Applying for and Funding Your EMPH

We encourage you to submit your application when you feel it is strongest: complete, reflective, and representative of your preparation and purpose. All EMPH applications are due no later than December 15th. However, consideration for the YSPH Civil Service Award, Overlook International Foundation Scholarship, and Gliklich Merit Scholarship will prioritize admissions applications submitted by November 15th. Thus, those who wish to be considered for one of those awards should submit a completed application no later than November 15th.

Your application will include a set of required materials outlined below. Submitting all items on time helps ensure a timely review. All MPH applications are submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS), the centralized application for Schools of Public Health.

Our review process considers the full context of your candidacy: academics, professional trajectory, quantitative readiness, and alignment of your goals with the EMPH experience.

If admitted, you’ll receive information about enrollment steps and funding details (as applicable).

1) A completed SOPHAS application

2) Official transcripts from all schools attended

Submit transcripts from all schools attended, including undergraduate and any graduate-level coursework. Applicants who earned a degree outside the U.S. or Canada must submit a WES evaluation for all transcripts. Because WES processing can take up to two months, submit transcripts to WES at least six weeks before the application deadline to ensure timely review.

3) Statement of purpose and objectives

Submit a statement of 1–2 pages describing your motivations, goals, and readiness for the Executive MPH. The most compelling statements demonstrate a clear sense of purpose and a genuine passion for public health.

4) Statement of quantitative experience and ability

To establish quantitative readiness for the EMPH program, applicants must submit two items:

• Statement of Quantitative Experience and Ability (Maximum length: ½ page): This statement should detail your previous quantitative experience, including quantitative courses completed, quantitative work in research or publications (and your role therein), GRE scores if available, and related professional experience. Focus on what you’ve done and how you’ve applied those skills beyond coursework.
• Verification of Ability (Maximum length: 5 pages): Provide supporting evidence for your Statement of Quantitative Experience and Ability. This may include course completion certificates; publication abstracts and/or a link to access the work online (please do not submit full papers or theses), project deliverables that demonstrate quantitative skills, documentation of GRE scores, etc. If you cannot share data or deliverables, include a brief project summary describing the tools you used and your results.

5) Current CV or résumé

Submit an up-to-date CV or résumé highlighting your education, experience, and accomplishments.

6) Three Letters of recommendation

Submit three letters of recommendation. The most helpful recommendations come from individuals who know you well and can speak to your leadership, collaboration, and academic or professional contributions with specific examples. Recommenders are typically busy people, so it is important to give them ample lead time. Whenever possible reach out at least a month before the deadline so they have sufficient time to prepare and submit strong letters on your behalf.

For more information on the application process, please review our admissions FAQs.

Tuition is billed per credit each summer, fall, and spring. The EMPH is a 16-credit program. Tuition costs and expense budgets are detailed on our tuition and financial aid page.

EMPH Scholarship Opportunities:

All Executive MPH students who do not receive full tuition funding from an external source will be automatically considered for the following YSPH Scholarship Opportunities based on their admissions materials and FAFSA if applicable. No additional scholarship application is required.

Irene Trowell-Harris Scholarship:

The Irene Trowell-Harris Scholarship is awarded based on demonstrated financial need documented per the FAFSA’s Student Aid Index. To qualify, new applicants must complete the FAFSA by December 31st. Students awarded this $20,000 scholarship will have it applied at a rate of $1,250 per credit throughout their two-year program. (Admissions Application must be received by December 15th)

YSPH Civil Service Award:

The YSPH Civil Service Award is a competitive 50% tuition scholarship awarded to one EMPH student working as a federal, state, local, or tribal government employee while pursuing their degree. These funds are intended to amplify the recipient’s public service contribution through training in public health methods, policy, and leadership, and thus support evidence-based decision making in public health at all levels of government. Newly admitted students who meet the professional criteria will be considered for this award. (Priority Admissions Application Deadline: November 15th)

Overlook International Foundation Scholarship:

All new EMPH students from Mexico will automatically be considered for the Overlook International Foundation Scholarship. This highly competitive scholarship supports one student each year who plans to continue positively impacting Public Health and Policy in Mexico. The recipient will receive an additional $30,000 towards the cost of the EMPH program. (Priority Admissions Application Deadline: November 15th)

The Gliklich Merit Scholarship:

Applicants planning to pursue the Health Informatics track are automatically considered for the $28,000 Gliklich Merit Scholarship. The Gliklich Scholarship is awarded based on a holistic review of merit to one new EMPH student in the Health Informatics track. (Priority Admissions Application Deadline: November 15th)

Please review the YSPH Financial Aid website for additional funding opportunities.

As you explore the Executive MPH, you may wish to learn more to ensure the program is the right fit. We offer a range of opportunities to help you engage with the YSPH community and navigate the EMPH application process, including virtual information sessions with Dr. Abigail Friedman, EMPH Faculty Director, and admissions resources designed to answer common questions as you prepare your application. If you still have questions at any point—about requirements, timelines, or funding—please reach out to Lauren Babcock-Dunning, Administrative Director of the EMPH, and set up a time to discuss them.