Certificate of Public Health (CPH)

Admission Requirements and Application Information

When you apply online, please be sure to select the "Certificate of Public Health" option under the Graduate Degree section.

Though we do not have posted minimum standards, we do want to see that you have the skills required to succeed in our professional academic programs. In an effort to evaluate your application, the following materials are needed in your CPH application to the School of Public and Community Health Sciences.

Application Packet Checklist

  • completed online application form
  • three letters of recommendations
  • personal statement
  • curriculum vitae or resume
  • official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • official TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores (for international students only)

Requirements for Admission into the Certificate of Public Health Program:

  • Baccalaureate degree
  • Completed application packet
  • Note that the GRE is not required

Important: CPH applicants may not transfer in any credits and apply them toward their program. Students must be admitted to the CPH program before taking any courses.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is an important part of the application as it helps the Admissions Committee learn about an applicant's interest in public health. The personal statement also provides a writing sample, so applicants should compose their statements thoughtfully and edit them carefully. The entire personal statement should not exceed two single space typed pages. Please address each of the following questions or issues below with a brief paragraph.

  1. Why do you want to pursue graduate studies in public health?
  2. What are your short-term and long-term career objectives?
  3. Briefly describe the education, life/work experiences and personal characteristics that will enable you to be successful in the program and your chosen career.
  4. Describe any significant extracurricular or community service activities.
  5. Please comment on anything else you think would strengthen your application.

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

All applicants are asked to submit updated curriculum vitae or resume. Applicants who have existing graduate degrees may wish to include a list of publications and/or presentations at professional meetings.

Transcripts

All applicants are asked to enter universities/colleges/schools attended into the appropriate section in the online application, to ensure all required transcript can be checked as received.

Application Deadlines

The Admissions Committee typically meets twice a year to consider new applications, and it is highly recommended that prospective students submit their completed applications by the admission deadlines:

Fall, Spring & Summer Semesters - Please submit your completed application at least four (4) weeks prior to the start of that semester's classes.

There is no guarantee that submissions after the above stated date(s) will be reviewed in time for admission for the following semester. Should you wish to submit your application beyond the recommended dates, please contact the departmental office at (406) 243-2571 or e-mail publichealth@umontana.edu.

Instructions for applying to the School of Public and Community Health Sciences and the online application are available on the Graduate School web site (application instructions).

Application Instructions (CPH to MPH)

Students who are admitted into the CPH program who then decide to pursue the MPH must apply for admission to the MPH program.

CPH Program Application Checklist (if you are currently enrolled in a graduate program at The University of Montana)

You may either complete the requirements listed above for those students not already enrolled in a graduate program, or you may complete just the items below.

  • completed application
  • letter of support from current supervisor
  • personal statement

Then, send in a sealed envelope from current program:

  • copies of three recommendations from current master's or doctorate program
  • unofficial copies of all transcripts

International Students

International students are encouraged to apply for the CPH program. The CPH program may be completed entirely online. Those international students wishing to complete the CPH program while living in the United States should be aware that the Department of Homeland Security limits international students to taking one online course per semester while maintaining a full course load (9 credits). Students may opt to complete many of their initial courses online and then travel to the United States to complete their work, meeting the Homeland Security requirements for student visas.

International applicants must complete every section of the international student form. To have an I-20 issued, international applicants must attach a certified financial statement that reflects the funding recorded in Section III. For more information, please refer to the Graduate School web site.