Admission Requirements

The multi-faceted nature of the public health profession allows prospective students from diverse backgrounds (nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, social and liberal art scientists, social workers, psychologists, engineers and physicians) to enter the field of public health. The MPH program at Chicago State University admits diverse students from different educational backgrounds. To accommodate the anticipated diverse student group, the MPH curriculum will consider the academic background and life experience of the individual student.

Prospective students seeking admission to the MPH program must meet the standards on academic ability and work experience. The Admissions Committee places emphasis on the qualifications and credentials of the students to succeed in public health practice.  A holistic review of each applicant will be used in evaluating the admission requirements.

Application to the MPH program must be made through the university'sOffice of Graduate Admissions, including paying the application fee, and original transcripts of the candidate’s undergraduate coursework. Application materials must be received by July 15 each year for admission to the fall semester.  Admission is only available for students entering in the fall semester. Early application is encouraged; applicants may apply to the program up to 12 months prior to the desired start date.

Students seeking admission into the MPH degree must meet the following admission requirements:

1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (or international equivalency) with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale, for the final 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate and/or graduate education, is required. Evidence that the baccalaureate degree has been conferred is required prior to enrollment. Applicants who attended an accelerated degree program that bypassed the baccalaureate must have evidence that the accelerated degree has been conferred or the equivalency of a baccalaureate has been attained.
2. A curriculum vitae/resume.
3. Personal statement describing past education, experience, and current professional career objectives.
4. Two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the candidate’s academic work, clinical, public health, and professional experiences or leadership potential in public health are required.

Courses taken prior to admission to the MPH program must be approved at the time of admission if they are to be counted towards the degree. These courses must have a grade of B or better. Both the department and the Office of Graduate Admissions must grant approval. To gain approval, an extra original transcript must accompany the application and be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Upon admission into the program, a faculty advisor will be assigned to each student based on his or her specialty. The advisor will monitor the student’s performance each semester. Attention will be given to course grades and related measures of achievements.