Master of Public Health at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The UNC Gillings MPH curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in public health science and practice, followed by specialized training in a chosen concentration. While specific course sequences vary by concentration, all MPH students complete core coursework, concentration-specific requirements, a practical experience, and a culminating experience.

• Core Public Health Courses: Students gain foundational knowledge in key public health disciplines, including biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy and management, environmental health sciences, and social and behavioral sciences.
• Concentrations: The program offers a wide array of concentrations, allowing students to specialize in areas such as Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Behavior, Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health Sciences, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition, Global Health, and more. Each concentration has specific required and elective courses.
• Applied Practical Experience (APEx): A mandatory practicum provides hands-on experience in a public health setting, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges under professional supervision.
• Culminating Experience: Students complete a master's paper, capstone project, or other culminating experience that demonstrates their ability to synthesize knowledge and contribute to public health scholarship or practice.

Applicants to the UNC Gillings MPH program must demonstrate a strong academic background and commitment to public health. Key requirements typically include:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA (a minimum of 3.0 is generally recommended).
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
• A compelling Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement outlining academic and career goals, and how the UNC Gillings MPH program aligns with these aspirations.
• A current Resume or Curriculum Vitae detailing academic, professional, and volunteer experiences.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities, professional potential, and suitability for graduate-level public health study.
• For international applicants, proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS scores), unless exempt.
• The GRE is generally not required for most MPH concentrations, but applicants should verify specific requirements for their chosen concentration.

Applying to the UNC Gillings MPH program involves a multi-step process primarily conducted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) and the UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate School.

1. SOPHAS Application: Applicants must submit the primary application through SOPHAS, including all transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and CV/resume.
2. UNC Graduate School Application: In addition to SOPHAS, applicants are required to complete a supplemental application directly through the UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate School. This often involves providing additional demographic information and paying a separate application fee.
3. Deadlines: Applicants should adhere to the specified deadlines, typically in early December for priority consideration and mid-January for the final deadline for Fall admission. It is advisable to submit materials well in advance.
4. Interviews: Some concentrations or applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the admission process.
5. Decision Notification: Admission decisions are typically released in late winter or early spring.

Application Fee: SOPHAS fee (approx. $145 for first application) + UNC Graduate School fee (approx. $95)