Master of Public Health (MPH) at Harvard University

The MPH curriculum at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is built upon a strong foundation of public health sciences, complemented by extensive opportunities for specialization. All tracks include core coursework designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of key public health disciplines:

• Core Disciplines: Foundational courses in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Policy and Management, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
• Concentrations: Students choose from a wide range of concentrations, allowing for specialization in areas such as Global Health, Health Policy, Health Management, Quantitative Methods, Environmental Health, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition, Health Communication, and many more.
• Practicum: A required applied practice experience where students gain hands-on experience in a public health setting, applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
• Culminating Experience: A final project, thesis, or comprehensive exam demonstrating mastery of public health competencies and the chosen concentration area.

The specific structure and number of elective credits vary by track:

• 45-credit MPH (MPH-45): A concentrated one-year program for experienced professionals, focusing on core competencies and a chosen concentration.
• 65-credit MPH (MPH-65): A 1.5-year program offering more depth and flexibility for specialization, often for those with prior master's degrees or significant public health experience.
• 80-credit MPH (MPH-80): A comprehensive two-year program providing extensive foundational training and ample opportunities for advanced coursework and interdisciplinary study, ideal for those seeking a broad and deep public health education.

• Bachelor's Degree: A strong academic record from an accredited institution.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all prior colleges/universities.
• Statement of Purpose: A compelling essay outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing an MPH at Harvard Chan.
• Resume/CV: Demonstrating relevant academic, professional, and volunteer experience.
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically three letters from academic or professional references.
• GRE/GMAT: Often optional or waived for certain tracks or applicants with advanced degrees/significant experience (check specific track requirements).
• English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not completed a degree in an English-speaking country.
• Prerequisites (Track-Specific): The 45-credit track typically requires a prior doctoral degree (e.g., MD, JD, PhD) or equivalent, while the 65-credit track often requires a prior master's degree or extensive relevant work experience. The 80-credit track is designed for those with a bachelor's degree.

The application process for the Master of Public Health program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is conducted primarily through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS):

1. Research Tracks: Carefully review the admission requirements and curriculum for the 45-credit, 65-credit, and 80-credit MPH tracks to determine which best fits your academic background and career goals.
2. Prepare Materials: Gather all necessary documents, including official transcripts, your resume/CV, a compelling Statement of Purpose, and contact information for your recommenders.
3. SOPHAS Application: Complete the online application through the SOPHAS portal, providing all requested personal, academic, and professional information.
4. Supplemental Application: After submitting your SOPHAS application, you will typically be prompted to complete a Harvard Chan School-specific supplemental application, which may include additional questions or essays.
5. Submit Scores: Arrange for official GRE/GMAT (if required) and TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable) scores to be sent directly to SOPHAS and/or Harvard Chan School.
6. Pay Fees: Pay the SOPHAS application fee and the Harvard Chan supplemental application fee. Fee waivers may be available based on financial need.
7. Monitor Status: Regularly check your application status through the SOPHAS and Harvard Chan portals.

Application Fee: $100 (Harvard Chan supplemental fee, in addition to SOPHAS fee)