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DepartmentsDepartment of Epidemiology and Public HealthGraduate EducationMaster of Public Health (MPH)Prospective StudentsFAQs

FAQs

Admissions

When is the application deadline?

Our deadlines vary based on the program type (MPH, DDS/MPH, DPT/MPH, etc.). Click here for specific details.

What are the admission requirements?

The Master of Public Health (MPH) Program seeks qualified candidates with an educational and experiential background demonstrative of the potential for excellence.

  • The MPH program admission requirements can be found here.
  • In addition, requirements for each program have their own admission requirements. Click here for specific requirements. 

Are Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test scores required?

**Please note - The GRE has been waived for the Fall 2024 application cycle**

Yes, however the following standardized tests may be substituted for the GRE:  Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) or Dental Admission Test (DAT).

Can GRE test scores be waived?

An applicant can request a GRE waiver if he/she has an earned doctoral degree (international applicants must have credentials evaluated by World Education Services). However, the MPH Admission Review Committee does reserve the right to request that an applicant take the GRE if deemed necessary

Does the program accept international applications?

Yes.

Program

Is the program accredited?

Yes, the program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) which is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs outside schools of public health. For more information about CEPH, visit their website.

Is there a time limit in which the program must be completed?

Yes, all requirements for the MPH degree must be complete within seven consecutive calendar years of enrollment (inclusive of the periods of leave of absence).

Can a student select more than one concentration?

No, a student can select only one concentration. 

How many credits are required to complete the degree?

Students are required to complete a minimum of 42-credits to earn the MPH degree.

Is the program online?

The program is classroom based.

Can a student transfer credits into the program?

Yes, consideration of transfer of credit will be reviewed according to the following criteria:

  • Courses must have been taken at a regionally accredited institution within the time limit for completing the MPH degree.
  • No more than six credits of graduate coursework, with a grade of B or better, may be considered for transfer.
  • Credit cannot be transferred for either courses that were used to fulfill requirements for any other degree, or “credit by examination” courses.
  • Students who have already matriculated in the MPH Program and wish to take a class(es) at another university must seek approval, using the Transfer of Credit form, before enrolling in the class(es). 
  • Students may not receive transfer credit for PH 782: Public Health Practicum and PH 778: Integrative Public Health Seminar.

Are there joint degree opportunities?

Yes, students who are applying to or already enrolled in one of seven professional degree programs on the UMB campus are eligible to apply to the MPH program as joint degree students. The joint degree programs include the DDS/MPH, DPT/MPH, JD/MPH, MD/MPH, MS (Nursing)/MPH, MSW/MPH and PharmD/MPH. Offers of admission to dual-degree applicants are made contingent upon enrollment and good academic standing within their home programs. Click here for more information. 

Is fieldwork a requirement of the program?

Yes, the required MPH fieldwork experience is obtained through the Public Health Practicum course.  This practicum is a 240 - contact hour field experience that takes place in a public health agency under the supervision of a trained public health preceptor.

Are courses offered in the evening or on weekends?

No.

What time of year does the program begin?

All students enter the program in the fall term which begins the first week of July. This requirement allows students to complete the program within the required time limits.

How long does it take a full-time student to complete the program?

Full-time students can take as little as 18-months to complete the program.  Part-time students will take approximately 2 ½  years to complete the program.

Tuition

Is there scholarship support available?

Yes. The University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) offers a number of scholarships to students who demonstrate a strong ability to succeed through their academic achievements, community leadership, and service. Here is a link to the UMB opportunities.  

The MPH Program offers a scholarship opportunity and an award opportunity. MPH students may compete for the scholarship and award after they are admitted. Please note the scholarship and award do not cover the cost of tuition or fees. Here is a link to the MPH student scholarship and award opportunities.

What is the cost per credit for a Maryland resident?

Our tuition and fees can be found on the Tuition and Fees page of the MPH Program website.  

Campus

Is there student housing available?

Yes, the UMB Residence Life Office provides comprehensive information about housing options.

Can students assist with on-going faculty research?

Yes. 

Inquiries 

Contact the MPH Program office by email or call 410.706.0539.