The Complete Guide to MPH in the USA

What is an MPH?

An MPH, or Master’s in Public Health, is a graduate degree lasting generally for two years, out of which one year is purely academic, while the second year is practicum, or internship. A comparable degree is an MSPH, or a Master’s of Science in Public Health.

Why pursue an MPH degree?

If you’re interested in a career in public health or want public health research to be a part of your career, an MPH degree will give you a solid foundation. It involves learning aspects of epidemiology, biostatistics and global health program management. People are likely to work in multinational public health organisations like WHO and UNICEF after an MPH degree.

What are the minimum qualifications necessary to apply for an MPH?     

Most institutes need a bachelor’s degree before you can apply. Some schools, including Harvard, need an MD degree before you can apply. Furthermore, some public health work experience is appreciated, but not always necessary.

What exams do you need to give?

You will need to give the GRE to apply to any college in the USA. If you have given the USMLE Step 1, you may get a GRE waiver in SOME colleges. You will also need a minimum score of 100 in the TOEFL, or band 7 in the IELTS, to qualify for admission.

What is the application process like?

Most application deadlines fall between December and January. It is advisable to have all your documents prepared and ready at least 4 weeks before the deadline, because processing times in the US can vary between 10 – 30 days. You can apply for an MPH or an MSPH while doing your internship. Apply for the Fall term of the year you are expected to graduate. The main documents that you will need are:

1. Application
2. Transcripts
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. GRE scores
5. TOEFL scores
6. CV
7. Statement of Purpose

Almost all applications are through the SOPHAS website www.sophas.org. You will need to create a profile and add all the programs you want to apply to on it. Don’t forget to read the FAQ section to ease the application process.

Do I need to send the documents to each college I apply to?

1. The applications should be done online on SOPHAS.
2. The transcripts need to be sent for WES evaluation.
3. The letters of recommendations will need to be uploaded directly by your referrers on the SOPHAS website through their accounts.
4. GRE scores need to be sent to each institution’s GRE code online.
5. TOEFL scores need to be sent directly to SOPHAS.
6. You should upload your CV in your main SOPHAS application.
7. The SOP should be uploaded on SOPHAS for each college separately.

What is WES evaluation?

It is the process of evaluating your transcripts and converting them to grades and credits that US colleges will understand. You will need to create an account on www.wes.org, pay the fees and acquire a WES number. Then the university that conferred your degree will have to send, by courier, a copy of all your verified transcripts in a sealed and stamped envelope to the WES office in New York. PLEASE KEEP ATLEAST TWO MONTHS TIME FOR THIS WHOLE PROCESS TO TAKE PLACE.

What are supplemental applications?

Some US states require a separate state specific application on its own application website. These applications generally do not require payment, nor do they need any additional documents.

When should I start expecting responses?

You may start getting responses 4 weeks after your application. You will receive emails within a week if your application is incomplete, or if they need any additional documents.

Where can I find more information?

The SOPHAS website has an informative FAQ section that will help guide you. You should also browse the websites of each college that you are thinking of applying to to understand program competencies and requirements.

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This article has been written by Dr. Spruha Kurlekar who is an intern at Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, India. To ask questions to the author, use the comments section below.