Programs & Degrees
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Master of Public Health/Master of Social Work (M.P.H./M.S.W.)
Master of Public Health/Master of Science in Human Genetics (M.P.H./M.S.)
Ph.D.

Admissions & Financial Aid

The Department of Health Behavior and Health Education offers two degree programs: a Master's of Public Health (M.P.H.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The M.P.H. degree is administered through the School of Public Health while the Ph.D. is administered through the Rackham School of Graduate Studies.

To apply for the M.P.H. degree, please visit the School of Public Health's Application and Deadlines page where you will be directed to apply online via SOPHAS.

To apply for the Ph.D. degree, please visit the Rackham School of Graduate Studies online application page.

M.P.H. applicants should have substantial college preparation in the social sciences, with good overall academic performance. Biological science preparation is recommended.

M.P.H. Admission Information

Deadline: January 15, 2010

Early application submission is encouraged. Review of applications will begin in early January.

Applications received after the above listed date will be accepted until slots have been filled.

For more information on the SPH application process, please click here.

Required Credentials

Statement of Purpose - a concise, well-written essay about your background, your career goals and how the graduate program will help you meet your career and education objectives
Official transcripts documenting all undergraduate and graduate work
Three letters of recommendation - academic and professional recommendations are desired, personal recommendations are not accepted
GRE and/or MCATscores taken within the last five (5) years

Ph.D. Admission Information

Deadline: December 1, 2009

Only online applications submitted prior to midnight (EST) on December 1 will be accepted for admission.

Required Credentials

Statement of Purpose - a concise, well-written essay emphasizing your academic and practical experience, as well as your research interests and career goals
Personal Statement - a brief description about your background
Official Transcripts documenting all undergraduate and graduate work (Official transcripts must be sent to Rackham and to the Health Behavior and Health Education Department)
Three Letters of Recommendation - academic and professional recommendations are desired; personal recommendations are not accepted
GRE and/or MCAT scores taken within the last five (5) years

International Applicants

International applicants whose native language is not English must provide a TOEFL score. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score required for admission is 560 paper-based, 220 computer-based (CBT) or 100 Internet-based (iBT). The minimum required IELTS score is 6.5 and the minimum required MELAB score is 80.

In addition, international applicants must certify that they have financial resources adequate to provide for their expenses while attending school. Funds may come from a variety of resources including scholarships, fellowships, sponsoring agencies, continuance of salary, applicant's family, or any dependable source. Please see SPH Prospective Students for additional information.

Funding your Education

Financial Aid

Many students fund their graduate education through federal financial aid. In order to be eligible to receive financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please visit the U-M Financial Aid page for more information.

Dean's Award Scholarships (M.P.H. students)

The Department has limited scholarships for incoming M.P.H. students. All applicants that are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are automatically considered for scholarships. There are several full tuition, half tuition and quarter tuition scholarships available. It is recommended that you submit your application early in the admissions season for funding consideration.

Rackham Fellowships and Grants (Ph.D. students)

The Rackham School of Graduate Studies offers numerous scholarships, grants and fellowships to Ph.D. students. Please visit the Rackham Financial Assistance page for more information.

Graduate Student Instructor (GSI)

GSI’s assist in teaching courses, facilitating discussions in small sections connected to large lecture courses, running laboratory sections, and holding office hours where one-on-one teaching occurs. Additional responsibilities include grading and giving feedback on students’ written work .

The Department of Health Behavior and Health Education has a very limited number of GSI positions available. Only Health Behavior and Health Education Ph.D. students are eligible to apply for departmental GSI positions. GSI’s receive tuition coverage, health care and a stipend.

Many of our students secure GSI positions in departments outside of Health Behavior and Health Education (i.e. Psychology, Womens Studies, Communications). For more information, please visit the Academic Human Resources site.