Admissions

All applicants to the Master of Public Health program must demonstrate adequate preparation in a field related to public health and show potential to undertake advanced study, research and practical training as evidenced by previous academic accomplishment and experience.

All admission decisions are based upon full review of all information in the application in order to ensure fairness and to balance the limitations of any single element of the application. Strong preference for admission will be given to applicants with at least one year of practical experience in their field, including practical field experience gained within an academic program.

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall admission: May 1 (international) / Aug 1 (domestic) 
  • Spring admission: October 1 (international) / Jan 1 (domestic) 
  • Summer admission: May 1 (domestic) 
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Minimum Program Admission Requirements

1. Completion of both theSOPHAS application AND NDSU Graduate School application 

2. A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university (for U.S. degrees, accreditation by one of the six regional accrediting associations: MSA, NASC, NCA, NEASC-CIHE, SACS-CC or WACS-Sr.).

3. An undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00. Undergraduate coursework in fields related to public health should generally exceed a GPA of 3.00.

4. A standardized entrance exam is not required for admission. Your success as a Graduate Student at NDSU is important and the admissions committee encourages standardized exams scores to be submitted if available. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) are accepted options if so chosen.

5. All graduate applicants must demonstrate academic-level proficiency with the English language before they will be considered for admission. For detailed information on English-language testing requirements, see “Test Scores” section here: https://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/apply/international

This requirement must be met by all applicants, regardless of citizenship, residency, or nation of birth. No applicants will be considered for admission until the English Language Proficiency Requirement has been met. The English Proficiency Requirement will not be waived for any reason. This requirement may be satisfied in any of the following ways:

  • A bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognized institution in the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, or English Speaking Canada
  • An overall minimum band score of 6.5 on the Academic Module IELTS
  • A satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
  • The expected minimum score is 233 for the computer-based test, 90 for the Internet-based test, and 577 for the paper-based test.
  • Successful completion of English Language Service (ELS) Language Center’s Intensive Level 112.
  • A minimum score of 115 on Duolingo.

6. Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation:

  • Written Statement of Purpose and Goals - Submit a two-page statement describing your reasons for pursuing an MPH, your public health interest areas, and your career goals. Describe any education, skills, or relevant experience that has prepared you for graduate education in public health. In addition, highlight any personal qualities, characteristics, or abilities that will enable you to be successful in achieving your career goals.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Official post-secondary academic transcripts from all institutions attended 
  • Admissions Tests – scores must be sent by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) directly to NDSU. For the GRE and TOEFL, the institution code for North Dakota State University is 6474 and the Centralized Application Service for Public Health Programs (SOPHAS) code is 4770. 
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who the applicant feels are most qualified to evaluate their academic achievement; clinical, public health or other professional experiences; or leadership potential in public health.

 

 

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