Graduate Program Application Process
To Apply
The online application process is through SOPHAS, the centralized application service for schools and programs of public health. Final deadlines vary by program.
(for MPH, MHA, PhD, MS, dual-degree)
(for certificates and 4+1 program)
SOPHAS Fee Assistance Program: A limited number of fee waivers are available through SOPHAS’ Fee Assistance Program.
Note: If you would like to apply to additional degree programs, please indicate any other programs to which you would like to apply by filling out this form. We will create the additional application(s) on your behalf. Please note that applying to more than one program does not guarantee acceptance.
Requirements for Degree Programs
Visit the programs pages for specific information about prerequisite coursework, required tests, and minimum scores.
Note: Student applications are carefully considered as part of a holistic review process. GPAs listed are preferred minimum performance levels and provide competitive points of reference for admission, but is not alone decisive in the admissions review.
We strongly recommend applicants begin preparing materials well before the program application deadline. All items must be submitted through SOPHAS. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
General Admission Requirements
- U.S. baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Preferred cumulative undergraduate GPA of not less than 3.00
- Statement of Purpose and Objectives
- Resume or C.V.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended. If you are an international student or a U.S. student who earned a degree outside the U.S. or English-speaking Canada, you must provide a WES credential evaluation of your foreign academic transcripts. See the International Applicants page for more information.
- 3 letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references.
PhD applicants only: Please consult the program pages for specific admissions requirements.
The GRE is not required for any of our degree programs.
Details about Application Requirements
The University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health is committed to developing leaders who advance the health of individuals and communities.
- Please describe your professional and personal goals, and explain how the graduate program you are applying to aligns with your aspirations.
- Highlight your experiences that you believe will make you a strong candidate for admission.
- Explain why you want to pursue your education at the University of Minnesota.
- A typical length is 2-3 pages long, double-spaced
Official transcripts are required from each U.S. and English-speaking Canadian institution attended and must be sent directly from that institution to SOPHAS to be considered official. This includes a University of Minnesota transcript (if applicable). For more information on the SOPHAS transcript requirement visit the SOPHAS FAQ page.
All applicants must provide proof of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants with transcripts from an international institution are required to submit a WES ICAP evaluation directly to SOPHAS. For more information visit the SOPHAS FAQ page.
All transcripts/WES evaluations must be received by SOPHAS by the program’s deadline to be considered complete. If you use the Professional Transcript Entry (PTE) service offered by SOPHAS, you must approve the final PTE entry, and the complete date must be prior to the program’s deadline.
The minimum preferred GPA is 3.0. Some programs may have a higher preferred minimum GPA. Visit the program pages for details.
Application fees associated with applying to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health are assessed through SOPHAS.
SOPHAS offers limited application fee assistance. We encourage you to inquire about these opportunities early in the application cycle, as they are very limited.
Please consult the SOPHAS website for more information.
Please visit our international applicants page for more information.
Curious about our school and want to know if it’s a good fit?
Admissions Questions?
SPH Admissions
sph-admissions@umn.edu
