Master of Public Health at Columbia University

The 45-credit MPH curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive public health education. It typically includes:

• Core Courses: A foundational sequence covering Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Health Policy and Management, and Sociomedical Sciences.
• Concentrations: Students choose from a diverse range of concentrations such as Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Health Policy and Management, Population and Family Health, Sociomedical Sciences, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and Global Health, allowing for specialized knowledge and skill development.
• Practicum (Applied Practice Experience): A supervised field experience where students apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health settings.
• Integrative Learning Experience (ILE): A culminating project, often a capstone or thesis, demonstrating mastery of public health competencies.
• Electives: Opportunities to take additional courses within the Mailman School or other Columbia University schools to further customize their learning.

Applicants to the MPH program are expected to demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to public health. Key requirements typically include:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
• A compelling Statement of Purpose outlining academic and career goals, and reasons for pursuing an MPH at Columbia.
• A current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
• For international applicants, official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), unless specific waiver criteria are met.
• GRE/GMAT scores are generally optional for most concentrations, though applicants may submit them if they believe it strengthens their application.

Applications for the Master of Public Health program at Columbia University are submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). The process involves:

• Creating an account and completing the application on the SOPHAS portal.
• Submitting all required documents, including transcripts, statement of purpose, resume/CV, and letters of recommendation, directly through SOPHAS.
• Completing a Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health supplemental application, which may include additional essays or questions.
• Paying the SOPHAS application fee and any supplemental application fee required by Columbia.
• Applicants should monitor their application status through both the SOPHAS portal and Columbia's applicant portal.

Multiple application deadlines are offered, typically including early action, priority, and regular decision rounds, with specific dates varying each academic year. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Application Fee: SOPHAS fee (approx. $145 for first application) + Columbia supplemental fee (approx. $85)