Preparation and Application Process

Applying for graduate school will require a significant amount of preparation; you will need to determine what type of program you are interested in pursuing and do your research as to what you need to do in order to be a desirable candidate.

Sample Timeline for Application Process

SOPHAS-Centralized Application Service for schools and programs of public health cycle is open almost all year. It closes early August and opens for the next cycle in mid August.

Note: Not all schools or programs may participate in SOPHAS. Please follow the application process for the schools you are applying to.

Components of Application Process

Some public health schools and programs require the Graduate Records Exam (GRE). Some schools will accept the MCAT or other standardized exam for health professional schools such as the DAT, PCAT, OAT, etc. in lieu of the GRE.

Transcripts
GRE (required for some programs
Personal Statement
Resume/CV
Letters of recommendation (SOPHAS requires a minimum of three; check each program
Supplemental Applications (varies by program)
Prerequisite Coursework (varies by program)

Choosing Programs of Interest

To start exploring Public Health graduate programs, visit:

Find a Public Health Program: https://programfinder.aspph.org/

List of Accredited Schools and Programs: https://ceph.org/about/org-info/who-we-accredit/accredited/

Additional Tips and Resources

10 Things to know before you apply: https://www.aspph.org/study/before-you-apply/

Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) FAQ: https://ceph.org/constituents/students/faqs/

UC San Diego HealthBeat: https://healthbeat.ucsd.edu