How to Apply

MPH Program

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service, SOPHAS. The application will become available in late August and the YSPH deadline is December 15. SOPHAS will verify the information reported and send it electronically to YSPH once complete. The verification process can take 2-4 weeks to complete. We will notify you when we receive your application from SOPHAS. We encourage you to monitor your application in SOPHAS to assure that all documents have been received. SOPHAS does charge an application fee of $140 for the first application and $50 per additional program.

What type of degree is required for admission?

All applicants for our 2-year MPH must have a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree or the foreign equivalent. Our applicants come from backgrounds and experiences across a variety of undergraduate disciplines.

Applicants to the Advanced Professional and Executive MPH should have one of the following:

1. A doctoral (or international equivalent) degree in a field related to public health (e.g., physicians, dentists, podiatrists, pharmacists, veterinarians, attorneys, and those with a doctorate in the biological, behavioral, or social sciences).
2. A master’s degree and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
3. A bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant work experience for the AP program and 4 years for the Executive.
4. Completion of the third year at an accredited medical, dental, or podiatric school in the United States.

What components must my application contain?

• Completed SOPHAS application
• Official transcripts from all schools attended
  • SOPHAS requires that applicants submit transcripts from ALL schools attended. This includes community college and transfer classes that may already be listed on your primary transcript
  • Students receiving a degree from an institution outside of the US or Canada must submit a WES evaluation for all transcripts. Please note that WES can take up to 2 months for evaluations and transcripts should be submitted no later than 6 weeks before the application deadline to ensure timely evaluation and consideration.
• Description of Quantitative Experience and Ability and Verification of Ability (see above for details)
  • For GRE and GMAT, please use code: 3975
  • For MCAT, please use code: “SOPHAS”
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose and objectives
• Resume/CV

What are the requirements for international applicants?

International students are required to take the TOEFL if their language of instruction for their degree was not English (please use code 5688). Our minimum accepted score is 100. At this time, we DO NOT accept the IELTS exam in place of the TOEFL. Applicants who submit a TOEFL will also be required to complete brief video questions. You will be contacted by the Office of Admissions with these questions after submitting your application. Finally, course by course, degree conferral evaluations must be submitted for all international transcripts by WES. Please submit all transcripts to WES at least 6 weeks prior to the application deadline. This policy does not pertain to students from Canada.

*Due to the limitations of in-person testing as a result of COVID-19, we will be accepting the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test.

What is the difference between the MS in BIS and the MPH in biostatistics?

• The MPH degree emphasizes the application of biostatistics and provides training for a career in public health. Students apply to this program through SOPHAS.
• The MS degree emphasizes the theoretical mastery of biostatistical skills. It is designed to train professional statisticians to work in the technology industry, biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, and healthcare organizations. Students apply to the MS program through the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. For more information visit our MS program website.

What factors does the Admissions Committee consider in making decisions?

In reviewing applications, our Admissions Committee equally considers academic ability, public health experience and a strong commitment to the field. The fit with our school and focus of your interest in public health should be clear. Experience does not have to be paid, professional work experience rather it can be any experience that has informed your decision to pursue your MPH. Please note that we do not have a minimum GPA or test score requirement. That being said, our program does have heavy quantitative requirements and we do recommend applicants aim for GRE scores above the 50th percentile.

Are there any course prerequisites for application?

Our Biostatistics department is the only department that requires prerequisite coursework for application. Biostatistics applicants must have completed a course in multivariate calculus (Calculus III or the equivalent) with a grade of B or better and a course in linear algebra with a grade of B or better.

While other departments do not require specific coursework for application, strong quantitative ability as demonstrated by test scores and coursework is important for every department. Departmental reviewers will also look to coursework that is relevant to your area of study. For example, reviewers in the Social and Behavioral Sciences department may strongly consider your grades in your social science coursework, while reviewers in the Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases department may weigh your science coursework more heavily.

What is the word limit for the statement of purpose and objectives and what should it include?

The statement of purpose and objectives is one of the most important components of your application. It is your opportunity to make the case for why we should admit you. Tell us your public health story, highlighting the formative experiences you have had in public health, what these experiences have taught you and how they are informing your decision to pursue your MPH studies at Yale. Your area of interest or the public health question you wish to explore should be clear. We also would like to know your plans for how you hope to use your degree. And, of course, anything you can tell us about what you bring to the classroom is also helpful. We do encourage you to remember that application reviewers will also be viewing your resume and the statement SHOULD NOT just reiterate your experiences. It is intended to help us understand more about your influences and goals. We highly recommend that personal statements be no longer than 2 pages in length.

