Please note subject areas in which you are well versed and those in which you feel you need improvement.
• Consider a professional project where you were responsible for design and/or implementation, and the project was successful. Describe what you learned from this experience and how it influenced you as a leader.
• Consider a professional project where you were responsible for design and/or implementation, and the project was unsuccessful or not implemented as designed. Describe what you learned from this experience and how it influenced you as a leader.

Advisory Note: We recognize that cultural norms differ from country to country. In order for our applicants to be informed of what is expected, we suggest reading the following text, which is included in our  Student Handbook  in the section on  Academic Integrity . While this text refers to work submitted for courses, it applies to the documentation submitted as part of the application process:

“All work submitted to meet course requirements is expected to be a student’s own work. In the preparation of work submitted to meet course requirements, students should always take great care to distinguish their own ideas and knowledge from information derived from sources. Whenever ideas or facts are derived from a student’s reading and research the sources must be indicated. The term ‘sources’ includes not only published primary and secondary material, but also information and opinions gained directly from other people. The responsibility for using the proper forms of citation lies with the individual student. Quotations must be placed within quotation marks, and the source must be credited. All paraphrased material also must be completely acknowledged.”

We encourage applicants to visit our page on Citation/Attributions .

Which program are you applying to?

Grad school personal statement examples.

Get accepted to your top choice graduate school with your compelling personal statement.

You are a thoughtful, intelligent, and unique individual. You already know that – now you just need to convince top grad school adcoms that you’re a cut above the rest.

By reading the sample graduate school essays provided above, you should get a clear idea of how to translate your qualifications, passions, and individual experiences into words. You will see that the samples here employ a creative voice, use detailed examples, and draw the reader in with a clear writing style. Most importantly, these personal statements are compelling – each one does a fine job of convincing you that the author of the essay is a human being worth getting to know, or better yet, worth having in your next top grad school class. Grad school statement of purpose sample essays should be engaging and attention grabbing.

Here are the 5 things to include in a grad school personal statement:

• Engaging opening
• Consistent use of opening imagery
• A clear theme that ties the essay together
• Solid structure
• Good use of transitions

Grad school essay example #1: The environmental studies student

Two scenes stand out in my mind from my visit to Brazil’s Wetland: Forests burning before seed planting and trees as hedgerows. Before the planting season, I could see the leafless remnants of burnt trees still standing.  READ MORE>>>

• Attention-grabbing opening: The author immediately grabs your attention by placing them in the midst of the scene and vividly conveying what the author saw.
• Vivid, visual opening: You can almost smell the burnt trees and see the ranches and farms thriving behind their protective forests.
• A clear theme that ties the essay together: The writer clearly states an interest in the clash between economic and environmental concerns throughout the essay. Discussion of coursework taken and how it influenced the author’s decision to pursue both master’s and PhD in Environmental Studies also flows through the essay.
• Solid structure: Thanks to the continued theme of the clash between economic and environmental concerns, this is a very easy essay to read. Mentions of different courses that piqued the writer’s interest also help to hold this essay together.
• Good use of transitions: Transitions help your reader move from one topic to the next as you connect the topic in the preceding paragraph to the topic in the next. They can consist of a few words or a phrase or simply the repetition of the topic by name as opposed to using a pronoun.  The writer used the terminology connecting economics and the environment at the end of the first paragraph, and uses the same words at the beginning of the second one.

Grad school essay example #2: The engineering student

A simple bridge truss was the first structure I ever analyzed. The simple combination of beams that could hold cars, trains, and trucks over long spans of water fascinated me. Having the tools to analyze the loads on the truss further increased my interest in structures.  READ MORE>>>

• Attention-grabbing opening: This writer immediately shared his fascination with bridge truss designs and makes the reader want to learn more about structural engineering.
• Consistent use of opening imagery: The writer begins his essay with the image of the first structure he ever analyzed – a simple bridge truss. This bridge truss becomes the basis for all of his future study of structural engineering and design. Toward the end of the essay, he states that design structure has fascinated him since he saw that first image of a bridge truss for his first engineering class.
• A clear theme that ties the essay together: The theme of structural design runs throughout the essay. It is mentioned right at the beginning of the essay, in following paragraphs and in the final paragraph as well. Toward the end of the essay, the writer discusses how a grad degree in engineering will help him reach both his short- and long-term goals. 
• Solid structure: Since the theme of structural design and engineering are so strong throughout the essay, it is easy to follow along as the writer talks about different classes he has taken, an internship he did, and even an experience as a student volunteer. 
• Good use of transitions: The author ends his first paragraph talking about the textbook for his first engineering class, and continues on this theme in the next paragraph. He then transitioned from classes he took to student volunteer research he participated in. When discussing what he plans to study in grad school, the same terminology is used again, joining the whole essay into one cohesive whole. 

Grad school essay example #3: The public health student

What if people lived healthier lives, practiced preventive medicine, and took precautions against illness and disease? My days in the physical therapy department often made me think about the prevention of injuries as well as the injuries themselves. I was already doubting my future career choice as a physical therapist.  READ MORE>>>

• Attention-grabbing opening: The author of this essay makes an early case for why he wants to leave the field of physical therapy and move to the public health arena. You can almost feel the writer’s frustration with physical therapy and their need to find a way to reach a broader population, provide primary care to them, while challenging and motivating the writer to improve.
• Consistent use of opening imagery: The idea of providing primary care to large populations and the benefits the population could get from this care are woven through the whole essay. Finding ways to improve the health of underprivileged populations is also found throughout the essay.
• A clear theme that ties the essay together: Provision of primary care to large communities is a theme that runs throughout the essay. The author’s work at a county health clinic cemented this idea and led to him choosing to pursue an education and career in public health.
• Solid structure: The theme of providing primary care to large underprivileged populations is a theme that ties this personal statement together.
• Good use of transitions: The words “public health” occur in every paragraph. The author ends the second paragraph talking about work in the field, and begins the next paragraph by mentioning field experience. This makes it easy to follow the flow of the essay.

Grad school essay example #4: The physician assistant student

I was nine years old and in the middle of Mrs. Russell’s third grade class when my stomach began to itch uncontrollably. I remember thinking to myself, “Did I get bitten by a bug?” Completely distracted by the incessant itching, I asked Mrs. Russell if I could go to the nurse’s office. When the nurse lifted my shirt, I saw the biggest “bug bites” I had ever seen covering the majority of my stomach.  READ MORE>>>

Note:  The character limit for the CASPA PS is 5,000 characters with spaces. You need to keep this limit in mind as you write your personal statement.

• Attention-grabbing opening and consistent use of opening imagery: The writer of this essay immediately grabs the reader’s attention by making them feel her fear and frustration of having an undiagnosed medical condition. You can also feel her relief when she is finally diagnosed – and treated – by a PA.
• Vivid, visual opening and consistent use of opening imagery: Your heart beats a little faster as you read how a 9-year-old girl’s medical condition couldn’t be diagnosed until a visit with a PA who helped her discover her passion. She continues to illustrate her love of all things medical throughout the essay.
• A clear theme that ties the essay together: Her essay has a clear theme – her interest in medicine and healthcare, and her connection with PAs. This theme is touched upon in every paragraph of her personal statement. Whether discussing her love of learning or the skills learned through sports, the ultimate goal of becoming a PA comes through. 
• Solid structure: The author’s themes of love of learning and medicine, and the desire to become a PA to help others flow through this essay. They make it cohesive, readable, and interesting. 
• Good use of transition: The writer shows how her interest in being a PA grows throughout her life through a series of events – her illness, attending a youth leadership forum where she first saw infected human organs, and finally her mother’s own illness and the care given by the same PA who diagnosed the author at the age of 9. The imagery of the “itchy little” girl from the first paragraph appears again in the last paragraph, pulling the entire personal statement together.

5 FATAL FLAWS TO AVOID

In your grad school statement of purpose, get expert help with your graduate school application.

Our world-class team helps you stand out from the competition and get accepted.

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HAVE AN ACCEPTANCE RATE OF UNDER 20% 

AN OUTSTANDING GRADUATE SCHOOL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE IS CRITICAL IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

You want to get accepted to a top school, but you need to show you're more qualified than other applicants. U.S. News reports the average graduate school acceptance rate is 20% for the top 10 engineering programs and 15% for the top 10 education programs, but our grad school clients enjoy an  85% ACCEPTANCE RATE.  How can you best your competition? By writing an excellent statement of purpose.

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Writing the Personal Statement for Health Professions Applications

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The personal statement gives you the opportunity to present a compelling snapshot of who you are and perhaps why you want to be a doctor. Use your personal statement to say what others can’t. The personal statement can be a tricky genre to master. On the one hand, you want to give the admissions committee a sense of your personality and who you are. On the other hand, you must sound focused and professional, which sounds like it might impede your ability to capture your personality.

But this does not have to be the case. What you need to do is figure out how to say what drives you to want to become a healthcare professional in as specific a way as possible. The more specific you can be, the more the admissions committee will feel as if they have a sense of who you are.

You don’t need gimmicks, jokes, artificial drama, or hyperbole to express who you are or why you would make a good medical student or doctor. All you need are carefully selected details that you can craft into a unique and compelling story that conveys a sense of purpose and motivation.

What Makes a Good Personal Statement?

• There is no exact template for an effective personal statement. Often, however, strong personal statements combine a concise description of a personal experience with reflection on how this experience either led the writer to pursue medicine or indicates the writer’s character or commitment.
• Good personal statements often have a strong sense of narrative. This does not mean that they read like short stories, though they can relate a few scenes or anecdotes from your life. They have a strong sense of narrative, rather, in how they convey the writer’s sense of dedication to medicine. Strong personal statements often give readers an idea of how applicants see their experiences as leading to the decision to pursue medicine.

How to Get Started

The personal statement is an exercise in self-reflection. Questions to consider:

• Who are you?  I am driven to… I have learned to… I believe…
• What are your most passionate interests or concerns?  What problem(s) most occupy your thinking and your efforts?
• How did you develop those interests?  (Not just the story, but what drives you.)
• What errors or regrets have taught you something important about yourself?
• When does time disappear for you?  What does this tell you about your passions, your values?
• What ideas, books, courses, events have had a profound impact on you?  How so?
• To what extent do your current commitments reflect your most strongly held values?
• When have you changed?  Consider yourself before and after; what does this change mean?
• How do your interests and who you are relate to your goals in medical school and as a doctor?

Start a “shoebox”; a place to keep random notes for your personal statement; be ready to write at any time. Review these items occasionally; let them tell you more about what you want your personal statement to say. Start writing drafts, experiments; you will know when a paragraph begins to gel.

