Frequently Asked Questions
for Prospective Students
How do I request an application to UCLA’s
School of Public Health?
All application materials for the School’s graduate programs are available on the web. The application is available online for electronic submission at www.gdnet.ucla.edu and at www.sophas.org.
When is the application deadline?
The postmark deadline for each academic year is December 1st of the previous year. The UCLA Graduate Division online application and the SOPHAS online application is available each application cycle beginning in September.
Does the School offer spring admissions?
No. Applications are accepted for the Fall quarter only.
What are the application requirements?
There are specific requirements for each department and degree
program. For an outline of admissions and program requirements, by department and/or degree, visit www.gdnet.ucla.edu.
Is UCLA’s School of Public Health
participating in the centralized application service (called SOPHAS)?
Yes, UCLA is participating in SOPHAS. For a list of the Schools of Public Health participating in this on-line application service, visit www.sophas.org.
How many applications does the
school receive? How many applicants enroll in the Fall?
Each year about 1,000 applications are submitted to the School of Public Health for admission to the various departments and degree programs. Approximately 250 new graduate students enroll in the School each Fall.
Does the School of Public Health update
the Graduate Division web site that designates which application materials
have arrived?
No. Applicants will receive an e-mail notice from the School of Public
Health on the status of the application materials.
When can an applicant call to see if his/her
application is complete?
An applicant may inquire on the status of his/her application materials
AFTER February 15th.
When are admissions offers made to the
applicants?
This varies by department and degree program. Typically, admissions offers
are made by mid March.
What is the size of the School? How many graduate
students are enrolled?
An average of 600-700 students are enrolled at the School each academic
year. This includes new and continuing students.
What is an appropriate length for my statement
of purpose?
Ideally, the statement of purpose should not be over two pages. The statement
can be single- or double-spaced.
What type of course work preparation do
I need to apply to the School?
Students in public health come from all disciplines, although most come from the biological and/or social sciences. Because quantitative methodology is an important part of the M.P.H. curriculum, it is strongly recommended that a basic college-level mathematics course (i.e., linear algebra, calculus) be taken before entry. It is highly recommended that a statistics course also be taken if possible.
What type of undergraduate degree do
I need to apply to the School?
To be considered for admission, an applicant must hold a bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution and have adequate preparation in the biological, physical, and/or social sciences. Each department has slightly different criteria for admission to their respective degree programs.
What is the average GPA of applicants? What
GPA is UCLA’s School of Public Health looking for?
All applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average or the equivalent in work completed after the first two years of a bachelor's degree program and in all post-baccalaureate course work. Most applicants have GPAs higher than the minimum.
Do my letters of recommendation have to
be written by professors?
No. Letters of recommendation should come from persons who are able to discuss your intellectual abilities and reasons why you are a strong applicant. We require three letters; usually these are two from former professors and one from an employer. If an applicant has been out of school for over 5 years, three letters from employers are acceptable. You are encouraged to follow up with your recommenders to ensure that your letters are received by the application deadline. It is advisable to give a copy of your resume and statement of purpose to your recommenders.
What are the average GRE scores of applicants?
What GRE scores are you looking for?
Competitive applicants score in the 50th percentile or above. Typically an admitted applicant has a Verbal score above 550 and a Quantitative score above 650, but these are not hard and fast rules.
What are the institution and department codes for the GRE for students applying to UCLA’s School of Public Health? How long are GRE scores valid for admission to UCLA?
Please use Institution Code 4837 and Department Code 0616 (School of Public Health) when requesting that test scores be forwarded to UCLA. Please use Code 5688 when requesting that test scores be forwarded to SOPHAS. GRE test scores are valid for five years.
Can I substitute my scores received on the MCAT, the DAT, the GMAT, or the LSAT in lieu of the GRE?
MCAT or DAT scores are accepted for applicants already holding MD or DDS degrees, or currently enrolled in medical or dental school. GMAT scores are accepted only for applicants to the joint MBA/MPH program and LSAT scores are accepted only for applicants to the joint JD/MPH program. Biostatistics has different criteria for evaluating performance on aptitude tests for its applicants. Those applying to the biostatistics program should contact that department.
What are the requirements for foreign
applicants?
Applicants from other countries are held to the same admissions regulations as applicants from the United States. In addition, foreign applicants are expected to have an excellent command of English before beginning studies at UCLA. All foreign applicants are required to submit official records from each academic institution attended. For more information on what is required of foreign applicants, visit http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/intlreqt.htm
Do you require the TOEFL of foreign applicants?
