Program Overview

Master of Public Health Program

The University of Kansas Master of Public Health (KU-MPH) program accepts applications for degree-seeking admission twice a year through the Schools of Public Health Application Services (SOPHAS). The program offers a master's degree in public health with three different concentrations to choose from: Epidemiology, Generalist, and Public Health Practice. Only the Generalist concentration can be completed 100% online.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the KU-MPH program requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The program may be completed online or on-campus in Kansas City or Wichita.

Concentration Pre-requisites

Applicants must select a concentration and document any prerequisites that have been successfully met.

• Epidemiology: Successful completion of one semester of Calculus.
• Public Health Practice and Generalist: Successful completion of one semester of an upper-level math course.

Application Requirements

All admission materials must be submitted to SOPHAS. Materials submitted to the University of Kansas Medical Center may cause delay in the verification of the SOPHAS application.

• A personal statement: A 1-2 page essay outlining the applicant's reasons for wanting to pursue graduate education in public health.
• Cover Letter or Resume: Indicating education, work background, honors, memberships in professional, school, service organizations, and any other personal information relevant to applying to a graduate program.
• Letters of recommendation: Three references who are qualified to comment on the applicant's potential success in a graduate program.
• Transcripts: One official copy of each transcript from every post-secondary college and university attended.

International Applicants

Students submitting international applications have additional requirements:

• Official TOEFL scores less than two years old.
• An evaluation of their academic credentials from World Education Service (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
• International students are not eligible for federal student loans or scholarships and must be financially prepared to handle the full cost of living and attending school.

Background Checks

The University of Kansas Medical Center requires a criminal background check prior to admitting students to graduate programs. Applicants will be directed to have a background check completed by Validity Screening Solutions and must pay a one-time fee.

Technical Standards

The University of Kansas Medical Center is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all programs and activities. Academic accommodation requests should be directed to Academic Accommodation Services at KUMC.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will I hear of an admissions decision? Applicants can expect to receive a decision 4-6 weeks after the final deadlines.
• I am offered a place in the KU-MPH program. What are the next steps? Congratulations, your admission to the program is contingent on the submission of the KUMC Slate application and the results of a university-required background check.
• I applied for the KU-MPH program but was denied admission. Can I get feedback on my application? We cannot accommodate requests for feedback from denied applicants.
• What if I have below a 3.0 GPA? The KU-MPH program requires that students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in order to qualify for admission to the Graduate School. If you do not have an undergraduate GPA above a 3.0, please discuss options and alternative admission pathways with the MPH Director.
• Which concentration or campus should I apply to? Students are asked to choose a home campus (Kansas City or Wichita) as well as a concentration. Students are encouraged to choose only one campus and concentration. Students who wish to complete the degree completely online must choose the MPH Generalist concentration.