What is the deadline for my application?

Applications close on December 15^th. All materials must be submitted to SOPHAS by this date and all standardized exams but be taken before the deadline.

How can I verify that my documents and application have been received?

You should regularly check the status of your application through the SOPHAS portal. SOPHAS will indicate when your application has been completed and our office will notify you when we have received your application from SOPHAS. At this time, we will confirm if your application is complete or is missing any documents. Please note that SOPHAS completion status does not mean that your application is complete here at YSPH and we may still require additional materials. While documents can come in after the December 15th deadline, we require that all materials are received by the Office of Admissions by January 31. Additionally, documents including resumes cannot be updated after they have been submitted.

When can I expect to hear about my decision?

Admissions decisions will be sent out on a rolling basis beginning in late November. We hope to have all decisions released by late February/early March.

How do I study Global Health at YSPH?

The uniqueness of Yale’s Global Health program is that it is available to all of our students. Because we believe that global health is public health, we encourage our students to broaden their public health education in various departments with the perspectives and experiences the Global Health Concentration offers. Students complete the Global Health Concentration through course, internship and thesis requirements.

Are there other ways in which I can enhance my expertise while at YSPH?

The Yale School of Public Health encourages students to complement their departmental studies through a variety of interdisciplinary concentrations, tracks and programs. Read more about our Global Health Concentration, Public Health Modeling Concentration, Regulatory Affairs Track, US Health and Justice Concentration, Climate Change and Health Concentration and Maternal Child Health Promotion Track to explore ways to customize and enhance your degree. Additionally, student at YSPH can use their elective credits to take courses across Yale’s 13 graduate schools and programs. Finally, YSPH offers multiple joint degree options across the University.

How do departments, concentrations and tracks work?

All students apply to a specific department at YSPH when applying for admissions. The seven different areas of study ensure a solid grounding in the basic and applied sciences, as well as a focus on a specific area of public health work. Students in all departments complete a core curriculum, a departmental curriculum and a selection of electives. The concentrations and tracks are designed to complement and enhance the departmental curriculum. Each is comprised of a set of courses in addition to a practical experience and these courses typically fulfill the elective requirements of each departmental program.

Is it possible to enroll as a part-time student?

Yes, it is possible to enroll as a part-time student however approvals to do so are granted on a case-by-case basis as the program is intended to be completed full time. Part-time student status is granted to students taking fewer than 4 course units per term. Part-time students are encouraged to take at least 2 course units per term and must complete all course requirements (including the thesis) within five years of matriculation. For the AP MPH program, all degree requirements must be completed within three years of matriculation. Those considering part-time study should be aware that YSPH does not offer evening, weekend or summer classes. The school also offers a two-year Executive MPH for students who wish to pursue a degree part-time that is mostly online, with three five-day intensives on the Yale campus over the course of the two years.

Will I have opportunities to conduct research or volunteer at Yale?

YSPH houses numerous interdisciplinary research centers and programs that afford students the opportunity to work and conduct research. Learn more about these centers on the research section of the school's website. Research and educational opportunities are also available throughout the Yale community. Community service is encouraged and our students volunteer with groups such as: HealthCore, the Haven Free Clinic and the Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE). The Student Association Yale School of Public Health (SAYPH) includes a Community Service Committee that focuses on finding projects for students throughout Yale and the New Haven community.

What should I consider when applying for a joint degree with another Yale professional school?

Joint degree candidates must apply to and be admitted by each school. In addition, joint degree students must fulfill degree requirements for both programs. Advisors from the respective schools will assist students with mapping curriculum. Please contact admissions offices at both programs to learn about admissions requirements and deadlines. For a complete list of our joint degree programs visit our Education and Training site.

How do I contact an Admissions representative or schedule a visit?

Questions or scheduling a visit may be arranged by contacting our office at ysph.admissions@yale.edu or (203)785-2844.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Detailed information including the financial aid application may be found on the financial aid webpages. Please contact our Director of Financial Aid, Jennifer Farkas by phone (203) 785-5417 or email.

What are the demographics of the MPH students?

The incoming class of 2020:

• Class size: 227
• 29% Men / 71% Women
• Average Age: 24
• Average Years of pre-MPH work experience: 2
• US States Represented: 32
• US URMs: 16%
• International Students: 35% representing 19 countries