Application Review Process
What Happens After I Apply?
Each degree and certificate program has its own admissions committee composed of at least three faculty members.
Holistic Review
The committees review applications for evidence of the applicant’s intent and purpose in studying public health, past academic performance, program-specific academic potential, professional and life experience, English fluency (where required), and other factors such as an applicant’s compatibility with faculty expertise and program directions. Note that GPAs provide a competitive point of reference for admission, but is not alone decisive in the admissions review.
MHA Interviews
Selected applicants to the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program may also be invited for an interview.
When Will I Know If I Got In?
Admissions committees review applications on a rolling basis. They strive to get applicants a decision as soon as possible. This process may take 6 to 8 weeks after an application is sent to the admissions committee for review. All applicants are notified of the committee’s decision via email.
Early Action program for MPH applicants only:
- Applicants who submit a completed application by the December 1 early action deadline receive priority consideration for scholarship awards. Scholarship reviews for this group take place first, and award notifications are expected to be sent by early to mid-February.
- Early action is non-binding and non-restrictive. Students choosing to apply by the early action deadline need to submit their application materials earlier in the process, and will receive an admission decision sooner than regular decision applicants.
- Following this initial round, additional scholarships will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis throughout the admission cycle as funds remain available.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are an excellent way to fund your education as a graduate student. They can consist of teaching, helping conduct research, or providing administrative support. These opportunities can be very competitive. Many graduate assistantship opportunities are not posted, but many are. You can find additional information about graduate assistantships, including job postings through the UMN Office of Human Resources. Our SPH Career Services office also provides advice on finding GA opportunities for current University of Minnesota School of Public Health students.
Admitted Applicants
Admitted applicants will be directed to our website to make their decision on our admission offer. Those accepting admission will be required to make a $250 non-refundable admission deposit, which will be applied toward their student account at the beginning of their admission term.
Who Do I Contact With Questions?
Contact the SPH Admissions at sph-admissions@umn.edu.
