Admissions
Applicants to the M.P.H. must demonstrate adequate preparation to complete graduate study for the M.P.H. degree.
Evidence of preparation for graduate work is indicated by the grade point average (GPA) from all post-secondary schools attended; work experience and accomplishments; and professional references.
Applications to the M.P.H. are reviewed on a rolling basis. The Program admits students for fall, spring and summer matriculation. Applications are reviewed until the class is full.
All admission decisions are based upon full review of all information in the application in order to ensure fairness and to balance the limitation of any single indicator. Strong preference for admission will be given to applicants with at least one year of public health-related work experience, either paid or unpaid.
No standardized test, including the GRE, is required for admission to the UND Public Health Program as of Fall 2020.
General Admission Requirements
- Completion of the SOPHAS online application and payment of the application fee. The SOPHAS is a centralized application service for schools and programs of public health.
- A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university (for U.S. degrees, accreditation by one of the six regional accrediting associations: MSA, NASC, NCA, NEASC-CIHE, SACS-CC or WACS-Sr.).
- An undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00. Undergraduate coursework in fields related to public health should generally exceed a GPA of 3.00.
- Fluency in written and spoken English. All non-native speakers of English must meet the School of Graduate Studies requirements regarding fluency in written and spoken English. Please refer to the School of Graduate Studies website.
Required Documentation
Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation:
- A written statement that describes the applicant’s professional goals and motivation for seeking a degree in public health. In addition, applicants should comment on any personal qualities, characteristics, and abilities they believe will enable them to be successful in achieving their career goals. (limit 2 pages)
- Resume listing work experience, including voluntary, and relevant accomplishments, awards, and honors.
- Official post-secondary academic transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who the applicant feels are most qualified to evaluate their academic potential and leadership potential in public health.
The Admissions Committee may request an in-person or Zoom interview with an applicant to assist in the decision process. A background check will be completed on each student before admission is final.
Technology Requirements
Upon matriculation, all M.P.H. students are required to have their own personal computer that is no older than 3 years upon entering the Public Health Program. This requirement applies to both on-campus students and distance students. Please read Public Health Program Computer Requirements for minimum requirements in hardware and software.
Policy on Transfer of Graduate Credits
A limited number of graduate school credits completed at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution of higher learning prior to, or after matriculation in the program, may be applied toward the M.P.H. degree. Graduate work is considered for transfer on an individual basis.
- The work must have received graduate credit at the institution where it was earned.
- The student must have earned a grade of B or better.
- The work must be less than seven years old at the time the M.P.H. degree is awarded.
- The maximum amount of transfer credit that will be accepted toward the M.P.H. degree is nine.
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)
The M.P.H. participates in WICHE's Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). The WRGP allows masters, graduate certificate, and Ph.D. students who are residents of WICHE member states to enroll in selected programs at 56 participating institutions outside of their home states and pay resident tuition. M.P.H. students from the following states are eligible for North Dakota resident tuition rate through the WRGP:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
WGRP students must fulfill all the usual requirements of the M.P.H. and meet all admission deadlines.