A Suggested Writing Process

Everyone writes differently, so these are potential strategies rather than rules.

• Make a list of some of your most defining experiences – extracurricular activities, specific classes, volunteer work, research, hobbies, etc. Try not to include overly personal experiences (breakups, trouble with parents, illnesses in the family, and so on). It’s difficult to write about such things without being sentimental or cliché. You want experiences in which you did something and had to make a choice.
• From this list, try to select an experience that particularly demonstrates your intellectual curiosity, your dedication to service, your composure under pressure, your leadership ability, or any other personal trait that you think is particularly relevant to your case that you would make a good doctor or medical student.
• Start writing a draft based on this experience. You want to be specific, but don’t get bogged down with an abundance of anecdotes or minutiae. Try to use your draft to craft a succinct story that demonstrates your character and your motivations.
• Set the draft aside for some time (a number of days or weeks), and then revisit it with fresh eyes. Be as honest with yourself as you can be: What works in this draft? What doesn’t work? What sounds cliché or unspecific? Would a reader who doesn’t know me at all get a sense of my personal character and dedication?
• Revise, revise, revise: tighten the structure, add new things to make your point clearer, take away sentences or sections that now seem unnecessary, use the active voice as much as possible, and anything else that needs to be done. If what you have just doesn’t seem to be coming together, do not be afraid to start over.
• Solicit feedback from a couple of trusted readers and revise again based on the suggestions that you find most useful. Don’t solicit feedback from too many people though – too many responses can be overwhelming.
• Edit your work for grammatical mistakes, typos, clumsy repetitions, and so on. Make your prose impeccable before you submit your statement. Asking help from other readers can be especially helpful with editing, as sometimes it gets difficult to read your work with fresh eyes.

Things to Do

• Use the experience that you describe to tell a story of personal progress, particularly progress towards your commitment to medicine.
• Write with active verbs as much as possible.
• Strive for concision.
• Sound humble but also confident.

Things Not to Do – Common Pitfalls

• Don’t talk in hyperbolic terms about how passionate you are. Everyone applying to medical school can say they are passionate. Instead, show your readers something you have done that indicates your passion.
• Don’t adopt an overly confessional or sentimental tone. You need to sound professional.
• Don’t treat the personal statement like a piece of creative writing.
• Don’t put your resume in narrative form.
• Don’t use jargon, abbreviations, slang, etc.
• Don’t use too many qualifiers: very, quite, rather, really, interesting…
• Don’t write in overly flowery language that you would normally never use.
• Don’t include famous quotations. If you must quote, use something that shows significant knowledge.
• Don’t write about yourself in an overly glorifying or overly self-effacing manner.

What to Remember

• They are read by non-specialists, so write for an intelligent non-medical audience.
• Actions sometimes speaks louder than words so give examples of experiences rather than describing them.
• All information must be accurate – don’t pad, but don’t be falsely modest either.
• The personal statement, in part, serves as a test of your communication skills.  How well you write it is as important as the content.

Writing Resources

• AAMC: 7 Tips for Writing your AMCAS Personal Statement
• Graduate Admission Essays: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why , Donald Asher, Ten Speed Press
• On Writing Well , William Zinsser
• Elements of Style , Strunk and White, Macmillan
• Article :  2 Med School Essays that Admissions Officers Loved
• Guidance for Writing Personal Statements, Work & Activities Section, Secondary Applications

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Information Request Form

As a part of the SOPHAS application, all applicants will submit the following materials when applying to Rollins. The GRE is not required for admission to most of our academic programs and will not be considered as part of the application for admission. The department of Biostatistics offers a GRE optional policy. Students applying to BIOS can submit a GRE score for consideration. The GRE score must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission. Check here for additional department-specific requirements.

• Transcripts
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• Test Scores

You should have official transcripts sent directly to SOPHAS from all of the post-secondary institutions you've attended (regardless of how much time you were enrolled there). SOPHAS will only accept transcripts sent directly from the schools. Please do not mail them yourself!

Official transcripts should include a signature from the dean, registrar, or appropriate authority and/or the university seal and be sent snail mail in a sealed envelope. Faxed or emailed transcripts will not be accepted.

International Transcripts

If you are requesting transcripts from colleges outside of the United States, be sure you complete your application through SOPHAS and request your transcript well in advance of the application deadline. We recommend requesting your transcript at least a month in advance.

We suggest doing your SOPHAS application first, so you will already have your 11-digit SOPHAS ID when ordering your evaluation through the World Education Services (WES).

Order your evaluation with this form.

International transcripts, (including French Canadian transcripts) , must be submitted to WES, which evaluates your academic record, before sending everything forward to SOPHAS. When completing your WES profile, make sure to select the WES international credential package, which includes a course-by-course evaluation. While French Canadian transcripts have to be submitted through WES, English Canadian transcripts can be sent directly to SOPHAS from your post-secondary institution.

If you're still enrolled in a post-secondary program outside of the U.S. at the time of the WES evaluation, you will need to submit a final WES evaluation after you have graduated (proving you earned your degree). This info applies to anyone who has obtained a degree outside of the U.S. So, if you live in the United States now, but received your academic training outside of the country, you will need to adhere to all requirements outlined for international students.

All applicants to Rollins must have (at a minimum) the equivalent of a U.S. four-year bachelor's degree.

Note: The WES requirement does not apply to U.S. students who have enrolled in study-abroad programs. International students, may get more application details here !

• an undergraduate/graduate advisor
• faculty in your major field of study
• a recent employer

Your evaluators will submit your evaluation electronically through SOPHAS. Make sure you're telling your references that you will be listing them on your application. Using the contact info you provide, SOPHAS will then email your references to obtain their recommendations.

Note that while SOPHAS requires at least three evaluations, once two have been received, SOPHAS will automatically submit your application to Rollins for review (if your application and all other admission materials have been completed and verified). Your third evaluation will be forwarded to Rollins upon receipt.

Statement of Purpose and Objectives

The personal statement is intended to give you the opportunity to submit a tailored narrative describing who you are and your academic/professional goals. Write your personal statement focused towards your first-choice degree program. Your personal statement should achieve the following:

• 1,500 Words or less (you may use the space allotted on the SOPHAS application)
• Summarize relevant experience
• Explain what you hope to achieve with your public health degree
• Explain the reason why you would like to attend Rollins School of Public Health

If you are not selected into your first-choice degree program, you may be asked to submit another statement to the second (or third) choice department if the content of the program differs significantly from your first choice. If an additional essay is requested, please email the Rollins School of Public Health Office of Admissions directly and indicate which department the new statement should be sent. Please include your name and Emory ID on the additional essay. 

Your Experience - Research/ Work/ Volunteer

We want to know where you're coming from and what you've done so far in the field of public health.

SOPHAS has a section that lets you fill in details about work, research, honors, awards, and volunteer experience relevant to public health. Use this opportunity to tell us about your achievements. You can put those valuable paid and unpaid internship experiences in here too. We want to hear all about you!

Every school you apply to will be able to see this info.

Other relevant information

In 600 words or less, applicants can use this section of the SOPHAS application to highlight any additional information or relevant skills not expressed elsewhere on the application which may be useful in the evaluation process.

The GRE is not required for admission to most of our academic programs and will not be considered as part of the application for admission. The department of Biostatistics offers a GRE optional policy. Students applying to BIOS can submit a GRE score for consideration. The GRE score must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission.

International applicants are also required to submit TOEFL scores. You can find out about the TOEFL requirement by visiting our International Applicants page.

Rollins Test Codes

Breaking down the MPA/MPP personal statement, personal essay, and supplemental essay

Essays for graduate study cover a myriad of topics. Here at SPIA, we hope our essays help reflect and speak to our culture, our community, and our values—the stuff we care about. We require a variety of essays and short answer written responses, and each serves a slightly different purpose toward helping us to understand the academic and professional trajectory of each person as well as the motivation for graduate study at Princeton. No one thing is determinative in our process or application; we read each file individually and holistically, and admissions decisions are based on the totality of information in the file. 

The personal statement should answer the prompt and include an explanation of one’s commitment to a career in public service. We are interested in a clear description of the policy areas of interest to you and why you care about them as well as how your previous academic, personal, and professional experiences have shaped your career goals. We want to know why you want to enroll at SPIA, what you hope to gain from our program, as well as your career plans in terms of policy issues and agencies or organizations you wish to work with and why. We are looking to understand Why Princeton. Why now. And what’s next.

SPIA’s supplemental essay has long been the part of our application where we ask you to go beyond the other dimensions of the file and where we seek to get to know you on a more personal and individual basis. We all come from somewhere and it shapes us – both in who we become and what we value. We’re interested in your story and what shaped you. What do you value? This essay often helps us to further understand the person behind the paper.

This year, the Graduate School introduced the personal essay . The announcement of this essay reaffirms Princeton’s strong commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It provides applicants an additional space to describe how their academic interests and life experiences will help them contribute to Princeton’s scholarly community. We hope to further understand how you will contribute to our tight-knit and vibrant campus community.

We understand there may be some similarities and overlap in how you interpret and write each essay. Our hope, of course, is that each essay will reveal something new and that each provides space and opportunity to translate through as rich and as full a description of your background, goals, and aspirations as possible. 

Through each of them, we are looking for you to tell us your story in the way that only you can.

We're still accepting applications for fall 2024!

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Steps to Apply for an MS

Applications for all Master of Sciences (MS) programs at the School of Public Health are administered by the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School via ApplyWeb.

Application requirements may vary slightly by degree program, but in general, those applying to MS programs will be asked to submit the following:

• Online Application Form
• Non-Refundable Application Fee
• Official Transcripts
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Academic Statement of Purpose Essay
• Personal Statement Essay
• Quantitative Experience Statement
• Resume or CV (recommended)
• Language Proficiency Test Scores (applicants must meet the Rackham English Proficiency Requirements )

*Michigan Public Health does not require and does not review GRE or other standardized test scores for admission to any master’s or doctoral programs. 

1. Plan your application timeline

The priority application deadline for Fall 2024 admissions for all School of Public Health Master of Science degrees is December 1, 2023. We encourage applicants from all programs to submit their application prior to the priority deadline to ensure funding consideration. Those who submit afterward are not guaranteed funding consideration. An additional application is not required for funding consideration.

