The University of Washington’s Public Health major is a highly competitive program with an acceptance rate of approximately 40%. Each year, the program receives around 80 applications for an incoming class of 16-20 students, with positions available in the MPH, MS, and PhD tracks. For students considering applying to this program, it is important to understand the minimum GPA requirement set by UW.
To be eligible for admission to the University of Washington, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.00. This requirement applies to all work done in residence at the university, and some colleges or schools may also require a 2.00 minimum GPA in the major at the time of graduation. Meeting this GPA threshold is essential for students interested in pursuing a degree in Public Health at UW, as competition for acceptance into the program is fierce.
The admission process for the University of Washington’s Public Health major involves submitting an application, which is carefully reviewed by the admissions committee. With a limited number of spots available each year, prospective students should strive to not only meet the minimum GPA requirement but also demonstrate their passion for public health through their application essays, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience in the field. By preparing a strong application, students can increase their chances of being admitted to this competitive program.
| UW Public Health Major Acceptance Rate | |
|---|---|
Acceptance Rate | 40% |
Number of Applications | 80 |
Incoming Class Size | 16-20 students |
Minimum GPA for UW | 2.00 |
Required GPA for Graduation | 2.00 |
UW-Madison’s School of Hygiene and Public Health is a world-renowned institution, providing students with high-quality education and cutting edge research opportunities.
Public Health Major
A public health major is a degree path that prepares students to foster and defend individual and community health and well-being. Public health students develop the critical thinking and analysis skills necessary to confront issues such as low vaccination rates, foodborne diseases and drug overdoses.
If you are looking for a stable career with opportunities for growth, earning a public health degree could be right for you. A bachelor’s in public health can open up many career opportunities. Research has it that most students are able to find that first job in public health fairly quickly after graduating.
Public Health Major Jobs
Some BS in Public Health jobs can include:
- Clinical research.
- Health educator.
- Healthcare consultant.
- Infection control officer.
- Nutritionist.
- Public health administrator jobs.
- Public health officer.
- Social worker.
Creative Gift Ideas for Public Health Advocates
- Eco-friendly hydration.
- Carbon offsets.
- Comfortable sneakers.
- Advocacy training.
- A dose of mindfulness.
- Building the Future.
- Imperfect food.
- Community empowerment.
Public Health Skills List
Some of the skills and qualities you’ll need as a public health practitioner include:
- Well developed people skills
- An ability to value difference and diversity
- Creativity and adaptability
- Analyzing and interpreting information
- An ability to create marketing materials, publications and reports
- Making recommendations about how services could be delivered
UW Public Health Major Acceptance Rate
The University of Washington School of Public Health is the only public health school located in the Northwest, and is based on the main campus of the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. The School is accredited through the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). It ranks among the United States’ best schools for public health. U.S. News & World Report ranked the school sixth among all public health schools in its last survey of this discipline (2014).
Public Health-Global Health is a school-wide liberal education major, leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, that uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to teach critical thinking skills.
UW Public Health Acceptance Rate
Master’s acceptance rates run at 49 percent, and doctoral acceptance rates at 22 percent . Yield, measured by the percentage of applicants admitted who actually enroll, is 63 percent for master’s degree programs and 48 percent for doctoral degree programs.
Departments & Programs
- Department of Biostatistics
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
- Department of Epidemiology
- Department of Global Health
- Department of Health Services
- Executive MPH Program
- Institute for Public Health Genetics
- Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Pathobiology
- Nutritional Sciences Program
- Program in Health Informatics and Health Information Management
- Programs in Health Administration
uw public health major competitive
Public Health-Global Health Admission
Admissions Prerequisites
UPPER DIVISION ADMISSION
The upper division admission option is typical for most students both at the UW and transferring from other institutions. Generally, students will be considered upper division admissions if they plan to graduate two years from the time they start the major.
