MPH FAQ

The Puget Sound MPH program does not require specific pre-requisite coursework for admission. Students may find that courses in statistics, human biology or anatomy and physiology, and sociology are helpful preparation for an MPH.

The MPH program requires an application, resume, official copies of transcripts, and statement of goals from all applicants. Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate at the University of Puget Sound are required to have two letters of recommendation submitted. Applicants who did not receive their undergraduate degree in the United States or international students for whom English is not their first language are required to provide documentation of English proficiency. Read more about the admission process.

The GRE is not required for admission.

Recommenders should be acquainted with you in a professional capacity and be able to speak to your ability or potential for public health graduate studies. Prior professors or volunteer/work supervisors are generally good options if they know you well enough to speak to your academic and professional potential.

The MPH program will consider requests to defer admission on a case by case basis.

Courses are generally offered in the late afternoon or early evening (after 3 p.m.).

It is possible to attend part-time. A recommended full-time sequence is available to all students. Part-time sequences will be developed on an individual basis with students needing to attend part-time.

For students attending full-time, the program is designed to be completed in two academic years inclusive of summer coursework between the two academic years.

Read more about Tuition & Fees.

There are no program-sponsored scholarships or assistantships available at this time. Students may consider loans or apply for external scholarships, and are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for more information. Review more information on Graduate Financial Aid.

Under some circumstances, students can complete their practicum at their current place of employment. This will usually involve developing a specific work plan and project that is separate from their usual work in order to align with selected competencies for development. Practicum is required to be completed under the supervision of a public health professional, so it may also require that the practicum supervisor is a different individual from one’s regular employment supervisor. These situations will be considered and approved on an individual basis.

CEPH requires a specific amount of data on students, including information on graduates, in order to review a program for accreditation. The Puget Sound MPH program submitted an application for CEPH accreditation on April 7, 2023. We are currently conducting our self-study for accreditation, which is approximately a 3 year process. Once accredited, CEPH uses the application date as the accreditation date. Our goal is for all graduates to come under CEPH accreditation.

The mission of the University of Puget Sound MPH program is to prepare culturally responsive graduates who promote health equity and community wellness, and work to prevent injury and illness. The program has a generalist concentration that is focused on health equity and minimizing disparities. Our small class size (under 10 students), and small liberal arts college setting, enable us to provide a personalized educational experience.

The program is generally focused, with an emphasis on health equity and minimizing disparities. Currently, the program does not offer specific degree concentrations. However, as part of the curriculum, students will have the option to take two special topics courses during their studies. Additionally, our Applied Practice Experience (internship-practicum) is individually selected by each student, with input from our practicum coordinator. Similarly, our Integrative Learning Experience (capstone project) is self-selected with guidance from our ILE supervisor. These opportunities enable students to pursue their individual subdiscipline interests within the framework of a generalist degree program.