Prospective Students

Why UM SPH

• The Field of Public Health
• Public Health Careers
• Programs and Degrees
• Recent Research
• Life at UM SPH

How to Apply

• M.P.H./M.H.S.A.
• M.S./Ph.D.
• Executive Education & OJ/OC
• Continuing Education
• Distance Learning

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M.S. and Ph.D. Applicants

Masters of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees are academic degrees that prepare students to participate in research and the production and analysis of public-health-related knowledge. Programs of study ordinarily begin in the fall term because courses are arranged in sequence.

Before Applying

Applicants should possess:

• a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with substantial knowledge in a discipline relevant to public health (either through study or experience);
• a graduate degree from an accredited institution in a discipline relevant to public health (for Ph.D. applicants);
• or a combination of these.

Although requirements vary by department, many departments require that applicants have a solid background in the natural sciences, particularly biology and including physiology and microbiology; or a solid background in the social sciences, including sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, or economics; or a combination of both a natural sciences and social sciences background. Applicants to the Biostatistics department have specific mathematical prerequisites.

Credentials for Application

Requirements include official transcripts documenting all undergraduate and graduate work and three letters of recommendation. (Academic and professional recommendations only. Personal recommendations are not accepted.)

Applicants must also submit scores from the aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years. We do accept official Computer-Based GRE scores. Our institution code for the GRE is 1954; there is no need to enter a department code.  Health Management and Policy also accepts the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT). The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is acceptable for all programs except Health Management and Policy. HMP only accepts MCAT scores from individuals who are eligible for its dual MD/MPH program. LSAT scores are not accepted.

Fee

Domestic applicants require a $60 non-refundable fee. International applicants require a $75 non-refundable fee. Applicants may apply for two different programs at the School of Public Health for the same fee. Each program will need a supporting statement of purpose.

The Application Process

M.S. and Ph.D. programs are offered through the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. If you are interested in dual or joint programs with other schools or colleges at the University of Michigan, you are required to apply to both programs separately.

Applications & Deadlines

All Rackham applications and supplemental materials should be submitted in accordance with the directions on the Rackham application. The cover sheet, application fee, and certification of funding (for non-U.S. applicants) should be submitted directly to the Rackham Graduate School. The department sheet, all letters of recommendation, and official transcripts should be sent directly to the specific UM SPH department. Departmental staff process these and forward recommendations to the Rackham Graduate School. Formal decisions are made by the Rackham Graduate School, and applicants are notified of their status by either the department or Rackham.

Ph.D. Applicants

Applicants admitted to Ph.D. programs embark on a multi-year relationship with an academic organization. It is important for doctoral applicants to thoroughly review the University of Michigan School of Public Health faculty profiles and research interests in order to clearly identify a fit with the program of choice and an applicant's own area of interest for doctoral study before applying.

Guidelines, forms, and checklists for current students preparing their dissertation and defense.