Applicants must complete the following by the application deadline to be considered for admission:
- Minimum 60 college credits
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Minimum grade of 2.0 in one 5-credit course of English composition
- Minimum grade of 2.5 in one introductory public health course from the following: ENV H 205, ENV H 111, EPI 201, EPI 220, G H 101, HSERV 100, NUTR 200, PHG 200 or one 5-credit course from anthropology (ANTH only), geography (GEOG), political science (POL S), psychology (PSYCH), or sociology (SOC)
- For BA path students, minimum grade of 2.5 in one introductory science from the following: BIOL 118, BIOL 180, CHEM 120, CHEM 142, CHEM 145, or MICROM 301/302
- For BS path students, minimum grades of 2.5 in at least two courses of year-long sequence of introductory science, with laboratories, or mathematics, chosen from: biology (BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220); chemistry (CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162); organic chemistry (CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241 CHEM 242); physics (PHYS 114/PHYS 117, PHYS 115/PHYS 118, PHYS 116/PHYS 119, or PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123); or mathematics (MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126)
The University has deemed the following quarters as Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters: SPR 2020, SUM 2020, AUT 2020, WIN 2021, SPR 2021, and SUM 2021. “S” grades earned extraordinary circumstances quarters will count toward admissions prerequisites. Learn more about extraordinary circumstances quarters and S/NS grading here.
EARLY ADMISSION
The early admission option is for a select group of students, already enrolled at the UW, who have discovered the major early. Generally, students will be considered early admissions if they plan to graduate three years from the time they start the major.
Applicants must complete the following by the application deadline to be considered for admission:
- Minimum 30 college credits
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum grade of 2.0 in one 5-credit course of English composition
- Minimum grade of 3.0 in one introductory public health course from the following: ENV H 205, ENV H 111, EPI 201, EPI 220, G H 101, HSERV 100, NUTR 200, PHG 200
- Minimum grade of 3.0 in one introductory science from the following: BIOL 118, BIOL 180, CHEM 120, CHEM 142, CHEM 145, or MICROM 301/302
The University has deemed the following quarters as Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters: SPR 2020, SUM 2020, AUT 2020, WIN 2021, SPR 2021, and SUM 2021. “S” grades earned extraordinary circumstances quarters will count toward admissions prerequisites. Learn more about extraordinary circumstances quarters and S/NS grading here.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
The following factors determine the competitiveness of an applicant beyond the minimum requirements and are the criteria used when determining admission to the major:
- Overall academic record
- Grades in relevant coursework
- Selection of and preparation for the appropriate Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science path
- Ability to make satisfactory progress towards the degree
- Understanding of and potential fit with the major as demonstrated in the short answer questions
OUR ADMISSION VISION
The Public Health-Global Health Major shall seek to enroll classes rich in the abilities, academic commitments, diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and talents that create a stimulating environment and promote desired learning outcomes. Entering classes shall also include students who demonstrate the ability to overcome adversity or disadvantage to achieve their goals and those who show promise to represent the School of Public Health well in the communities in which they will serve and lead. Students should have also planned and prepared well for timely completion of their bachelor’s degree.
STEPS TO APPLY
- We strongly encourage you to learn more about the Public Health-Global Health Major and the application process by attending an information session and reading through the major’s web pages.
- Complete the online Public Health-Global Health Major Application and upload transcripts for non-UW courses. This application will be available approximately one month prior to the next deadline, the first Friday of Spring quarter or the third Friday of Autumn quarter.
| Term of Entry | Application Deadline | Notification Period |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Quarter | 1st Friday of Spring Quarter | 3-5 weeks after the application deadline |
| Winter Quarter | 3rd Friday of Autumn Quarter |
The next admissions application will open on Fri, 3/4/22 and will close on Fri, 4/1/22.
