Program Details

Start Date Fall
Duration 2 Years (full-time, standard)
Tuition Approx. $17,000 - $20,000 per year (CA Resident); $30,000 - $35,000 per year (Non-Resident) + campus fees. (Costs are estimates and subject to change; refer to UCLA's official financial aid site for current figures.)
Format On-campus
Credits 60-72 Quarter Units (depending on concentration)

Program Statistics

Acceptance Rate Highly competitive, estimated 20-30%%
Employment Rate Over 90% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within 6 months of graduation%

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health (FSPH) is a nationally recognized, comprehensive graduate degree designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public health practice and research. Located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, UCLA FSPH leverages its diverse urban setting and strong community partnerships to offer unparalleled learning and research opportunities. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to gain foundational knowledge across core public health disciplines while specializing in a specific area of interest.

UCLA’s MPH program is committed to advancing health and preventing disease and disability among populations in California, the nation, and the world. Graduates are equipped with the critical analytical skills, practical experience, and ethical understanding necessary to address complex public health challenges, from global pandemics to local health disparities. The faculty comprises leading experts in various public health fields, dedicated to both cutting-edge research and effective teaching, fostering an environment of innovation and social responsibility.

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Students benefit from a rigorous curriculum that integrates classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork and community engagement. The program culminates in a capstone project or thesis, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world public health issues. With a strong alumni network and close ties to public health agencies and organizations, UCLA MPH graduates are highly sought after in diverse sectors, including government, non-profit organizations, healthcare systems, and academia.

Curriculum

The MPH curriculum at UCLA is structured around a core set of public health principles, followed by specialized coursework within a chosen concentration. All students complete core courses covering Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Health Policy and Management, and Community Health Sciences (Social and Behavioral Sciences). These foundational courses provide a comprehensive understanding of public health challenges and methodologies.

Students then delve into one of the many available concentrations, which may include:

  • Biostatistics
  • Community Health Sciences
  • Environmental Health Sciences
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Policy and Management
  • Population and Reproductive Health
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • And various interdepartmental programs and specializations.

Beyond coursework, the program integrates a mandatory practicum (fieldwork experience) where students apply their knowledge in real-world public health settings. The program culminates in a capstone project or thesis, requiring students to conduct independent research or develop a solution to a public health problem, demonstrating their mastery of public health concepts and skills.

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
  • Statement of Purpose outlining academic and career goals.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • GRE General Test scores are generally optional for many concentrations but may be required or recommended for some; check specific department requirements.
  • For international applicants: TOEFL or IELTS scores (unless exempt).
  • Prerequisite coursework may be required for specific concentrations (e.g., statistics, biology).

Application Process

Applicants must submit their application through the centralized Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) and concurrently complete the UCLA Graduate Division application. The process typically involves:

  1. Creating an account and submitting the primary application through SOPHAS, including official transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and resume/CV.
  2. Paying the SOPHAS application fee.
  3. Completing the UCLA Graduate Division application, which may require additional information and the UCLA application fee.
  4. Submitting official GRE scores (if required/submitted) and TOEFL/IELTS scores (for international applicants) directly to UCLA.
  5. Ensuring all supplemental materials are uploaded and linked correctly between SOPHAS and UCLA's system.
  6. Monitoring application status through both portals.

Application Fee: Approx. $145 (SOPHAS first application) + $135 (UCLA domestic) / $155 (UCLA international)

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