How to Apply – MPH Degree

Degree
A baccalaureate degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or concurrent enrollment in a graduate or professional degree program is required. International applicants must have a degree comparable to a regionally accredited U.S. bachelor’s degree, with a strong academic performance comparable to a “B” grade point average or above. Official transcripts from all college and graduate work must be submitted. Foreign-educated applicants must submit their International academic records in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is expected.

Public Health Experience
Public health-related experience is highly recommended (this includes, but is not limited to, working in social service agencies, public health departments, volunteer organizations, and health care organizations that do not focus solely on patient care. Clinical care alone does not constitute public health experience).

Course work
Successful completion of one semester of college level mathematics such as algebra (equivalent to UW-Madison, MATH 112) or statistics (STATS 201) and one semester of science is required. The science course can be from the areas of biology, nutritional science, chemistry, physics, etc.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation which focus on the applicant’s job performance accomplishments in the field of public health or potential for success in academic public health are required. All letters of recommendation must be on official letterhead and mailed to the Master of Public Health Program Office in a sealed envelope with the recommender’s signature across the envelope flap. Enclosed with the letter of recommendation should be a signed copy of the Instructions for Letter Writers form. Letters prepared for other academic or professional programs are not recommended. Letters of recommendation should be less than one year old.
Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment), the candidate is entitled to review this letter of recommendation or to waive his/her right to access. If the candidate does not waive his/her right to review the letter and requests access, we will provide him/her with a copy if requested.

Personal Statement
A personal statement, limited to one page (single-spaced), should address the applicant’s prior public health experience, reasons for pursuing an MPH, and future public health goals.

Applicants are encouraged to comment on any or all of the following: plans that the applicant has to use their education and training in public health; the needs and/or challenges the applicant perceives as important in the field of public health; and any personal qualities, characteristics, and skills the applicant believes will enable him or her to be successful as a public health practitioner or add to the diversity of the educational experience.

Standardized Test Scores
Applicants who are not enrolled in another UW graduate degree program or who have not earned a masters or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. institution must submit test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) taken within the past 5 years. Scores must be sent to the University of Wisconsin (institution code: 1846) from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Students who have earned a masters or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. institution or who are currently enrolled in a UW graduate degree program are exempt from this requirement.
 

Applicants whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam taken within the last 5 years. A minimum TOEFL score of 250 on the computer-based test, 600 on the paper-based test or 100 on the internet-based test is required to demonstrate English language proficiency. Alternatives to the TOEFL are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). For up to date information on these English proficiency tests, visit TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB. All standardized test scores must be sent directly to the University of Wisconsin (institution code: 1846) from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

As you begin the application process for the UW–Madison Master of Public Health Program, make sure that you are eligible to apply by carefully reviewing the eligibility requirements. If you meet all eligibility requirements, we welcome your application.
 

It is strongly recommended that you read the Application Instructions prior to completing the Master of Public Health Application. The application instructions will provide you with a step-by-step guide to completing your application accurately and efficiently, as well as provide detailed information about the documents necessary to complete your application.

 

To view, complete, submit and print the forms necessary for the application process, you will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer. The most recent version of Adobe Reader, currently version 10 is strongly recommended and is available to download at here.

 
 

* Transcripts must be issued directly from the college/university you attended and include an official seal/stamp and official signature. Students who are applying to or are currently enrolled in a UW graduate or professional degree program may request that copies of their transcripts be sent from their home departments to the Master of Public Health Program Office. International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. In addition, all international applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by a NACES member credential evaluation service. Official evaluations must be sent to the Master of Public Health Program Office.

** Use institution code 1846. A department code is not needed. Use institution code 1846 when requesting scores be sent; this will ensure that the results are reported to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is not necessary to submit paper or unofficial results.

All application materials should be sent to the following address:
Master of Public Health Program
735 WARF Building

Applications for admission are reviewed with five key areas in mind: academic qualifications, public health experience, MPH goals, recommendation letters, and contributions to a diverse class.

 

The Master of Public Health Program seeks students with strong academic credentials. This includes cumulative undergraduate and graduate grade point average (GPA), course selection and trend of college grades, standardized test scores, and quality of undergraduate educational institution. Well-qualified applicants will have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0.

 

Public health-related experience is highly recommended for students applying to the Master of Public Health Program. This includes, but is not limited to, working in social service agencies, public health departments, volunteer organizations, and health care organizations that do not focus solely on patient care. Clinical care alone does not constitute public health experience.

 

The required personal statement provides an opportunity for students to express their reasons for studying public health and can provide insight into the student’s long term goals. Students should have a clear idea of how they intend to use public health to enhance their career.

 

Careful, thoughtful letters from teachers or employers addressing the student’s interest and experience in public health can be very beneficial. Recommendation letters may provide information about a student’s intellect, imagination, or diligence that does not penetrate through other key areas.

 

The MPH Program seeks students who are diverse in work experience, life experience, stated goals, and cultural background. Diversity of experience and background are assets to the learning environment of students in the program.