Transfer students must also apply for general admission to the University and abide by the UW Office of Admissions’ deadlines: Feb. 15 for Autumn Quarter and Sept. 1 for Winter Quarter.
uW public health grading scale
The School of Nursing and Health Studies uses the grading scale below for the School’s coursework for both graduate and undergraduate students, including Nursing (BNURS), Health Studies (BHS) and Health Electives (BHLTH). The University of Washington establishes correspondence between the 4.0 scale and letter grades for Graduate and Undergraduate coursework.
Course grades for graduate and undergraduate students
The School of Nursing and Health Studies undergraduate students must earn no less than a 2.0 in core coursework (BNURS or BHS courses) leading to a degree. (For Health Studies majors, a 1.7 in Statistics is required.)
The School of Nursing and Health Studies graduate students must earn no less than a 2.7 in courses leading to a degree and maintain a quarterly and cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 per the Graduate School memorandum No. 19.
Rounding of scores
Rounding raw scores up or down, is at the discretion of each faculty member. Questions about grading policies should be directed to the faculty member. For questions regarding specific course grading, students should review the course syllabus and communicate directly with the faculty member of the course.
School grading scale for undergraduate and graduate students
| Numerical Grade (4.0 Scale) | Percentage of Earned Points |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | 99-100% |
| 3.9 | 97-98% |
| 3.8 | 95-96% |
| 3.7 | 93-94% |
| 3.6 | 91-92% |
| 3.5 | 89-90% |
| 3.4 | 87-88% |
| 3.3 | 85-86% |
| 3.2 | 83-84% |
| 3.1 | 81-82% |
| 3.0 | 80% |
| 2.9 | 79% |
| 2.8 | 78% |
| 2.7 | 77% |
| 2.6 | 76% |
| 2.5 | 75% |
| 2.4 | 74% |
| 2.3 | 73% |
| 2.2 | 72% |
| 2.1 | 71% |
| 2.0 | 70% |
| 1.9 | 69% |
| 1.8 | 68% |
| 1.7 | 67% |
| 1.6 | 66% |
| 1.5 | 65% |
| 1.4 | 64% |
| 1.3 | 63% |
| 1.2 | 62% |
| 1.1 | 61% |
public health admission requirements
Master of Public Health (MPH) Program Admissions Criteria
Overview
- Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA
- One course in college-level introductory, human, or general biology
- One course in college algebra, precalculus, or calculus
- Two letters of recommendation (up to five letters can be submitted)
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose and objectives
- Mission and values statement
- Resilience statement (optional)
- GRE scores are waived for Fall 2022 admissions
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants
- Concentration-Specific Admissions Criteria
More Information
Bachelor’s Degree with 3.0 GPA
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university and show evidence of strong academic achievement and scholarship (a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 undergraduate units, or if the applicant has 12 or more graduate units, the GPA will be based on graduate units), as well as high motivation. Individuals with graduate education and/or work experience in a field relevant to public health are especially encouraged to apply.
Applicants should send official transcripts from any college or university attended to SOPHAS at PO Box 9111; Watertown, MA 02471.
Academic Background
Applicants are expected to have an educational background sufficient to succeed in graduate public health courses, and must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including community colleges.
Applicants must have completed the following courses with a grade of C or higher:
- One course in college algebra, precalculus, or calculus
- One course in college-level introductory, human, or general biology (other courses accepted include physiology and anatomy and biological anthropology)
AP credit, IB credit, or CLEP credit that appears on an applicant’s college/university transcript for these courses are also accepted.
If an applicant has not completed these requirements prior to applying, they may take the course either prior to starting in the MPH program or within the first year in the program. The math prerequisite must be fulfilled prior to taking BIOS 576A Biostatistics in Public Health and EPID 573A Basic Principles of Epidemiology. Many of the recommended course sequencings for full-time students recommend that students take these two courses in their first semester. In these cases, it will be advantageous to take the math prerequisite either before applying to the program or in the spring/summer prior to starting in the program.
