Admission Requirements

Admission decisions will be made after reviewing all materials and determining the applicant’s capacity, suitability, and preparation for graduate study. Admission decisions are based upon consideration of a number of criteria which are believed to indicate a high potential in the graduate program.

Admission to the Master of Public Health (MPH) program requires

1. Academic Background and GPA: An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. Candidates must have a GPA or 3.0 or better.
2. Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation from academic advisors, professors, supervisors, mentors, or any other persons who can address academic qualifications and potential for success in graduate study.
3. Resume/CV: Applicants should submit an updated resume/CV that highlights academic and or professional experience.
4. Personal Statement of Purpose and Objectives*: Applicants are required to submit a written personal statement that focuses on, but is not limited to, their background, education and, professional career objectives. Personal statements should endeavor to address the following.
   1. How has your background (personal or educational or professional) influenced your decision to pursue an MPH degree?
   2. Why do you wish to pursue an MPH degree at MTSU?
   3. How would an MPH degree help your career in public health practice?
   4. How do any of the MPH program’s Core Values listed below relate to your current or future public health practice goals?

*Though there is no set limit, most personal statements are 1-2 pages, single-spaced.

MPH Program Values

• Health Equity: Commitment to address disparities that contribute to health inequity.
• Collaboration: Commitment to educate and practice public health through collaboration.
• Evidence-based: Commitment to use an evidence-based approach in public education and practice.
• Right-To-Health: Commitment to the concept that good health is a fundamental right.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

MPH Application Due Dates

Fall Application Due Date Options for Spring Entry

• Option 1 (early): September 20*
• Option 2 (late): November 20

Spring Application Due Date Options for Summer/Fall Entry

• Option 1 (early): January 20 *
• Option 2: April 15 [deadline for summer enrollment]
• Option 3 (late): June 20

Note: Admission decisions are sent out about 2-3 weeks after the application deadline.

* For prospective international students, it may take 2-3 months after acceptance into the MPH program for a student to satisfy additional immigration requirements for an I-20, and to secure a visa interview date in their home country.

NOTE: To be considered for funding support, i.e., graduate teaching assistantship (GTA), prospective students must also complete a separate GTA application process by the priority (early) deadlines of September 20 for Spring admissions and January 20 for Fall admissions. Information about the GTA application process is available at www.mtsu.edu/hhp/gta.php.

Applicants must

1. submit application with appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
2. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
3. submit an updated resume or CV;
4. provide three letters of recommendation from persons who can address their academic qualifications and potential for success in graduate study;
5. provide a personal statement of purpose and objectives.

Curriculum: Public Health, Community Health

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 6 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree.