A master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) prepares graduates for an exciting assortment of careers. An MPH graduate is highly qualified to fill roles in fields ranging from epidemiology to health administration. Though the degree can be finished in fewer than two years, the road to a career in public health begins even before a student matriculates. It begins with the MPH admissions process. As such, MPH applicants should know exactly what awaits them when applying for programs. Can you apply for admission to an MPH without a GRE? Is there an application fee? What is required during the degree program itself? Here’s what you need to know.
MPH Admission Requirements
Students pursuing graduate school are highly motivated, committed, and hard-working. But before applying to the program of their choice, it’s important that they know what will be expected of them during the admissions process. Here are the basic requirements for admission into an MPH program.
General Application Requirements
Generally, MPH applicants are required to submit a Graduate application and personal statement. All applicants are required to submit transcripts verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You may also be required to submit a resume and letters of recommendation. Depending on the school you’re applying to, you may also need to submit GRE scores. But, it’s entirely possible to apply for an MPH without a GRE.
What is the GRE?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations, which is a standardized test that many universities use to measure applicants’ readiness for graduate school. The GRE was created, and is administered, by the Educational Testing Service. Graduate schools may require graduates to take the broader GRE exam, or pass specific GRE subject
tests in a given field of study like psychology. An applicant’s GRE scores may influence admissions’ decision. However, not all schools and programs require the GRE.
Is a GRE Required for an MPH?
Whether or not you’ll be required to submit a GRE for your MPH program will depend on your future school. At University of Bridgeport, MPH applicants are not required to submit a GRE score. Preparing for the GRE can take between one and four months, though some students may find that more time is necessary. The test itself costs $205 in the United States, and test preparation guides cost between $20-$40. When you pursue a master’s in Public Health online with no GRE, there’s no need to worry about fitting the GRE into your budget or schedule.
Application Fee
Much like the GRE, application fees differ across graduate programs. Many schools charge students over $100 for the pleasure of applying for admission. UB understands that graduate school can cause many students financial strain. With that in mind, graduate school applicants are not required to submit an application fee.
MPH Degree Requirements
At University of Bridgeport, the master’s degree in Public Health can be completed in as few as 15 months. Courses can be taken in an accelerated 7-week format. During the course of these 15 months, students must complete a variety of courses and select an area of concentration.
Required Curriculum
Students in the MPH program are required to complete 33 core credits, as well as 9 concentration credits. Core credits of the MPH degree include, but are not limited to:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Research Methods
- Public Health Policy
- Global Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases
Students are also required to select an area of concentration. At University of Bridgeport, these concentrations include Global Health, Community Health, and Health Policy and Management.
Global Health
Students concentrating in this area will need to complete the following courses:
- Global Health Issues
- Program Planning for Global Health
- Essentials of Economics and Finance for Global Health
Community Health
Candidates in MPH programs concentrating in Community Health are required to take these classes:
- Community Health Sciences
- Program Planning, Research, and Evaluation for Community Health
- Urban Health and Social Policy
Health Policy and Management
The Health Policy and Management concentration requires students to complete these credits:
- Health Economics and U.S. Policy
- Public Health Law
- Public Health Policy as a Prevention Strategy
Benefits of Pursuing an MPH Degree
There are a number of reasons why a student motivated to make a difference might pursue a master’s degree in Public Health. A career in public health can involve preventing the spread of disease, providing care providers with administrative support, or helping to write public policy. However, earning an MPH offers students a variety of personal benefits, too.
Demand
Healthcare spending in the U.S. is continuing to grow. In 2025, healthcare is expected to represent 20% of the entire GPD of the United States. In light of this, it should be no surprise that there will be a high demand for public health professionals. Healthcare administrators will be needed to meet the growing needs of an aging population. There will be a growing demand for health educators as viruses such as the COVID-19 become more common. Epidemiologists will also be in high demand, as they conduct research on new diseases and analyze how they spread and can be treated. Earning an MPH can provide graduates with both job security and a career that makes a difference.
Flexibility
An MPH is a highly versatile program. It provides students with the specialized training they’ll need to pursue a career in a variety of avenues. Additionally, the process of earning the degree itself can be flexible. University of Bridgeport offers an online MPH degree that allows students to pursue their degree while working full time or caring for their families. This flexibility makes it possible for students to earn their degrees at a pace that fits their lifestyle.
Public health professionals protect their community members and educate the public on issues of health on a local, national, and global scale. They support the efforts of doctors and policymakers and their work has been fundamental to combatting the Coronavirus pandemic. If working in public health is of interest, a master’s of Public Health should be on your radar.
Interested in pursuing a master’s in Public Health online? Request more information to learn how University of Bridgeport’s MPH program can prepare you for a career in public health.