Applicants whose schooling was not in English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 550 on the paper-based version and 220 on the computer-based version.
What are the institution and department codes for the TOEFL for international students applying to UCLA’s School of Public Health? How long are TOEFL scores valid for admission to UCLA?
Please use Institution Code 4837, and Department Code 50 when requesting that test scores be forwarded to UCLA. Please use Code 5688 when requesting that test scores be forwarded to SOPHAS. TOEFL test scores are valid for two years from the date taken.
Is work experience required for admission
to the M.P.H. degree?
Work experience is not required for admission to the M.P.H. degree at UCLA; however, many applicants to the School’s M.P.H. programs are professionals returning to obtain an advanced degree. The majority of our applicants have work experience in an allied health field.
What commitment is there to diversity
among students and faculty in UCLA’s School of Public Health?
Developing a diverse public health work force, and providing appropriate role models for a diverse student population, are major priorities for the School. Our students come from more than 35 countries and make up one of the most diverse student bodies in the country.
Can I transfer in any credits toward
the Master’s degree?
A maximum of 8 quarter credits may be accepted towards the Master’s
degree; however, the course curriculum must be reviewed and approved.
Does the School offer a one-year program?
The School of Public Health offers one-year programs for applicants who
hold a Ph.D., M.D. or other advanced degree. Medical school students are
also eligible to apply for the one-year program.
Does the School offer a program
in international health?
The School of Public Health has very rich offerings in the field of global health, and is developing a certificate in Global Health for students enrolled in any of the areas of concentration.
Does the School offer any certificate
courses?
The Bixby Program in Population and Reproductive Health (PRH) awards certificates to graduating Master's students at the UCLA School of Public Health who develop expertise in population and reproductive health. Certificate courses are also offered through UCLA’s Extension
Can I enroll in courses in UCLA’s
School of Public Health without being a registered student?
No. Students must be admitted to UCLA with a degree objective in order to enroll in classes. Courses can be taken at UCLA Extension or through UCLA Summer Sessions without formal admittance.
How long does it take to complete the M.P.H.
program?
The M.P.H. program is a two-year, full-time program.
Is it possible to pursue a part-time program?
The majority of the degree programs are full-time, although the School offers a part-time M.P.H. executive degree program designed for working professionals. For more information about these programs, visit http://www.ph.ucla.edu/exec_degrees.html
Is there a general M.P.H. degree?
No. In order to apply for the M.P.H. degree an applicant must indicate the department he/she is interested in.
Can I apply to more than one department
in your School?
No. Applicants may only apply to one department and one degree program within our School.
What is the cost to attend UCLA’s School
of Public Health?
The fee structures for our students vary, depending on the student's residency status and the student's degree program.
The annual fees for students enrolled in our M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs can be found at:
http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/fees/gradfee.htm
The annual fees for students enrolled in our M.P.H., Dr.P.H., and D.Env. degree programs can be found at:
http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/fees/pubhlthfee.htm
What about financial aid?
UCLA has various types of financial aid, including graduate fellowships and scholarships, federal traineeships, need-based scholarships and loans. In order to apply for any type of financial assistance the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted. The FAFSA is available beginning January 1st of each year and is due March 2nd. Please visit the FAFSA web site for applications and additional information at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Support based solely on merit is available in the form of fellowships, traineeships, teaching assistantships, and graduate student researcher positions. For more information, visit http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis/entsup/finsup.htm
Is there funding for international
students?
International applicants must provide documentation that they will have sufficient financial support to complete the requested program of study. International students in need of financial support should contact international sponsoring organizations and their Ministries of Health regarding the possibility of fellowships or scholarship aid.
What career opportunities are available
with a degree in Public Health?
Visit the links below for a wealth of information on this topic.
Association of Schools of Public Health:
http://www.asph.org/document.cfm?page=728
UCLA, School of Public Health, Career Services Office:
http://www.ph.ucla.edu/students_careers.html
Who can I contact if I need assistance
with my application or have additional questions?
Prospective applicants who have additional questions about UCLA School of Public Health should call the Student Affairs Office at (310) 825-5524, send an e-mail to info@ph.ucla.edu, or visit the School’s website at www.ph.ucla.edu. For questions about a specific department and/or degree program, contact the Department Student Affairs Officer. For questions about the SOPHAS application process, please call (617) 612-2090, send an e-mail to sophasinfo@sophas.org, or visit www.sophas.org.
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