Program Overview

Master of Public Health in Population Health for Clinicians (MPH)

The Master of Public Health in Population Health for Clinicians (MPH) is a degree program designed for medical students, practicing physicians, and other clinicians who wish to increase their knowledge in public health and population science to better serve their communities.

Program Details

• Minimum Credit Hours: 42
• Application Cycle: Fall
• Designation: The MPH Population Health for Clinicians 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. Applications will reopen in the month of April 2026 to accommodate applicants who have been matched locally.
• Expected Duration: 1 Year
• Learning Environment: Residential
• Dual Degree Options Available: Please visit our MPH Dual Degrees page for more information.

Admissions Information

• Population Health for Clinicians Concentration Preferences: This concentration is designed for medical students, practicing physicians, and other clinicians who wish to increase their knowledge in public health and population science to better serve their communities.
• 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.
  • International clinicians earning a 5-year degree should clearly indicate the quantitative courses taken and upload the course syllabi from these quantitative courses in your application.
  • 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.

Application Process

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.

Costs and Funding

• Tuition and Fees: Please visit the UNC Cashier’s Office and use the Graduate and Professional Program Tuition and Fees link.
• Funding Opportunities:
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply before the priority deadline to be eligible for UNC Graduate School scholarships and fellowships.
  • Please refer to our School’s Costs and Funding page and/or UNC-Chapel Hill’s Office of Scholarships and Student Aid (OSSA) website.
  • Apply for FEDERAL financial aid by March 1.
  • Departments and concentrations contact admitted students regarding award packages throughout the admissions cycle.