Program Overview

Public Health (MPH) Program

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed for students and professionals looking to improve health policy and practice, and address current and evolving issues in public health locally, nationally, and globally, with particular emphasis on eliminating health disparities.

Program Overview

The MPH program will prepare students for leadership roles in public health education, research, policy, and administration. Areas of research strength include individual, social and structural determinants of health, biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy analysis, maternal and child health, environmental health, global health, and health communication. The program offers a convenient class schedule and can be completed in 18 months. An integrated learning experience and a culminating capstone project allow students to gain practical public health experience and integrate knowledge from coursework to address an issue or question of public health relevance.

Accreditation Status

The Howard University Master of Public Health (MPH) program is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The accreditation review will address the generalist MPH, MPH/MSW, and PharmD/MPH joint degrees.

Program Snapshot

• 45 credit hours
• Full-time, Part-time
• On-campus format
• Degree: MPH
• Dual degrees: MSW/MPH and PharmD/MPH

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2026 entry: No spring entry
• Fall 2026 entry:
  • Nov. 15 (early deadline)
  • Feb. 15 (priority deadline)
  • Apr. 15 (final deadline)

Admission Requirements

Application for Admission

• Online application
• Statement of purpose (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

GRE Required

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses

• Science: 2 college-level courses in natural or physical Sciences, 6 semester credit hrs
• Mathematics: 2 college-level courses in Mathematics, 6 semester credit hrs
• Social Science: 2 college-level courses in Social Sciences, 6 semester credit hrs

Reference Requirements

• Evaluator type accepted:
  • Professor (Required)
  • Supervisor/Manager
  • Other
• Evaluator type not accepted:
  • Clergy
  • Friend
  • Family Member
  • Coworker

Statement of Purpose Guidance

The statement of purpose should highlight why you wish to pursue a career in public health and address the following:

• What type of work are you currently involved in?
• How does an MPH degree relate to your current position?
• How will obtaining your MPH enhance you in your current position and/or future career endeavors?
• Describe any life events that may have led to your interest in pursuing an MPH

Autobiographical Sketch Guidance

The autobiographical statement should provide a brief overview of who you are as a person and your experience in public health. This statement should be between 500 and 750 words.

• How would you describe your background?
• What are your relevant character traits, strengths, and challenges?
• Who or what has impacted you and shaped your goals?
• What relevant lessons or insights have you gained from your experiences?

Letter of Recommendation Guidance

One of the three letters of recommendation MUST be from an academic professor. Each letter should address the following:

• How long have you known the applicant?
• In what capacity do you know the applicant?
• Describe the applicant's ability to do graduate-level work.
• To what degree do the applicant's grades reflect their academic potential?
• Describe the applicant's strengths and weaknesses
• Describe the overall strength of your endorsement