Master in Public Health (MPH)

Admission Requirements and Application Information

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 MPH application to the School of Public and Community Health Sciences.

Application Packet Checklist

  • completed 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 Master of Public Health Program:

  • Baccalaureate degree
  • Completed application packet
  • Official GRE scores (obtained within the last 5 years) - NOTE: GRE scores are waived for applicants who already have a terminal degree, i.e. MD, DPT, DO, DPH, DSW, etc.
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores (for international students only)

Important: MPH applicants may only transfer in and apply a maximum of 6 approved credits toward their elective courses in this program.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants will need to submit three recommendations. Applicants should select references who can comment on their potential for success in the public health field, including former advisors, instructors, co-workers, employers, former employers, volunteer coordinators, clergy members, or other professionals. Avoid selecting recommenders who have a conflict of interest with your acceptance into the program, such as family members or close friends.

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.

Summer and Fall Semesters - Deadline for all application materials is March 1. If your completed MPH application is received by January 15 (priority application), your application will be reviewed by our Admissions Committee and decisions communicated by February 1.

Spring Semester - Deadline for all application materials is September 1.

There is no guarantee that submissions after the above stated dates 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).

International Students

International students are encouraged to apply for the MPH program. The MPH program may be completed entirely online. Those international students wishing to complete the MPH 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.