Master of Public Health (MPH)

Requirements

Two Years of Work Experience

Students in the School-wide MPH program have at least two years of full-time, post-baccalaureate, health-related work experience OR a doctoral degree in a field underlying public health. Applicants in the process of gaining experience can apply before they have reached the two-year mark, as long as the requirement is fulfilled by the time of matriculation.

Though many of our students are physicians, a variety of backgrounds can fulfill this requirement, including health-related Peace Corp work, managing a research lab or covering health policy as a journalist. We encourage professionals from all fields to apply. 

This requirement is waived for medical students who have completed two years of U.S. medical school curriculum, those who have finished medical school outside of the U.S., and all applicants to the dual-degree programs. Exception: MPH/MBA candidates must have the two-year work experience.

Strong Academic Background

By the time a student matriculates into the program (as opposed to applying for), they must have satisfactorily completed the following courses for academic credit and letter grade at an accredited institution:

  • One math course (e.g., Calculus, Algebra or Statistics)
  • One introductory general biology course 
  • One health-related science (e.g., Microbiology, Nutrition, or Anatomy and Physiology) OR a second biology course

Successful applicants possess a strong academic record with particular emphasis on excellent quantitative skills, which are reflected in transcripts and standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT, GMAT, or LSAT); however, standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT) are optional* for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

*The MPH/MBA with the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School requires either GRE or GMAT scores. However, there are GMAT/GRE Waivers for select, qualified candidates (3 or more years of full-time post-graduate work experience at the time of the program starting in July 2025 AND a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework or an advanced degree or professional degree (i.e. earned master's or doctorate). Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee a waiver and receiving a waiver does not guarantee admission.

Public Health Goals

Applicants must understand how studying public health relates to their professional aspirations. The application provides opportunities, like the Statement of Purpose and Objectives, to explain past academic and work experiences, professional ambitions and how an MPH degree fits in with overall career goals.

Recommendation Letters

The application requires three letters of recommendation. The review committee prefers at least one professional and one academic letter, but this is not a requirement; therefore, you are welcome to include only professional letters of reference if you feel they are more relevant. 

Recommenders may submit their recommendations electronically using Letters by Liaison(link is external) and should adhere to SOPHAS' guidelines(link is external) for completing a recommendation. 

How to Apply

Please visit the Office of Admissions for detailed information about how to apply. All applications must be submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Services (SOPHAS).

International Students have additional application requirements.

Taking Courses While Applying

If you’re interested in taking courses as a non-degree seeking student, begin your education as a non-degree seeking student prior to admission by enrolling in online, on-campus and/or institute courses. Up to 16 credits may be applied toward the MPH degree, assuming that the courses were completed within 5 years of matriculation. To learn how to enroll as a non-degree seeking student, please visit the Office of Student Accounts and Business Services.