Final application deadlines for Master of Sciences degrees are as follows:

• Biostatistics MS Degree : Applications accepted on a rolling basis after the priority deadline.
• Environmental Health Sciences MS Degree : Applications accepted on a rolling basis after the priority deadline.
• Environmental Health Sciences Accelerated MS Degree : January 15, 2024
• Epidemiology MS in Clinical Research: December 1, 2024
• Epidemiology MS in Computational Epidemiology and Systems Modeling : Applications accepted on a rolling basis after the priority deadline.
• Nutritional Sciences MS : May 15, 2024

Time management is a crucial skill for graduate schooling. It will be important to consider the deadline you are applying for and plan your personal timeline for ordering transcripts, preparing your materials, reaching out to individuals for your letters of recommendation, and finalizing your application - ideally allowing extra time for any unforeseen slowdowns.

2. Order your transcripts

The Rackham Graduate School requires that students applying to Master of Science or Doctoral Programs include an official transcript as part of their application. Official transcripts are an original or an attested copy of your transcript with an original institutional seal and signature of the Registrar or Recorder of Records.

• Upload an electronic version of your official transcript(s) for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress through your ApplyWeb application account. ​​​​​​​​​​
• If you are recommended for admission, official transcript(s) must be submitted directly from your previous institutions’ Registrar or Records Office to the Rackham Graduate School. Recommended applicants will receive an email notification when the official transcript(s) are required for submission.
• Upload an electronic version of your official transcript/academic record for each institution attended through your ApplyWeb application account.
• At the time of application, you must also submit an official transcript/academic record for each institution attended. See Rackham’s detailed instructions on how to submit transcripts/academic records to the Rackham Graduate School.

More information on submitting official transcripts to Rackham can be found here. 

3. Update your resume or CV

4. prepare your essays.

Academic Statement of Purpose This essay should be a concise, well-written statement about your academic and research background as well as your career goals. In addition, the content should communicate how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. This essay should be 1-3 pages and is typically double spaced.

Personal Statement This essay should answer the question: How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan and the School of Public Health? The personal statement should be different from your Academic Statement of Purpose. This essay is limited to 500 words.

Standard Quantitative Experiences Statement Note: At this time, the Department of Biostatistics does not have a Quantitative Experiences Statement. 

In an effort to get a better understanding of your abilities, we require a statement for all graduate-level applicants as part of the application process. 

This short essay (limited to 500 words) asks you to summarize the strength of your analytical and quantitative skills by addressing the following (if applicable):

• Discuss specific details and examples of relevant research, work, volunteer, or professional experiences that involved analytical and/or quantitative skills and tasks. You may also incorporate instances where you worked with data.
• If you have experience with quantitative or qualitative data, describe how you used it to solve a complex problem and include how you communicated your findings. 

5. Reach out to recommenders

Three letters of recommendation are required as part of the application process. You should select recommenders who can discuss your ability to academically succeed and contribute to the public health profession. Depending on your background and specific situation, consider the following references:

• Faculty from your undergraduate institution in your major of study
• An employer or supervisor
• Academic advisor
• Professional mentor from a relevant volunteer or professional experience

A friend or relative is not an appropriate selection for a graduate school recommendation.

Tips for high impact letters of recommendation:

• You may have interacted with many people in academic or professional settings who could speak to your abilities. Carefully consider who can best communicate why you are a strong candidate. Together, these letters should paint a clear picture of your abilities from a variety of perspectives. Be sure to have a back up plan if one of your recommenders is not able to contribute.
• Make the process easy for your recommenders by providing ample time to write and submit (3-4 weeks), clear instructions, a deadline, and even a list of suggested items you would like referenced in your letter.
• Schedule 20-30 minutes to meet with your recommender and/or provide drafts of your resume and Statement of Purpose so that they can more clearly understand your specific goals and motivations for attending Michigan Public Health.
• Ask recommenders to use official letterhead along with a full signature including the writer’s company or professional affiliation, job title, and contact information.

Be sure to make your recommenders aware that they will be required to submit evaluations directly into ApplyWeb. You will be responsible for inputting your recommender's contact information into your ApplyWeb application. ApplyWeb then initiates contacting your recommender with instructions to provide their letter of recommendation.

More information on letters of recommendation can be found here.

6. Complete Language Proficiency Requirements (if applicable)

7. pay your application fee or apply for a fee waiver.

An application fee is due when you submit your application. This fee is non-refundable. The fee structure is outlined below:

• United States citizens and those with permanent resident visa status: $75
• Non-US citizens: $90
• Current Rackham student (regardless of citizenship): $10

In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a fee waiver administered by Rackham Graduate School. You may review the list of fee waiver types administered by Rackham and the criteria here.

8. Submit and monitor your application status

Before submitting, please double check each part of your application. After submitting, you can only make limited changes to your application and materials, so it’s important that your application is accurate and complete before pressing submit.

Upon submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email. You may monitor your application status in ApplyWeb.

We look forward to reviewing your application and understanding your unique interests and goals at Michigan Public Health!

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MPH Application Requirements

No GRE Required | CEPH accredited 

Application Process and Deadlines: 

• Applications are accepted annually for Fall enrollment only through SOPHAS .
• For Admissions Deadlines, click here . 

Application Requirements:

• In select circumstances, students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement but are deemed an appropriate fit for the Program through the holistic evaluation of their application may be admitted conditionally upon approval by the MPH Program Admissions Committee.
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools. Transcripts for all degrees earned in schools outside the U.S. or Canada must be evaluated by an agency accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. See the section on International Applicants for more information about this process. The requirement for evaluation of transcripts is waived for graduates of foreign medical schools with a current license to practice in the U.S.
• Three references from persons who can address the applicant's capacity to provide leadership in public health and complete a course of graduate study. If the applicant is a student or has graduated within the last two years, at least one letter must be from a college or university faculty member with whom the applicant has studied. If the applicant is a member of the public health workforce, at least one letter must be from a senior administrator in the organization who is familiar with his/her work. Letters of recommendation should be written on applicable college/university/organization letterhead and signed prior to submission.
• Essay topic:  Public Health,  in contrast to an individualized medical model of health care, assumes that the focus of attention is a population of individuals.  What does this mean to you? And how does your background prepare you for a career which includes an emphasis on population health?
• A personal interview, if requested by the Admissions Committee.
• Completion of the online application.

The Admissions Committee considers all factors including grades, recommendation letters, essays, prior training, and professional experience. It is a goal of the Admissions Committee to select applicants who have the academic capability, aptitude, character, personal qualities, and commitment to provide future value to society through leadership and creative contributions to the field of public health. We endorse the ASPPH's position on GRE Scores and Admissions .

The Admissions Committee encourages applications from those in the public health workforce and weighs professional experience heavily in admissions decisions.

Note Regarding Quantitative Skills

Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of quantitative ability. Thus, while the GRE is not required for admission, submitted scores will be reviewed and taken into consideration by the admissions committee. An applicant's background in quantitative courses and applied skills found in the CV/Resume portion of the application will also be considered in the review of the applicant.

•  To submit GRE scores, please use our SOPHAS code: 0622.

For International Applicants:

• Unfortunately, our program is not STEM-designated. Therefore, we cannot offer OPT extension at this time.
• Due to visa processing times, international students should apply to the Program in Public Health's MHA or MPH programs by April 15th.
• We accept IELTS scores electronically.  Please provide the following information to your test center to arrange for your scores to be sent to us: Stony Brook University SUNY Program in Public Health HSC Level 3, Room 071 STONY BROOK NY 11794
• Other English Proficiency tests may be acceptable and can be found in the  Graduate School Bulletin . This link will also provide the English Proficiency Requirements for Admission by Stony Brook University.
• International students are required to have a course-by-course educational credential evaluation completed by an agency accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ).  We require using World Education Services ( WES ).  This evaluation provides a U.S. course equivalent including semester hours earned, course content, and corresponding letter grade for all courses listed on the international applicant’s transcript.  This evaluation must be completed before the application can be considered. 
• For more information about international students services, click SBU Visa and Immigration website . 

Application Requirements for Combined Programs:

Combined Undergraduate Programs

Combined Graduate Programs

Writing Guide

Writing serves as a useful skill for anyone in the field of public health — students and professionals alike. Public health students must enroll in writing-intensive courses that require essays and research papers. Once students graduate, they put their skills to use writing reports on community health. They may compose presentations, research studies, or press releases, depending on their jobs. Those who stay in academia continue to write research papers throughout their careers.

Students should begin cultivating a clear and concise writing style long before they graduate.

They should also learn how to use standardized citations. Understanding how to properly cite sources will help students as they conduct research and publish their findings. Citations also help students and researchers avoid plagiarism.

This guide explains how to write a public health report, a research paper, and an exam essay. The page also advises students on how to conduct research online and find trustworthy sources. Students can review citation style guides and public health writing samples.

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Types of writing public health students will do in school, personal statements.

When applying to a public health program, schools often require students to submit personal statements. Schools may either ask students to write a general personal essay answer a certain prompt. Usually, prompts center around applicants’ interest in public health or about the public health field in general. Students might come across a prompt similar to this one: “Identify a public health issue in the U.S., and how you would work to rectify it as a public health professional.” Alternately, students may encounter this common topic: “What drove you to pursue a career in public health?”

Schools look for essays that are honest, well-written, and well-organized. Students should get the reader’s attention with an anecdote illustrating their commitment to public health. Was it an experience with adversity or discrimination that prompted you to pursue this career? Did you learn about the importance of public health while volunteering or traveling? Include those details in the story.

Students should also demonstrate their current knowledge of public health. They may write about their career goals as well. However, students should avoid writing exaggerations, falsehoods, or superlatives. People who read admissions essays can typically sense when applicants are stretching the truth. If the school makes the personal statement optional, students should still consider writing one. A personal statement demonstrates commitment and hard work, and may help make up for flawed or weak admissions materials.

In some public health courses, professors require students to answer essay questions during exams. This can be intimidating since students do not usually know the prompt until they actually start the exam. Students have a limited amount of time to write the essay, typically one or two hours. Students should allot their time accordingly. Some students do not plan their work before they begin writing; this can lead to sloppy essays with weak supporting points, disorganized information, and tangents unrelated to the prompt.

For a 60-minute time frame, students may give themselves 10 minutes to brainstorm, plan, and outline.

During the brainstorming process, students should write their thesis statement.

Then they should jot down three points that support the thesis. These ideas will serve as the three body paragraphs. Students may give themselves five minutes to write the introduction, 30 minutes to write the body, and then five minutes to write the conclusion. They then have 10 minutes to proofread. Students often inadvertently miss this step, but proofreading may make or break the essay.

Students should begin planning long before the day of the essay. Students ought to review the material well enough to be prepared for any prompt. They should carefully look over their lecture notes to determine which points the professor emphasized during classes. These points will likely prove significant when it comes time for the exam. Students should also make sure that they actually answer the prompt instead of rushing and jumping to assumptions.

