How to Apply to the Bloomberg School
Everything You Need to Apply
We understand that applying to graduate programs can be a bit overwhelming. We've created this page to serve as your go-to resource when you have a question about applying to our School.
Still deciding? Request information about programs to match your interests.
Start Your Application
The Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) is the common application system for schools and programs of public health. Based on your selected Bloomberg School program, you will apply through one of these portals:
- SOPHAS: Doctoral, Master's, and Residency programs.
- SOPHAS Express: Certificate programs, Bachelor's/Master's combined degree (JHU undergraduates only), and Special Student Regular applicants.
Select the option that matches your program to start your application.
Application Preparation Timeline
We strongly recommend applicants begin preparing materials well before the program deadline.
Applications open in mid-August for the following academic year. Components of the application can take more than three months to prepare, depending on circumstances.
Once Admissions Services has manually checked in your application, you will receive an email with a link to track your application.
| When to prep | What to do |
|---|---|
3 Months Before Deadline |
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2 Months Before Deadline |
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1 Month Before Deadline |
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*While WES is the preferred agency, BSPH will accept credential evaluations from ECE. Applicants should seek permission from the Admissions Office to use an agency other than those listed here before submitting an application. BSPH will only accept an evaluation from other agencies, when we have proof that WES and ECE are unable to complete the evaluation.
**SOPHAS Express applicants should send official academic records and test scores directly to BSPH Admissions Services. For English test scores please use the correct test code; for applicants using Parchment select “Johns Hopkins University Graduate Admissions”; for National Student Clearinghouse use bsph.admissions@jhu.edu.
Applicants who are submitting Duolingo, PTE Academic, GMAT, and LSAT scores should send scores directly to BSPH Admissions Services. Please review full instructions for English proficiency tests and standardized test scores.
Application Requirements
- International applicants and applicants who have studied outside the U.S., please review additional requirements and instructions.
- All programs require the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree. Please check your program's application requirements and deadlines.
- All supporting documents (letters of recommendation, transcripts and/or credential evaluations, letters or recommendation, and test scores) must be official.
- Official documents are sent directly from one organizational authority to another. Documents and letters of recommendation that have been in the possession of the applicant or another person are not official.
In general, degree applicants will need to submit the following:
Online Application
Applicants to Doctoral, Master's, and Residencies apply through SOPHAS.
All Certificate and Bachelor's/Master's (JHU undergraduates only) applicants apply through SOPHAS Express.
Official Transcripts
Transcripts from U.S. Institutions and English Speaking Canada
The Bloomberg School requires official academic records, transcripts, or mark sheets from ALL colleges, universities, graduate, or professional schools attended. Even if grades and credits from one institution appear on your home institution’s transcript, we require the transcript from the school where the credits originated. This includes post-graduate certificates and any educational history listed in the CV.
Do not send transcripts to SOPHAS until you list the institution sending the transcript in the “Colleges Attended” section. You must include your SOPHAS ID# on the Transcript. Instructions: Sending Official Transcripts to SOPHAS.
Special instructions for study abroad transcripts: Study Abroad and Overseas US Transcripts.
International Academic Records
If you are an international student or a U.S. student who is/has studied outside the U.S. or English Speaking Canada—except for studying abroad—your international academic records must undergo a credentials evaluation. More information: International Applicants.
Standardized Test Scores
Standardized test score requirements are determined by each academic program.
Please carefully review your program's requirements to determine which test scores are required, optional, or not required/not reviewed.
English Language Proficiency
For International Applicants, an English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English, Pearson Test for English) is required.
Please carefully review the School's score minimums, test submission instructions, and exemptions.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation must be submitted through the SOPHAS application portal by the recommender themselves. Letters may come from professional or academic references, or a mix of both.
Our admissions committees are aware that the letters of recommendation submitted through SOPHAS are general and not specific to the program or school.
More information: Recommendations (SOPHAS Applicant Help Center)
Resume
All applicants will upload a resume or curriculum vitae to SOPHAS or SOPHAS Express.
Statement of Purpose and Objectives
The Statement of Purpose and Objectives is the applicant's opportunity to share with the admission committee their passion for public health, their interest in the program and research projects, and any other relevant information not included in the rest of the application.
Tips to Maximize Your Application Success
TIP 1: Start early for a smooth process.
Many application components can take several months to prepare, and SOPHAS requires 4–6 weeks to verify your application. While we only require that your application be submitted by the deadline, we recommend starting early. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to ensure that all your materials are complete and submitted well in advance of the deadline.
TIP 2: Submit all transcripts.
To ensure a complete and thorough review of your application, we ask that you submit all of your transcripts from the institution that issued the credit. If you have a transfer or high school dual enrollment credit showing on another transcript, you still must report the institution that provided original credit in your SOPHAS Academic History and send that transcript to SOPHAS. Even if some credits might seem irrelevant to the program, it’s important to include everything.
TIP 3: Plan ahead for the WES Credential Evaluation (required for all international degrees).
The WES Credential Evaluation process can take some time, so it’s important to begin early to avoid any delays in reviewing your application. Completing this evaluation is an essential step for international degree holders, and it’s required for us to fully assess your academic background. It's important to note that the Bloomberg School requires the WES Credential Evaluation for all international degrees (even if your SOPHAS portal lists it as optional).
Programs with Special Application Instructions
The programs listed below have application instructions that differ from the guidance on this page. Please review your program's instructions carefully to ensure you're submitting your application and supporting documents correctly.
Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Undergraduate students at Johns Hopkins University who are already interested in pursuing advanced degrees can get a head start through the Bachelor's/Master's combined degree programs at the Bloomberg School.
Non-Degree Programs
Applicants interested in attending a limited number of courses should use the non-degree applications below:
- Certificate programs
- Institutes (credit or non-credit)
- Special Student Limited (for credit)
Postdoctoral Fellowships
Applying for a postdoctoral fellowship varies by department. Please review the postdoctoral training program webpage for general information. Once instructed to complete, postdoctoral fellowship applicants will need to submit the Postdoctoral Fellowship Application.