Students planning to concentrate in a specific area of public health will be expected to have adequate preparation in that area, as determined by the admissions committee. Please see concentration-specific admissions criteria below for possible additional prerequisites. Under special circumstances, applicants lacking adequate preparation may be admitted to the program and will be advised at the time of admission on how to remedy any deficiencies.
GRE scores are waived for Fall 2022 admissions
Combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores of 300 or above are considered competitive. Official GRE scores may be sent to the University of Arizona College of Public Health/SOPHAS, which is code #4253. This routes scores directly to SOPHAS. For more information about the GRE, please visit the GRE website.
MCAT scores of 25 (old test) or 500 (new test) or higher are considered competitive . MCAT scores should be submitted to the code “SOPHAS,” which routes scores directly to SOPHAS.
For applicants to a dual degree program, the following tests are accepted but not required for the MPH application:
- JD/MPH – LSAT
- MD/MPH – MCAT
- MPH/MBA – GMAT
- PharmD/MPH – PCAT
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must provide a minimum of two letters of recommendation (maximum of five letters) from academic advisors, professors, supervisors, mentors or anyone else familiar with their academic and/or professional ability. We strongly recommend that applicants provide at least one letter from a faculty member who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities. Letters will be submitted electronically to SOPHAS.
Resume or CV
Applicants are asked to submit a resume or CV outlining their academic and professional experience and achievements.
Statement of Purpose and Objectives
Applicants must write a statement of purpose and objectives (also called a personal statement, maximum of 1000 words). Your statement is intended to give you the opportunity to submit a tailored narrative which will describe your education, experience and professional career objectives. Your personal statement should describe your:
- Reasons for interest in public health
- Reasons for interest in the MPH program and specific concentration
- Reasons for interest in the University of Arizona
- Career goals
Please note that some schools of public health use software to detect plagiarism in statements of purpose. It is important to ensure that an applicant’s statement is written in their own words and, when appropriate, that quotations and citations/references are used for a direct quote.
Mission and Values Statement
In 250 words or less (1,250 characters), please describe how you would embrace and support the Mission and the Values of the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
- Our Mission: The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health is dedicated to promoting the health of individuals and communities in the southwest and globally with an emphasis on achieving health equity through excellence in education, research, and service.
- Our Values: The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health acts with respect and integrity to continuously advance health and well-being for all through knowledge, collaboration, empowerment, advocacy and sustainability. Our core values are: Fairness, Trust, Equity, Social Justice, Excellence, Innovation, Commitment, Collegiality, Diversity, Open Communication, Participation, Consensus, and Enhancement.
Resilience Statement (Optional)
If you have not addressed this elsewhere in your application, please describe any obstacles you have had to overcome or failures you have experienced; how you showed resilience; and what you learned from the experience. 250 words or less (1250 characters).
TOEFL/IELTS Scores for International Applicants
All international applicants are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. A TOEFL iBT score of 90 or above is required. Please see more information, including when the TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived, for international applicants.
Other Factors
Other factors considered in the determination of a candidate’s potential for success in the MPH Program are:
- Long range goals and commitment to public health
- Successful leadership experience or potential
- Work and volunteer experience related to the concentration’s public health focus
- Demonstrated community service
- Public health experience or interest
- Documented experience and/or commitment to under-served areas and populations
uw mph tuition
Tuition & Funding
Academic Year 2021-2022
| Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $19,221 | $33,285 |
| UW Fees | $1,149 | $1,149 |
| Total | $20,370 | $34,434 |
| Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $22,464 | $39,105 |
| UW Fees | $1,149 | $1,149 |
| Total | $23,613 | $40,254 |
| Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $10,927 | $38,757 |
| UW Fees | $1,149 | $1,149 |
| Total | $12,076 | $39,906 |
| Technology Fee | $114 |
|---|---|
| Services & Activities Fee | $453 |
| IMA Bond Fee | $96 |
| Facilities Renovation Fee | $210 |
| U-PASS Fee | $276 |
| Total | $1,149 |
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