Research Papers

In a research paper, students examine the existing research, theories, case studies, and ideas about a particular topic. Students have several weeks to write research papers, which may seem like a huge amount of time. However, research papers demand a lot of work, so students should start early. Professors rarely assign strict, narrow prompts for research papers. Instead, they usually give students a topic or range of topics, and students choose their focus. Public health topics may include how poverty or race affects access to healthcare; opioid abuse; the social consequences of HIV/AIDS; childhood obesity; or maternal mortality in third world countries.

Students should start by brainstorming a list of points and ideas they will investigate. Then comes the most time-intensive and significant part of a research paper: the research itself. Students ought to use multiple different resources to help them craft their arguments. Options include online databases, academic journals, and their college library. Make sure you keep track of citations and sources as you go.

Students should also make sure their essays are well-structured. A well-written thesis unites the main points of the paper. Unlike essays, research papers usually include more than five paragraphs. Students may break down their arguments into different sections. A research paper must include a works cited or bibliography that credits all sources. The exact length of the paper and number of sources depends on the professor’s expectations.

Over the course of their academic careers, public health students write many kinds of essays. Professors often assign persuasive essays, in which the student must make a convincing argument; expository essays, in which the student explores and explains an idea; narrative essays, in which the student tells a story; comparative essays, in which the students analyzes two different viewpoints; and cause and effect essays, in which the student must explain the logic behind why certain events or phenomena occur.

• Narrative: In a narrative essay, the author tells a meaningful story. Studying public health, you probably won’t write many narratives. However, narrative essays can support an argument or prove a point. For instance, if you argue that every community should have a free clinic, you might tell a personal story about your experience growing up in a low-income neighborhood with no access to healthcare. Make sure your essay demonstrates a clear plot, follows an organized structure, and includes many details.
• Expository: When professors assign expository essays, they expect students to explain or describe a concept. These essays help professors evaluate whether students have a firm grasp on a topic. Expository essay often include five paragraphs: an introduction with a thesis statement, three main points backing that thesis statement, and a conclusion. Students should do plenty of planning and research before writing to ensure they adequately address the prompt and include enough evidence.
• Persuasive: Persuasive essays appear commonly in academic assignments. Students first develop an argument as a thesis statement. Then, they generate a cogent defense of that argument by researching supporting evidence. Students should be able to anticipate arguments against their thesis statement and include counterpoints. In persuasive essays, students not only demonstrate their knowledge of the course material, but also prove their critical thinking skills by developing their case.
• Comparative: A comparative essay requires students to compare and contrast two ideas, viewpoints, or things. For example, public health students may compare two texts, theories, public health systems, or positions on an issue. First of all, students should create a list of similarities and differences between the two items. After that, they can develop a thesis statement on whether the similarities outweigh the differences or vice versa. Finally, they should organize the essay. They can either defend their thesis statement by listing each point of comparison, or they can split the essay in half by discussing subject one and then subject two.
• Cause and Effect: These essays require students to explain how one event or theory leads to a specific consequence. For instance, a public health student might argue that abstinence-only education in public schools leads to a higher rate of teenage pregnancies. Students should remember that just because one event follows another, those two events do not necessarily influence one another. In other words, correlation does not equal causation. In the analysis portion of the essay, students must explain specific reasons why they think the two events are connected using data and other evidence.

Citations Guide for Public Health Students

In public health writing, just as any other discipline, students must cite their sources. If students use ideas, theories, or research without crediting the original source — even unintentionally — then they have plagiarised. An accusation of plagiarism could follow the student throughout their education and professional career. Professors may fail students who plagiarise, sinking their GPA. Plagiarism accusations can also ruin a student’s credibility. Fortunately, students can avoid plagiarism by properly giving credit for their data and ideas. Common citation styles include those listed below.

American Psychological Association (APA) Style

Students in the social sciences use APA style when writing their essays and research papers. Business and nursing students also commonly use APA style. APA prefers active voice over passive voice, as well as concise language over flowery words. Research papers written in APA style should include a title page, abstract, and a reference page. In-text citations list the author’s name, year of publication, and page number if applicable. Below is an example of how to cite a source using APA style.

In-text citation:

In Milwaukee, poor neighbourhoods were segregated by design (Desmond, 2017, p. 249).

On the works cited page:

Desmond, M. (2017). Evicted: Poverty and profit in the American city . London: Penguin Books.

Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)

History students and students of the natural sciences typically use Chicago, or Turabian, style in their research. Papers written in Chicago style include three sections: the title page, the main body, and a references page. This style also uses footnotes to source information and provide more context. In-text citations list the author’s name, the date of publication, and the page where the student found the data. Unlike APA style, though, the in-text citation does not use a “p.” before the page number. See the example below:

In Milwaukee, poor neighbourhoods were segregated by design (Desmond 2017, 249).

Desmond, Matthew. Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City . London: Penguin Books, 2017.

Modern Language Association (MLA) Format

Students of the humanities — including literature, foreign languages, and cultural studies — use MLA style in their research papers. Unlike APA and Chicago style, MLA style does not require students to add a title page. MLA papers also do not include an abstract. Students only need to include the paper itself and a works cited page that corresponds with in-text citations. When adding citations in the body of the text, MLA includes the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses. This style does not list the publication year. You can find an example of MLA citation below:

In Milwaukee, poor neighbourhoods were segregated by design (Desmond 249).

Associated Press (AP) Style

Journalists use Associated Press, or AP style, in their work. AP style standardizes grammar and spelling usage across news media and mass communications. Students rarely use AP style, unless they are writing an article in their subject area for a newspaper or magazine. AP style prioritizes brevity and conciseness above all else. Therefore, it includes several rules that differ from other writing styles. For instance, AP style eliminates the last comma in a list of items (for example: “She dressed in capris, a tank top and sandals”). Since students and professors do not use AP style for academic papers, AP style does not include a reference page like other style guides. Instead, AP style simply uses non-parenthetical in-text citations.

“People who live in low-income communities lack opportunities to exercise,” said Lydia Homerton, professor of public health at Hero College.

The Best Writing Style for Public Health Majors

Professionals in the public health field use APA, the most common style in the social sciences. Professors expect students to use APA style as well. Public health research follows a standardized system of citing sources, making it easier for students and professionals in the field to conduct further research. Students should add a title page and abstract before the essay, as well as a list of references in the back.

Common Writing Mistakes Students Make

Active vs. passive voice.

When writing essays and research papers, students should use active voice and avoid passive voice. Learning the difference between passive and active constructions can be tricky. First of all, students should be able to identify the subject in a sentence. The subject is the noun performing an action. Take this sentence: “The woman catches the keys.” In this case, the woman is the subject of the sentence because she is the one performing the action, catching. The sentence “The woman catches the keys” is active because it focuses on the subject and the action. You can identify an active sentence by checking if the first noun is a subject performing an action.

By contrast, examine this sentence: “The keys were caught by the woman.” The first noun, “keys,” is not performing an action. Instead, it is being acted upon. The subject performing the action — the woman — is at the end of the sentence and not the beginning. This sentence uses passive voice instead of active voice. Some passive sentences do not include a subject at all. For example, “The keys were caught.”

Active voice makes writing more concise and easy to understand. Active sentences often include more information, especially about the subject performing an action. In research papers, students should use active voice whenever possible. However, sometimes it is clear that the author is the one performing the action, so active voice is not necessary. For instance, a researcher might write “the experiment was conducted Friday” instead of “I conducted the experiment Friday.”

Punctuation

Incorrect punctuation confuses readers. The wrong punctuation can change or obfuscate the meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or the entire essay. Publishers, professors, and other researchers often look down on papers with incorrect grammar, even if the content includes important or accurate research. Consequently, students should always use proper grammar in their essays.

The wrong punctuation can change or obfuscate the meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or the entire essay.

While students make many different errors with punctuation, most common errors revolve around colons and commas. Understand the difference between colons and semicolons. Both punctuation marks separate two parts of a sentence. Students should use colons when introducing a list. (“He ate lots of meat: pork, chicken, steak, veal, and duck.”) Colons can also introduce an appositive or new idea. (“She finally gave him the gift: a new computer.”) Semicolons, on the other hand, connect two complete, independent sentences. These sentences should be separate but related. (“He ate a lot of meat; he was ravenous.”)

Students should also take care to avoid comma splices. A comma splice occurs when writers connect two independent sentences using a comma. The following sentence includes a comma splice: “She danced with her boyfriend, he was very clumsy.” Instead, students could add an “and” to connect the two sentences. (“She danced with her boyfriend, and he was very clumsy.”) Alternately, writers could connect the sentences with a semicolon. (“She danced with her boyfriend; he was very clumsy.”) Lastly, writers could separate the two sentences with a period.

Proper grammar helps readers understand your essays. Proper grammar also gives your essay credibility. If you have a perfectly-argued essay, but your paper includes multiple grammar mistakes, the reader will likely be skeptical of the entire argument.

Understand the difference between there/their/they’re. “There” refers to a place. (“The dog is over there.”) Their shows possession. (“This is their house.”) “They’re” is a contraction for “they are.” (“They’re eating at the diner.”)

Also learn the difference between it’s and its. “It’s” is the contraction for “it is.” (“It’s hot outside.”) “Its” shows possession. (“The bird eats in its cage.”)

Make sure your sentences include proper subject-verb agreement. In other words, if the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb should also be plural. For example, use “The boy and his sisters are eating breakfast” instead of “The boy and his sisters is eating breakfast.”

Writing Resources for Public Health Students

• Guide to Improving Scientific Writing in Public Health : This guide from the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization teaches students how to write about complicated scientific material in a way that’s easy for readers to understand. The guide includes tips on vocabulary and format.
• Argument, Structure, and Credibility in Public Health Writing : Written by a professor at Harvard’s School of Public Health, this essay breaks down how to make effective arguments in public health writing. The page includes flow charts and figures to help illustrate exactly how public health essays should be organized.
• Purdue Online Writing Lab APA Style Guide : Purdue’s Online Writing Lab includes style guides for all writing and citation styles, including APA. The style guides help students understand how to format papers, use in-text citations, and create reference pages.
• Award-Winning Health Articles : One of the best ways to improve your writing is to read good examples. This page lists nine award-winning public health writing samples.
• The Women’s and Children’s Health Policy Center Writing Skills Guide : This website links to several modules on writing public health documents. Lessons include policy briefs and memos.

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Graduate Admissions: Health Policy and Management

Learn how to apply for graduate programs in health policy and management..

