Program Overview

Master of Public Health in Health Equity and Social Justice (MPH)

Program Details

• Minimum Credit Hours: 42
• Application Cycle: Fall
• Designation: The MPH Health Equity and Social Justice concentration is not a STEM-designated degree under the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Priority Deadline (For Fall Graduate School Fellowship Consideration): SOPHAS must be submitted by December 1, 2025. The UNC Graduate School supplemental application must be submitted by December 16, 2025.
• Final Deadline: SOPHAS must be submitted by February 1, 2026. The UNC Graduate School supplemental application must be submitted by February 10, 2026.
• Expected Duration: 2 Years
• Learning Environment: Residential
• Dual Degree Options Available: Please visit our MPH Dual Degrees page for more information.

Admissions Information

• Health Equity and Social Justice Concentration Preferences: Preference for one or two years of work experience and some coursework and/or exposure to equity issues in public health.
• Minimum Graduate Admissions Requirements:
  • a bachelor’s degree (based on a four-year curriculum) completed before graduate study begins or its international equivalent with an accredited institution
  • an average grade of B (cumulative GPA 3.0) or better
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3 academic and/or professional
• Faculty-Student Match Required: Not Required
• Interviews Required: Not Required
• Visit Opportunities: Learn about opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and current students virtually and in person.

How To Apply

1. Complete online SOPHAS application:

• See SOPHAS website for complete checklist of SOPHAS steps as not all are listed here.
• Applicants will enter all coursework information into SOPHAS and submit an official transcript to SOPHAS.
• Upload a statement of purpose.
• Provide the names and contact information for 3 recommenders.
• Report test scores, if applicable, to SOPHAS.
• Send official transcripts from every institution attended directly to SOPHAS.
• Check SOPHAS portal to track progress.

2. Complete UNC Graduate School supplemental application:

• Once the SOPHAS application has been received by UNC, an email with instructions for completing the UNC Graduate School supplemental application will be sent to the applicant.
• Although the Graduate School application will import some information from SOPHAS, applicants will be asked to answer residency and honor code questions, upload a copy of their unofficial transcript(s) and pay the application fee.

3. Application review process:

• Concentration(s) review the application and recommend a decision.
• UNC Graduate School reviews concentration recommendations and renders a final decision.

4. Costs and funding:

• When estimating costs, please visit the UNC Cashier’s Office and use the Graduate and Professional Program Tuition and Fees link.
• Gillings departments and concentrations consider both domestic and international applicants for funding.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply before the priority deadline to be eligible for UNC Graduate School scholarships and fellowships.