Master of Public Health (MPH) at Rutgers University

The 45-credit MPH curriculum at Rutgers School of Public Health is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in public health science and practice, followed by specialized training in a chosen concentration. The program includes:

• Core Courses (15 credits): All students complete foundational courses covering the five core disciplines of public health:
  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental Health Sciences
  • Health Systems and Policy
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Concentrations (18-21 credits): Students choose from a wide range of concentrations to specialize their studies. Popular concentrations include:
  • Biostatistics
  • Environmental Health Sciences
  • Epidemiology
  • Global Public Health
  • Health Education
  • Health Systems and Policy
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Urban Public Health
• Applied Practice Experience (APE) (3 credits): A hands-on practicum experience in a public health organization, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health challenges.
• Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) / Capstone (3 credits): A culminating project, such as a thesis, research paper, or program evaluation, demonstrating mastery of MPH competencies.
• Electives: Remaining credits are fulfilled through elective courses, allowing for further specialization or broader exploration of public health topics.

Applicants to the Rutgers MPH program must meet the following general admission requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum GPA: A strong academic record, typically a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Statement of Purpose: A personal statement outlining academic and career goals, and how the MPH program aligns with these aspirations.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two to three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic or professional sources familiar with the applicant's capabilities.
• Resume/CV: A current resume or curriculum vitae detailing academic achievements, work experience, volunteer activities, and research.
• GRE Scores: GRE scores are optional for many applicants with a strong academic record or relevant work experience, but may be required or recommended in some cases or for certain concentrations. Check specific program requirements.
• English Language Proficiency: For international applicants whose native language is not English, official TOEFL or IELTS scores are required.

Applying to the Master of Public Health program at Rutgers University involves a two-part process:

1. SOPHAS Application: Applicants must complete and submit an online application through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). This includes providing all personal and academic information, uploading official transcripts, submitting letters of recommendation, and writing a statement of purpose.
2. Rutgers Supplemental Application: In addition to the SOPHAS application, applicants must also complete a supplemental application directly through the Rutgers University Graduate Admissions portal. This typically involves paying a supplemental application fee and confirming information provided in SOPHAS.
3. Required Documents: Ensure all necessary documents, including official transcripts, GRE scores (if applicable), TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable), resume/CV, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation, are submitted to SOPHAS by the application deadline.
4. Application Review: Applications are reviewed holistically by the admissions committee, considering academic performance, relevant experience, clarity of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

Application Fee: Approx. $145 (SOPHAS first application) + $70 (Rutgers supplemental application)