The Health Policy and Management department utilizes the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) for receiving applications to our graduate degree programs.

Application process for Ph.D., M.S., and M.P.H. programs:

Your application must be completed through  SOPHAS . The SOPHAS application is open and accepting applications for the Fall 2024 enrollment cycle. After you submit your SOPHAS application and it has been verified, you will receive an email from UMass to create an account, submit the UMass Supplemental Application, and pay the associated $60 UMass application fee. Admissions is a process shared by the University of Massachusetts Graduate School and the Health Policy and Management program. To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must meet the requirements of the  Graduate School .

Admissions Requirements:

• Transcripts: Successful applicants typically earn at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in their baccalaureate degree. No specific undergraduate courses are required for admission, although some familiarity with social scientific theories is helpful.
• Personal statement/Essays: Applicants’ personal statement (MS & MPH) or responses to essay questions (PhD) are evaluated to assess not just their academic maturity and performance in the classroom, but also prior engagement with research projects and service to their community.
• Letters of recommendation: minimum of two

NOTE: Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required and will not be considered or reviewed by our admissions committee.

Preference will be given to applicants with an advanced professional degree (MD, DDS, DVM) or other graduate degree, or applicants who have two or more years' work experience in the field of public health.

International Applicants

We encourage international applicants to apply to continue their educational journey with us!  All international applicants should visit the University of Massachusetts Graduate School’s website for  international applicants  for important information on:

• English Language Proficiency Requirement — successful Health Policy and Management candidates typically earn a TOEFL score of 100 or higher, or the equivalent on other approved tests
• Prerequisite degrees and international transcripts
• Estimated expenses
• Receiving the I-20

Application Deadlines

We begin accepting applications in August. Prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Fall Admission

PhD priority deadline: Dec. 1 MS, MPH, PhD deadline: Feb. 1

Spring Admission

We no longer consider spring admission candidates.

STEM Designation

Health Policy and Management is not considered a STEM designated program.

Funding We have traditionally been very successful in providing funding for PhD students (including first-year students) in the form of research assistantships (RAs), teaching assistantships (TAs), and traineeships. First-year students who receive funding typically receive a 10-hour-per-week position that includes a tuition waiver as well as a competitive paid stipend. The level of funding is dependent upon the availability of faculty-held grants and TA openings as well as the ranking of the student applicant in the context of the entire pool of applications. There is no separate application for funding; you will automatically be considered when you apply and are accepted for admission. Detailed information about funding will be communicated at the time of admission.  

Master’s students can also be considered for available RA and TA positions, with priority given to second-year students.

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Detailed Essay, Thesis and Dissertation Rules

Before you start.

In addition to these format instructions, be sure you are aware of the following: 

• general requirements for the research and document as specified by your department and your advisor
• rules regarding committee or readers

Before you finish

Early in the term in which you intend to graduate, you should start looking at the detailed information on how to submit the electronic essay, thesis or dissertation on Pitt Public Health's graduation information page . Questions should be directed to the school's Office of Student Affairs. 

Many students have found the following description of the components of a typical thesis/dissertation helpful as they begin to plan the layout of the document. Some essay writers may also choose to use this format. 

You will also find it useful to refer to a style guide such as Strunk and White's  Elements of Style  or the  Chicago Manual of Style . Consult with your department and/or advisor about recommended style guides. 

You may find it useful to use software such as  Endnote  for managing your bibliography.

Your basic source for format instructions is the  University’s ETD Web site . This includes  instructions , templates, forms,  support , and a portal to view all University of Pittsburgh theses and dissertations that have been submitted in the past. However, there are some minor differences in format requirements between the general University guidelines and Pitt Public Health. Some instructions on the University ETD site may conflict with Pitt Public Health instructions, in which case you should follow the school instructions outlined in the sections below.

MPH/MHA Essay Format

The preferred method for formatting your essay is to the template the school offers (email  [email protected]  for an updated template). If you do not use the template, be sure that your essay formatting follows  ETD guidelines . However, the essay sections should be ordered and numbered as in the table below, which is slightly different from the university ETD instructions. In addition, you do not need bookmarks in the essay. Your final essay can be deposited as a Word document or as a PDF.

Required order and numbering of pages for essays:

• Title page :  Small Roman numeral i assumed, but not numbered
• Committee page :  Small Roman numeral ii
• Copyright:  Small Roman numeral iii
• Abstract :  Small Roman numeral continuation
• Table of contents (including appendix titles): Small Roman numeral continuation
• List of tables (if any): Small Roman numeral continuation
• List of figures (if any): Small Roman numeral continuation
• Preface/Acknowledgments (optional, and if used should be brief): Small Roman numeral continuation
• Body of essay: Start with Arabic numeral 1 and continue
• Appendices (if any): Arabic numeral continuation (If there is more than one appendix, denote them with letters, e.g. “Appendix A, Appendix B.” Separate cover sheets for each appendix are not required, although each appendix must begin at the top of a new page. The heading for each appendix is centered without punctuation. The appendix title can either follow the heading or it can be centered below.)
• Bibliography: Arabic numeral continuation

Thesis and Dissertation Format

Follow the  ETD guidelines , be sure the title page, committee page, and abstract page have the information as noted in the examples below. You may also use this  template  for formatting your thesis or dissertation. In addition, Pitt Public Health requires more complete bookmarks than the University guidelines indicate (see below).

Thesis or dissertation title page Thesis or dissertation committee page Thesis or dissertation abstract page

MPH/MHA essays do not need to have bookmarks. Theses and dissertations MUST include complete bookmarks. All items in the thesis or dissertation, beginning with the title page and ending with the bibliography, must be bookmarked. This includes headings/subheadings, heading numbers, committee member page, abstract, table of contents, list of tables, list of figures, preface, acknowledgements, appendices, etc. See the  ETD bookmark help sheet  for instructions on how to insert bookmarks. The following notes may also be helpful.

Note 1: The following sections will hyperlink in the pdf conversion: table of contents, list of tables, and list of figures. You may either create drop-down lists for the items belonging in the list of tables and the list of figures or nest the table and figure bookmarks under the heading they fall under.

Note 2: Any bookmarks or links already in place before the thesis/dissertation is converted from an MS Word document to a PDF document will automatically be tagged “inherit zoom,” a feature that ensures that the destination window is displayed at the magnification level the reader uses when viewing links or bookmarks. If you add bookmarks or links after the document has been converted, you will have to manually change them to “inherit zoom” using the following instructions:

• Right-click on bookmark or link and choose “properties”
• Choose “actions” tab
• Click “edit”
• Change zoom to “inherit zoom”
• If multiple bookmarks/links need to be changed, click through them individually
• Close bookmarks (press minus sign so that a plus sign appears)
• NEW: In late fall 2019, the ETD Support adjusted the revised template so now if you “save as ” it will give you bookmarks (don’t need Adobe Acrobat prof software).  Directions: “save as type” your word document and pick from the drop down ”PDF” (*.pdf), then under this there will appear an “Options” box, under “Include non-printing information” check “Create bookmarks using”—“Headings” is greyed out—but when you click in the box it appears; then “Ok”, then “Save”.

Some departments and advisors allow students to submit published or publication-ready manuscripts as thesis or dissertation chapters. Such papers may be included either in the body of the document or in the appendix. They must be based on work done during the student’s enrollment at Pitt Public Health. In general, the student should be the primary author on such a paper, but that is not absolutely required. The thesis or dissertation should include a preface listing the authors, the full citation (if published), and the role of the student in the work.

The articles must be logically connected by added text and be integrated into the document in a coherent manner. They must be presented in a manner consistent with the remainder of the text, i.e., identical typeface, paper, margins, and consistent numbering of tables, figures and footnotes. Bibliographic citations should be integrated with those for the rest of the document. Everything must be consistent with  University ETD guidelines .

If your article is already published or in press, you will need permission from the publisher in order to reuse the article, unless you own the copyright (see below).

The following links contain helpful information on copyright rules.

1.  Copyright Information for Graduate Students Writing a Thesis or Dissertation

2. The University Library System’s  copyright page .

When using text, tables, or figures from a published work, whether your own article or that of another author, you must receive the permission of the journal in which it was published. As a courtesy, you should also request permission of the author. Sample templates for contacting publishers are available  here . Many journals have on their Web sites a “copyright permission request form.”

A copy of the letter or email giving you permission to use the article, table, or figure must be submitted along with other documents that you submit for your thesis or dissertation. Do not incorporate the permission letter into the paper.

Effective for summer graduations: you will no longer need to complete the ProQuest Agreement. The University has adopted the ProQuest Paragraph option (replacement for completing online form) effective immediately for all students submitting a Master's thesis or Doctoral Dissertation in D-Scholarship (Note: Previously, Master's theses were being sent to CompuCom to be made into microfilm). 

Students will agree to release their thesis or dissertation to ProQuest within the D-Scholarship system. A new page has been added in D-Scholarship as part of the submission process. 

• Students will no longer be required to complete the ProQuest electronic form. Further, students will no longer need to submit proof of completion to you as part of their thesis/dissertation package.
• ProQuest will not harvest the thesis or dissertation until it is released from the repository. In other words, ETDs that are embargoed within the Pitt community, will not be harvested by ProQuest until that embargo has expired. Similarly, students' ETDs that have been approved to be kept in the dark archive for one year, will not be harvested by ProQuest until that embargo has expired.
• Any additional services that a student wishes to purchase from ProQuest will be done directly with ProQuest. No checks or money orders should be submitted to you or the University's Registrar's office.

AGREEMENT TAB in D-SCHOLARSHIP reads as follows: (click  here  for a screenshot) I understand and agree that my master's thesis or PhD dissertation will be made available in the ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Database (PQDT), which reaches 3,000 universities with over 200 million searches annually, and supports discovery through major subject and discipline indexes (SciFinder, MLA, MathSciNet, PsycINFO, ERIC, etc). ProQuest provides these services at no charge, and is a non-exclusive distribution of your doctoral dissertation. You will be eligible for a royalty based upon sales of the full-text of your work in all formats. More information is available  here . *University Honors College Undergraduate theses are not shared with ProQuest  

By clicking on Next I agree to these terms and conditions. 

On-Campus Graduate Program Admissions (Non-SOPHAS)

Requirements, dates and deadlines, application instructions, and financial information for non-SOPHAS Programs.

Read this important information first!

All information provided on this page is specific to on-campus graduate programs that do not incorporate SOPHAS in the admissions process.

