MPH
Public Health
Application Deadline
Contact Information
Admission Requirements
Required Test
- TOEFL, E3PT, or IELTS for non-native English speakers only. Refer to the Graduate Studies English Proficiency page for more information to see if you are subject to this requirement.
- Statement of professional intent: four short essays; each essay should be separate, but please submit essays in one document and label each essay.
- Essay 1 (no more than 500 words): In your own words, explain your understanding of the public health profession. Explain why you want to study public health. Describe at least one of your public health interest areas (e.g., topics or skills), what you hope to do with an MPH, and life or personal experiences that have led to your interest in public health and that equip you for working in this field.
- Essay 2 (no more than 400 words): How would the BYU MPH program advance your career and personal goals? Be specific about why you are interested in coming to BYU for your MPH training. In your response, we encourage you to explain how the mission of the BYU MPH program, coursework, certificates, faculty research interests, the unique environment at BYU, and so forth align with your goals for your MPH experience. Please note: your explanation for why you are pursuing a public health graduate degree generally should be articulated in your answer to essay 1. [You may find more information about the BYU MPH mission, courses, certifications, and field work expectations on the MPH website or in the MPH Student Handbook: http://mph.byu.edu]
- Essay 3 (no more than 400 words): The BYU Department of Public Health has a stated priority to create an environment that honors diversity and belonging for all people. How can you support or enhance our ability to achieve that priority? What could you uniquely contribute to the cohort? Applicants are encouraged to share their experiences relating to cultural background, special skill sets, academic perspectives, linguistic and international background, socioeconomic background, adversity, first-generation college student, life experiences or anything else that you feel you uniquely bring to the program. We do not make decisions based on gender or race.
- Essay 4 (no more than 300 words): List up to three courses you have taken (with course #'s) on your transcript that demonstrate your experience with qualitative or quantitative data. Discuss specific details and examples of relevant coursework, employment, research, volunteer, or other professional experiences that involved analyzing quantitative data; you can also discuss experiences working with qualitative data. If you do not have data analysis experience, explain your aptitude for working with quantitative data.
- Earn a bachelor’s or higher-level degree from an accredited U.S. university or the equivalent from a university outside the United States. An undergraduate degree in public health is not a requirement.
- Minimum overall baccalaureate GPA of 3.0
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation: Include TWO letters of recommendation from those who can attest to your academic and/or work ability. Applicants are encouraged to ask their letter writers to discuss the following in their letter: leadership skills, ability to work well with others, grit, dependability, writing, and academic ability. Professional references related to public health (professors, employers, etc.) are encouraged. This information is to be provided in addition to the general instructions for the letters of recommendation.
- Seat deposit: In order to confirm the intent to enroll in the MPH program, MPH admitted students must submit a $400 seat deposit. Seat deposits are nonrefundable and will be applied as a payment toward your first semester's tuition/fees.
- Personal laptop: Students are expected to have a quality personal laptop throughout the program to ensure they can effectively complete coursework and other academic responsibilities.
Program Requirements
The most recognized professional credential in public health practice and leadership, the Master of Public Health (MPH) is a practice-based degree that enables students to gain knowledge basic to public health. The MPH program at BYU prepares students to function as public health professionals in government, nonprofit, healthcare, and other settings; and provide leadership in the field of public health. The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
The typical length of time required to complete the MPH program is two years, depending on course load and previous academic training or professional activity.
Requirements for Degree
The typical length of time required to complete the MPH program is two years, depending on course load and previous academic training or professional activity.
Requirements for Degree
- Credit hours (48): 30 hours of required courses; 12 hours of elective credits; 6 hours of field experience (300 contact hours).
- Required core courses: HLTH 610, HLTH 611, HLTH 613, HLTH 614, HLTH 621, HLTH 622, HLTH 623, HLTH 624, HLTH 632, HLTH 690.
- Requirements for the field experience are determined by the student’s graduate committee and are based on prior education, experience, and present professional interests.
- Examinations: field experience written report.
Program Outcomes
Translate Research into Policies and Programs
Translate public health research into policies and programs that improve the health of communities, families, and individuals.
The Family System
Recognize and integrate the family system in public health assessment, intervention, and evaluation.
Ethical Leadership
Demonstrate principles of ethical leadership in public health practice.
Project Management
Apply project management tools to public health practice and research.
Effective Communication
Identify appropriate methods for effectively communicating research and evaluation findings to a variety of stakeholders.
Media, Marketing, and Technology
Use appropriate media, marketing, and technology to promote key public health issues and drive health behavior change.
Translate public health research into policies and programs that improve the health of communities, families, and individuals.
The Family System
Recognize and integrate the family system in public health assessment, intervention, and evaluation.
Ethical Leadership
Demonstrate principles of ethical leadership in public health practice.
Project Management
Apply project management tools to public health practice and research.
Effective Communication
Identify appropriate methods for effectively communicating research and evaluation findings to a variety of stakeholders.
Media, Marketing, and Technology
Use appropriate media, marketing, and technology to promote key public health issues and drive health behavior change.
Program Stats
Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
Total Students
61.0
International
6.0
Male
8.0
Female
53.0
LDS
59.0
BYU Undergraduate
19.0
Five Year Average of Graduated Students
Average Years to Degree
1.89
Graduated Per Year
18.2
GMAT Quantitative Percentile
67.5
Five Year Average of Admitted Students
Applied Per Year
25.4
Admitted Per Year
17.6
Percent Admitted
69.29
Average GPA
3.6
Courses and Faculty