The information on this page applies to these programs only :

• Biostatistics MA
• Biostatistics PhD
• Environmental Health Sciences PhD
• Epidemiology PhD
• Health Policy PhD
• Infectious Diseases and Immunity PhD

If you see your program on the list above, proceed on the current page. Otherwise, return to the admissions landing page and select the appropriate link to the page for your intended program.

Graduate Admissions Requirements

The School of Public Health’s minimum graduate admission requirements are defined below. More information can be found on the UC Berkeley Graduate Division website :

• A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
• A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum B average (3.0) or equivalent (focused on work completed in the last two years of a bachelor’s degree program and in all post-baccalaureate coursework)Note: If your undergraduate GPA does not meet the minimum, you may still submit an application. Remember to provide evidence of other academic and professional accomplishments to demonstrate your capability to be successful in an academically rigorous environment. Alternative evidence may include courses you have successfully completed as work-related training.
• Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen area of study – see the Individual Program Requirements section below for more information
• Evidence of English Language Proficiency (only for applicants from countries / regions in which the official language is not English)
• Submission of all required application materials.

Application Requirements

• Berkeley Graduate Application and fee ($100 – $155)
• Official Transcripts from each institution you have attended
• 3 Letters of Recommendation

Statement of Purpose

Personal history statement.

• GRE scores if applicable –  view which programs require it here
• Degree Certificates (if your transcript does not contain conferral date)
• Official TOEFL or IELTS test score (test taken after June 1, 2021)

Individual Program Requirements and Qualifications

All applicants to our on-campus graduate degree programs must choose a degree program ; applicants may apply to only one program and should tailor their applications to their program of choice. The coursework, application materials, and amount of work/research experience required by each program varies. Please thoroughly review the webpages for the program you are applying to for more guidance.

Recommendations for Competitive Applicants

• Previous coursework in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics is strongly recommended.
• Common undergraduate majors for admitted applicants: Biomedical and biological sciences, mathematics, statistics.
• Common work experience for admitted applicants: Typical successful applicants have work experience in Research Assistant positions at a health department.

Admissions and Application Requirements

• GRE scores are optional. We recommend submitting a GRE if you have no other evidence of quantitative, verbal, or analytical abilities in your application.
• Common undergraduate majors for admitted applicants: Biological sciences, math, statistics
• Common work experience for admitted applicants: Typical admitted applicants have work experience in quantitative analysis in a research setting. Many of them have co-authored articles published in medical or scientific journals. The following is a sample of the job-titles of successful applicants: Research Analyst, Data Director, Biostatistician, Programmer Analyst, Statistical Consultant, Research Assistant.

Admission and Application Requirements

• Master’s degree in Statistics or Biostatistics is required. Applicants who are interested in the PhD but do not have an MA may apply to the Biostatistics MA program.
• Applicants should have completed undergraduate and graduate work in calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and have a strong overall quantitative background.
• GRE Required: Yes (General Test); waived if applicants meet exemption criteria, see program website.
• Completed two semesters of calculus for a letter grade and earned a grade of “B” or higher.
• Completed one semester of linear algebra for a letter grade and earned a grade of “B” or higher.
• Completed one semester of statistics for a letter grade and earned a grade of “B” or higher.
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Overall quantitative/math GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• For international students: TOEFL score of 100 or higher OR IELTS score of 7.0 or higher
• A master’s degree in epidemiology or a related field is preferable.
• The amount of coursework necessary for each doctoral student in the PhD program varies greatly, depending on previous coursework, experience, and background.
• Successful applicants often have work experience in a public health setting or in epidemiologic research.
• Applicants are welcome to reach out to faculty they are interested in working with to inquire if they are taking on new students.

Submissions of GRE scores are optional but recommended for this program, especially if you have no other evidence of quantitative, verbal, or analytical abilities in your application.

• Applicants must hold an MS or MPH in a related field and display a clear research orientation and firm knowledge of research techniques.
• A writing sample (approximately 10 pages is typical) that highlights your writing, research, and analytical skills. The writing sample may be a published paper, a draft research paper (e.g., a preprint), a final paper from a class, a report, a Masters thesis, an undergraduate thesis, etc. Preferred writing samples demonstrate your ability to articulate and support complex ideas, solve technical problems, estimate key parameters from observations, construct and evaluate arguments, and/or sustain a focused and coherent discussion. If there were multiple authors, please describe your specific contributions to the writing and project, either as an added page to the document or upload a note to the “other” documents section.

Submissions of GRE scores are optional but strongly recommended for this program. Especially if you have no other evidence of quantitative, verbal, or analytical abilities in your application. If not submitting a score, competitive applicants will need to provide alternative evidence of strong quantitative capability and should speak to their analytical and quantitative preparation for the PhD program in their application based on past coursework (e.g. statistics, microeconomics, math) and/or professional experience.

• A master’s degree is not a requirement for this program, however, entering students should have completed introductory coursework in statistics, microeconomics and epidemiology. Most students admitted do have a master’s degree.
• Students without master’s-level coursework in these areas are required to take relevant courses at UC Berkeley or otherwise demonstrate mastery of these areas.
• Please submit a writing sample and provide a list of publications and/or presentations related to your academic or professional background (include the PubMed ID if applicable). If your work is published as a website or part of it, please provide the URL. Your writing sample can be a written assignment, journal article, report, Op-Ed, commentary, conference abstract, or other publication. Please enter your most recent citation first.
• Common undergraduate majors for admitted applicants: Biology, integrative biology, microbiology, biological sciences, biology and communications
• Common work experience for admitted applicants: Work experience is not required for admission, but relevant Wet lab experience related to infectious diseases, in wet laboratory and/or surveillance work is important for the IDI PhD program. Successful admitted applicants all have strong lab and research experience.

The following subjects are normally required as undergraduate preparation for all candidates. Deficiencies must be made up early during the graduate program.

• Biology: General biology lecture and laboratory; genetics; and a basic course(s) in molecular biology.
• Chemistry and biochemistry: Inorganic chemistry; biochemistry; and associated laboratories
• Physics: General physics
• Mathematics: Calculus; one course in probability or statistics.

Graduate Admissions Dates and Deadlines

Students are admitted for the fall term only. We do not accept applications on a rolling basis.

The dates and deadlines for the Summer/Fall 2024 on-campus application cycle are below.

• The UC Berkeley Graduate Application is require for all applicants and will open on September 15 .
• We will not penalize you for submitting your application on the last day of the deadline. However, we highly recommend that you submit your application earlier so you can resolve any technical difficulties and/or correct any errors before our first batch of applications are released for review.
• Applications submitted after December 4 will not be accepted.

Graduate Application Instructions for non-SOPHAS Programs

If you are unsure if your program is SOPHAS or non-SOPHAS, you can find out on the admissions landing page and select the appropriate link for your intended program.

Please read the application instructions below very carefully.

The UC Berkeley Graduate application must be submitted by December 4 at 8:59pm PST to be considered for admission and awards (no separate application process is necessary for award consideration). Late applications will not be accepted.

Complete an online application to the UC Berkeley Graduate Division and submit the following items:

• If you are submitting international records, upload a copy of the degree certificate(s) with corresponding English translations (if applicable)
• See more information about international student transcripts in the “Additional Application Instructions for International Students” section below
• Official TOEFL score sent to UC Berkeley (code 4833), or IELTS score sent electronically to UC Berkeley, if applicable
• Official GRE score sent to UC Berkeley, if applicable (code 4833),
• CV or Resume
• Three Letters of Recommendation from a combination of professional and academic recommenders
• Writing Sample (if applicable)
• Submit by December 4 at 8:59pm PST
• UC Berkeley application fee or fee waiver .

Access the UC Berkeley Graduate Application here .

The cost for the UC Berkeley Graduate Application for U.S. Citizens and current Permanent Residents is $135. The application fee for all other applicants is $155. Payments should be submitted by credit card only.

If you would like to request a fee waiver, you must reach out to the Berkeley Graduate Division. Visit the Berkeley Graduate Application Fee Waiver page for more information.

Information on Supplemental Materials

International Students: Please see more information about international student transcripts in the “Additional Application Instructions for International Students” section below.

How to Submit Transcripts

For application review purposes only, include copies of transcripts for all of the post-secondary institutions you attended, including study abroad institutions in the Berkeley Graduate Application. During the online application process, you will be prompted to upload scanned documents. Uploaded transcripts should be recent and include the following:

• The institution name
• Dates of attendance
• Conferral date if applicable
• Grades/marks received and credits
• If you studied abroad, your study abroad grades must also be listed in the transcript, otherwise you will need to submit a transcript directly from the study abroad institution

Note: Official transcripts will be requested if you are admitted and then decide to attend UC Berkeley

Please do not send any paper transcripts to Berkeley Public Health—any unsolicited materials will be destroyed.

Please read the directions below carefully. Know your program’s requirements!

Please see the GRE Requirement Chart for all programs.

GRE test scores are optional for the Infectious Diseases and Immunity PhD. They are also optional but strongly recommended for the Epidemiology PhD, Environmental Health Sciences PhD, and Health Policy PhD. Biostatistics MA and PhD applicants must submit GRE scores for the upcoming cycle.

Minimum GRE Scores

We do not have a minimum GRE score as we review applications holistically; however, competitive applicants tend to score in the 50th percentile and above. Many program pages include the average GRE scores of admitted students for that specific program.

How to submit scores

• While you can take your exam as late as the date of the deadline, we recommend that you plan to take your exam no later than October to allow time for scores to arrive in time for consideration for fall admission.
• At-home test scores are acceptable.
• All applicants who submit GRE test scores must send official scores through ETS directly to UC Berkeley. Please use code 4833 .
• Scores must be from within 5 years of the test date for them to be considered valid. In order to apply, you must retake the test if your scores are more than five years old.

If the GRE is optional for your program and you choose not to submit scores, we recommend that you highlight your verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills that prepare you for the specific program to which you are applying in your application and statement of purpose.

• This can be completed coursework, such as undergraduate or post-baccalaureate math/stats or epi/biostats courses, quantitative research, data analysis, or evaluation experience, verbal/writing strengths such as professional publications and/or presentations, etc.).
• You may also submit a writing sample or other supporting documents.

Berkeley Public Health’s Admissions Committee requires that a minimum of three letters of recommendation be submitted electronically to your UC Berkeley Graduate Application. We recommend that you request that your letter writers use an official letterhead.

Typically, we recommend you have at least one letter of recommendation from an academic and two from individuals who can evaluate your professional experience. However, please thoroughly look at the requirements and qualifications of the program you are applying to for more guidance. Overall, it will be in your best interest to have three individuals who can attest to your academic and/or professional ability to succeed in a public health career.

For academic references, we recommend you ask professors who you think will write the strongest recommendations. A strong quality letter attesting to your ability to succeed in the program will weigh more than a generic letter from a high-ranking professor.

Berkeley Public Health does not accept hard-copy letters sent to our offices.

Requesting Recommendations

In the application’s Recommendations section, enter the contact information for each recommender and send the email requests. (If your recommender does not receive the request, contact [email protected] )

Recommenders will upload letters directly to your application. Please notify your recommenders to look out for the email request with instructions.

You can submit your application before your letters are uploaded. However, we encourage you to follow up with your recommenders to ensure that they submit their letters before the deadline.

Note: The Letterbanc service cannot be used for this program.

Word limit: 1,000 words

Your Statement of Purpose should explain why you are pursuing graduate training in public health. Your essay should also explain your eventual career goals and why you need a degree in your specific program. You can choose to explain why you are pursuing this degree now and why at Berkeley Public Health. If you are applying to a doctoral program, include your proposed research topics. Please be sure to check your program’s page, as some programs have specific questions to answer. If there are no specific program guidelines, please follow the above-mentioned general guidelines.

Here are some best practices from the DREAM Office and the UC Berkeley Graduate Division on how to write the statement of purpose .

Word limit: 500–1,000 words

Your Personal History Statement gives you an opportunity to add some individuality and depth to the information provided in your Statement of Purpose. Your Personal History Statement can include information about who you are as a person, your family background, cultural background, socioeconomic status, educational advantages and/or experiences growing up. It is intended to give you the opportunity to provide a narrative about your diverse personal experiences. It is important to be concise and impactful by focusing on a specific part of your life experience.

You may also use the personal history statement to describe any impacts the COVID-19 pandemic may have had on you, such as your academics, obtaining employment, or pursuing public health experiences. We understand that there may be downstream effects of the pandemic on your ability to meet criteria for admission that is beyond your control. Use this essay to provide context on your other application materials, and elaborate on anything that may be helpful for the admissions committee to be aware of.

Note: Not all schools require a Personal History Statement but we do.

Here are some best practices from the DREAM Office and the UC Berkeley Graduate Division on how to write the personal history statement .

A writing sample that highlights your writing and analytical skills is required. The writing sample may be a final paper from a class, a popular media article, a report, a blog entry, an undergraduate thesis, etc.

The purpose of the writing sample is to demonstrate your preparation for graduate-level coursework and research at Berkeley by sharing an example of your prior work that exhibits your ability to articulate and support complex ideas, solve technical problems, construct and evaluate arguments, and/or sustain a focused and coherent discussion. The writing sample should be your own work; if there were multiple authors, please describe your specific contributions to the writing and project.

Additional Application Instructions for International Students

International applicants should apply early in order to allow sufficient time for financial and visa document preparation.

If you are an international applicant who obtained a bachelor’s degree in the United States or an English-speaking Canadian institution, then you only need to submit the materials described in the previous sections.

If you are an international applicant who obtained a bachelor’s degree from a non-US or non-English-speaking Canadian institution, then please submit the additional materials below.

All applicants who attended college in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency via a TOEFL or IELTS score, regardless of whether or not English was the primary language of instruction at your college. This requirement applies to applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, most European countries, and non-English-speaking countries in Africa.

We recommend that you plan to take any required exams no later than October to allow time for scores to arrive in time for consideration for fall admission.

For Fall 2023, tests taken before June 1, 2021 will not be accepted even if your score was reported to UC Berkeley.

The USMLE and other similar exams are not approved substitutes for the TOEFL.

You may be exempt from this requirement if you:

• Have a basic degree from a recognized institution in a country where the official language is English
• Have completed a basic or advanced degree at an institution, in the United States or a United States institution abroad, where the language of instruction is English and the institution is accredited by one of the United States’ regional accrediting agencies
• Have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with a grade B or better at a regionally accredited* institution within the United States.

If you qualify for an exemption, you must upload an unofficial transcript from the recognized U.S. institution to your Berkeley Graduate Application.

If you are unsure if your country of education qualifies you for a TOEFL exemption, please contact us at [email protected] .

Minimum Scores

• TOEFL: Paper: 570, Internet (iBT): 90

How to submit TOEFL

Official TOEFL test scores administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) must be submitted to UC Berkeley (code 4833). We do not accept MyBest Scores.

How to submit IELTS

Beginning for the Fall 2021 application cycle, we will no longer be accepting paper Test Report Forms. All IELTS scores must be sent electronically from the testing center to UC Berkeley (no institution code is required).

Our address for identification purposes is:

University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division Sproul Hall Rm 318, MC 5900 Berkeley, CA 94720

Please do not mail any score reports to us.

Graduates of recognized academic institutions outside the United States should hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Equivalency is determined by International Evaluators in the Graduate Admissions Office. If you are unsure if your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, you can email us at [email protected] .

Submitting Transcripts to Berkeley Graduate Application

Please upload copies of unofficial or official foreign transcripts and degrees to the UC Berkeley Graduate application. Academic records should:

• Be issued in the original language and accompanied by English translations if required (usually prepared by your university or Ministry of Education, unless the institution issues original documents in English)
• English translations are required for all languages except Spanish; degree names and grades should be transliterated, not converted into English words or the U.S. grades of A–F.
• If your home institution does not issue documents in English, you may submit translations prepared by certified translators for the American Translators Association.
• In general, be issued by the school and include the school’s stamp or embossed seal and the signature of the authorizing official. For more detailed information on acceptable documents, please contact us at [email protected].
• If your academic records do not include official evidence of the award of your degree, you must also submit additional documents that verify the degree conferral, such as a degree certificate.

Official transcripts or academic records for all university-level studies you have completed, at U.S. institutions and abroad will be required if admitted .

Fees and Financial Aid

A degree in public health is an investment in your future. At Berkeley Public Health, we understand the important role funding opportunities play in the decision to pursue your degree.

For information about Berkeley Public Health’s tuition and fees, as well as residency requirements, please visit the tuition, fees and residency section of UC Berkeley’s Office of the Registrar website . Please note that all costs are subject to change.

Tuition, fees, and charges are included on the UC Berkeley’s Office of the Registrar’s website along with more details about fee definitions. To view fee rates, please scroll down to the tab labeled “Graduate: Academic” if you are an MA, MS, or PhD student, and “Graduate: Professional-School of Public Health” if you are an MPH or DrPH student. If you enroll in an MPH or DrPH program, you are required to pay professional degree supplemental tuition each semester. The total cost of your degree is based on the length of your program.

Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by State funding reductions. Accordingly, they may differ from the amounts shown.

Your cost of attendance budget is the estimated average cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley. This estimate includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

Your budget also serves as a limit for the amount of grants, scholarships, fee remission, loans, and other forms of aid that can be offered to you. You may find the graduate student budget on UC Berkeley’s Financial Aid and Scholarships website .

Each academic year, fellowships and scholarships are awarded to eligible students by Berkeley Public Health. Awards are given out by nomination only by each program’s respective admissions committee. There is no separate application process for these awards beyond completing the SOPHAS or UC Berkeley application by the priority deadline.

Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships provide funding to students to encourage the study of critical and less commonly taught foreign languages in combination with area studies, international studies or international aspects of professional studies.

In order for incoming students to be considered for this award, the FLAS portion of their admissions application must be completed and include a ­­statement of purpose indicating the relevance the study of the language has to the preparation of their academic program, chosen career and/or future goals.

APHA KP Community Health Scholarship

The APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship supports students who intend on pursuing an MPH or DrPH/PhD. This scholarship is part of the APHA KP Community Health Leadership Program . Apply directly here .

• MPH Scholarship: Awardees receive a $15,000 tuition award each year over the course of two years of full-time study.
• DrPH/PhD Scholarship: Awardees receive a $20,000 tuition award per year for three years. In the third and final year, the award can be given as a stipend or as a combination of stipend/tuition.
• Be applying for a full-time MPH or a DrPH/PhD in public health at one of our partner universities (see below) for the upcoming academic year. Students do not need to be admitted by the scholarship deadline.
• Be U.S. citizens or hold a permanent residence visa (Green Card) in the U.S.

PhD candidates typically receive funding through a variety of sources such as soft-money grants, Graduate Division Fellowships , and fee remission from working as a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) or teaching as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI).

PhD programs are fully funded for up to 5 years. Full funding includes regular tuition, fees, SHIP, and a salary or stipend if you are in good academic standing. Please note that our funding packages do not include housing offers. Reach out to your program of interest for more details.

PhD candidates may also be AB 540 eligible for tuition purposes. Please see the University of California’s website for more information.

DrPH candidates are funded by departmental funding and are also eligible for fee remission from working as a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) or teaching as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI). However, they are not guaranteed funding for the duration of their program or offered a living stipend as a part of their funding package.

Students enrolled in Master’s programs typically fund their education with a combination of student loans, GSI/GSR appointments, extramural scholarships and work-study opportunities.

AB540/DACA postgraduate program students are eligible for UC Berkeley and departmental funding.

Graduate students may apply for need-based loans and work-study through the UC Berkeley Financial Aid Office . The programs are based on demonstrated financial need and require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Questions about Financial Aid programs may be directed to Cal Student Central . In addition, please visit the UC Berkeley Financial Aid and Scholarships website for more information. Only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens (those holding permanent resident cards) may apply for funds administered by the UC Berkeley Financial Aid Office.

UC’s Native American Opportunity Plan ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. This plan applies to undergraduate and graduate students.

To learn more about the eligibility requirements visit the Native American Opportunity Plan website .

Financial aid awards from the UC Berkeley International Office consist of individual grants applied directly to tuition and fees via the UC Berkeley student records system. Award amounts vary depending on the number of applicants and levels of need per semester. Grants do not need to be repaid.

International students are eligible for a number of departmental awards. There is no separate application process for these awards beyond completing the fellowships portion of the SOPHAS or UC Berkeley application.Students who are married and/or have children living with them in the Bay Area may also apply for the Supplemental Family Grant. A family grant can be applied directly to tuition and fees or can be disbursed in the form of a taxable stipend. Award amounts vary depending on the number of applicants and level of need. Family grants do not need to be repaid. See a complete list of financial aid options on the UC Berkeley International Office website .

The University of California offers a variety of services and resources for student families. Visit the UC Berkeley Graduate Division website to learn more about campus resources that aid student families in the search for affordable housing, child care, health insurance and more.

UC Berkeley Veteran Services offers information related to the types of benefits, certification of benefits, contact information for dedicated support, and campus resources for students who have served in the military.

Eligibility for veteran’s educational benefits is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), not by UC Berkeley. For more information on eligibility and to apply visit the VA’s “How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits” page .

After you apply for benefits through the VA, please provide the following documentation to the Veterans Benefits Office at the Office of the Registrar .

Please visit the Cal Veteran Services Center website for more information.

In addition to Student Family Assistance, the UC Berkeley Financial Aid and Scholarships Office offers a variety of services and resources for student parents, disabled students, nonresidents of California and veterans.

Another resource is the ASUC Student Advocate’s Office , a student-run office that provides free and confidential advice and representation to students who experience issues or conflicts with the university. This office also offers support in completing an appeals process.

For information about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website .

Students are also encouraged to independently seek funding from external sources. A number of scholarship search resources are available online, including:

• Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarship search
• Basic Needs Center
• UC Berkeley Graduate Division’s Graduate Fellowships and Awards
• Cal Veterans Services Center
• Undocumented Student Program
• Berkeley International Office
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
• Association for Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)
• BestColleges.com Financial Aid Resources
• Fastweb.com

Department of Public Health and Exercise Science

• Academic Programs
• Graduate Programs
• Master of Public Health (MPH)

Student Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred)
• A completed online application to the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies at Appalachian State University
• Payment of an application processing fee
• Official transcripts from each college/university attended since high school
• International students need to supply TOEFL or IELTS scores
• Resume and Contact information for three references

Additional Admission Requirements

• Personal Statement/Essay
• Three letters of recommendation
• Volunteer/work experience in a public health-related organization/agency or other service experience

Prerequisite Coursework 

Minimum of a “B” on required prerequisite courses:

Program Location

Online (with the exception of field-based and research-based practicums), degree costs.

 Cost of Study:  Tuition & Fees  site

Academic Standards

In order to maintain enrollment status, students must:

• Abide by the Appalachian State University Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
• Earn no more than two final course grades of “C” or lower in required coursework
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

As part of the course of study for the Master of Public Health, students will take part in a

• Field Practicum and
• Practice-Based Research/Scholarly Practicum

Field Practicum Experience : 

Students find placement in a variety of health-related agencies to gain experience working in public health on various projects.

Research/Scholarly Practicum:  

Building on the Field Practicum Experience, students will conduct an independent research or scholarly project under the direction of a practicum site supervisor. Students also have the option to prepare a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal under the direction of a member of the App State Public Health faculty.

• QUICK LINKS

Graduate Admissions

Hunter's graduate programs are wide-ranging, affordable, acclaimed and student-centered. They combine extraordinary faculty, an exceptionally diverse, stimulating student population, and unparalleled support for your goals.

Graduate Programs

Graduate schools.

Hunter's exceptional graduate schools foster our students' abilities to conceptualize and analyze, to relate the concrete and particular to the abstract and general, to traverse the interface between the academic and applied, and to think and communicate logically and coherently.

Pursue a meaningful and challenging graduate education in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Our students and field agencies are the primary social workforce of the public human service departments and not-for-profit agencies in New York City.

The Hunter School of Education is a national leader in preparing teachers, counselors, and leaders in urban education.

The Hunter School of Health Professions offers graduate programs in Communication Sciences (MS) and Physical Therapy (DPT).

This flagship nursing school of the CUNY, our nursing students are committed to advancing the health of people locally, nationally and globally.

Department of Nutrition and Public Health at Hunter College is home to Community Health and Nutrition degree programs.

Providing an exceptional value is what we do best. See how our tuition stacks up against other top graduate schools in New York City.

Application Information

The goal of a Hunter College education is to encourage the fullest possible intellectual and personal growth in each student. Learn about the minimum requirements, deadlines and what's needed to apply for your graduate experience at Hunter College.

• Admission Requirements
• Application Deadlines
• Graduate Readmission
• Non-degree Admission

Graduate students at Hunter College carry with them a rich collection of life experiences. Learn about our students in their own words.

Where to find us

The Growing Importance of Environmental Health in Medical Education: How Premeds Can Prep

Stay informed, conduct research and get involved in activities and organizations prior to medical school.

Environmental Health in Medical School

Getty Images

Get involved with an organization or club focused on environmental health, sustainability or climate advocacy.

As the global rise in temperature and associated anthropogenic climate change continue unabated, consequences for human health and disease are increasingly apparent. The medical field is beginning to recognize this critical intersection between human health and the environment.

The World Health Organization has categorized climate change as the most significant threat to human health in the 21st century, highlighting its increasing relevance for students pursuing medical education.  Medical schools seek applicants who are prepared and motivated to deal with future health challenges. By taking an interest in environmental health, premedical students can demonstrate this preparedness while learning about a highly relevant topic.

Here are some ways premed students can prepare for the growing relevance of climate change and the necessity of environmental health awareness in the medical field. 

Stay Informed 

Educate yourself about current environmental issues and stay up to date with environmental research and policies that relate to health care and public health . Consider resources such as the WHO, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental Health News.

Also, read the latest reputable, primary research through PubMed or Google Scholar so that you are familiar with the latest data. You can subscribe to PubMed alerts from a few relevant research groups so that you can remain informed automatically through your email inbox. 

If you can, take a course and attend conferences, workshops or seminars on environmental health, sustainability efforts, the impact of environmental factors on human health, etc. You may find coursework in environmental science, public health or climate studies particularly relevant. Courses such as environmental epidemiology, toxicology and environmental policy can provide valuable knowledge and widely applicable skills.

These kinds of experiences provide opportunities to learn from experts in the field, network with professionals and stay informed about current issues and initiatives. 

Volunteer or Work in Relevant Organizations 

Ideally, premed students with genuine interest in climate change and other environmental issues will seek out experiences that demonstrate their commitment to addressing these issues throughout their career in the medical field, while also enhancing their medical school application . 

A great way to begin is by working in volunteer initiatives or applying to internships with organizations focused on environmental conservation, sustainability or climate action. For example, participating in or leading projects related to pollution reduction, habitat restoration or community resilience can demonstrate a dedication to environmental stewardship with clear implications for the health care field. 

Student organizations are a great place to start. Get involved with an organization or club focused on environmental health, sustainability or climate advocacy. These opportunities can also provide valuable leadership experience and teach you to think creatively about ways to participate in the national and international dialogue regarding climate change.

You may also find a crossover between local sustainability initiatives and community outreach, allowing you to meaningfully engage with your local community before entering the medical field. 

Depending on your locale, you may find – or create – clinical experiences with an environmental focus. Think about working in communities frequently affected by environmental hazards, or volunteering in clinics that serve populations disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters. 

Engage in Research

The intersection of environmental factors and human health is an extremely active area of research , with many exciting projects aimed at reducing the effects of climate change that routinely make international headlines. Opportunities to become involved with such projects have never been more prevalent. These include joining laboratories studying the health effects of air pollution, water contamination, climate-related disasters, etc.

Obtaining research experience in any field demonstrates critical thinking skills and a commitment to advancing knowledge – traits that are invaluable in medicine. 

Advocate for Change 

Get involved in advocacy efforts aimed at addressing environmental health disparities, promoting environmental justice and advocating for policies that prioritize and protect public health. Popular examples include initiatives to highlight health disparities in specific communities and populations, identify effective interventions to address such disparities, advocate for policymakers to implement policies that address environmental challenges and inequities, and advocate for the adoption of stricter environmental regulations (exposure to pollutants, access to clean air and water, etc.).

Also, consider the significant adverse environmental impact of health care and biomedical research, where advocacy for sustainable practices in academic institutions remains quite nascent. 

If you have taken the time to stay informed, volunteer and engage with environmental health, be sure to integrate such experiences and themes into your medical school application materials.

When writing your personal statement , experience descriptions or secondary essays, highlight how your interests and experiences relate to environmental challenges and climate change. Emphasize your commitment to addressing these issues within the context of your future career in medicine. 

By actively engaging with the myriad environmental challenges facing society and incorporating these experiences into your application, you can demonstrate your dedication to addressing pressing global issues while enhancing your candidacy for medical school admission.

Where Famous Docs Earned Medical Degrees

Tags: medical school , environment , public health , graduate schools , education , students

About Medical School Admissions Doctor

Need a guide through the murky medical school admissions process? Medical School Admissions Doctor offers a roundup of expert and student voices in the field to guide prospective students in their pursuit of a medical education. The blog is currently authored by Dr. Ali Loftizadeh, Dr. Azadeh Salek and Zach Grimmett at Admissions Helpers , a provider of medical school application services; Dr. Renee Marinelli at MedSchoolCoach , a premed and med school admissions consultancy; Dr. Rachel Rizal, co-founder and CEO of the Cracking Med School Admissions consultancy; Dr. Cassie Kosarec at Varsity Tutors , an advertiser with U.S. News & World Report; Dr. Kathleen Franco, a med school emeritus professor and psychiatrist; and Liana Meffert, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine and a writer for Admissions Helpers. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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• News & Events

UW School of Public Health ranks No. 7 in U.S. News & World Report Rankings

The University of Washington School of Public Health (UW SPH) continues to offer some of the best public health graduate education in the country, according to the 2024 rankings released by U.S. News & World Report . UW SPH ranked No. 7 among public health graduate schools and remains among the top 3 public schools in the annual rankings.  

UW SPH tied with Boston University for No. 7. The School’s programs also ranked highly, with five programs in the top 15: biostatistics (No. 7), environmental health sciences (No. 7), epidemiology (No. 9), health policy and management (No. 14), and social behavior (No. 14).  

The rankings of public health schools and programs are based on opinion surveys that are sent to deans, program directors, and other peers.  Learn more about U.S. News’ methodology here.  

The UW School of Law and the UW School of Medicine withdrew from the U.S. News rankings in 2022 and 2023, respectively, citing concerns that some of the methodology in the rankings for those specific disciplines incentivize actions and policies that run counter to the schools’ public service missions.  

UW leaders continue to work with U.S. News and other ranking organizations — to the extent they are open to it — to improve their methodologies. And schools, colleges and departments continually reevaluate the benefits and potential shortfalls of participating in specific rankings. 

This past year, UW SPH ranked No. 5 in the world on the Global Rankings of Academic Subjects lists for 2023, a widely used ranking conducted by researchers at the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy. 

2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the UW School of Public Health. The School opened in 1970, becoming the first school of public health in the Pacific Northwest, and grew rapidly in the 1970s and ‘80s to become a research powerhouse and sought-after training destination. 

The School houses five departments, four interdepartmental programs, and more than 30 centers and institutes. The School’s 11,000+ alumni work to improve the health and well-being of communities in Washington state and around the world.