{"id":214978,"date":"2022-08-16T10:25:50","date_gmt":"2022-08-16T14:25:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/?page_id=214978"},"modified":"2026-04-10T11:19:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T15:19:37","slug":"online-mph","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/admissions\/applying\/online-mph\/","title":{"rendered":"Master\u2019s in Public Health Online Application Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"<nav id=\"anchor-list\" class=\"anchor-list\"><ul><li><a class=\"anchor-link\" href=\"#application-deadlines\"><span><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"11\" height=\"11\" viewBox=\"0 0 11 11\"><circle cx=\"5.5\" cy=\"5.5\" r=\"5\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><\/circle><polygon points=\"3 4 5.5 8 8 4 3 4\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\"><\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>Application Deadlines<\/a>\n<\/li><li><a class=\"anchor-link\" href=\"#online-mph-prerequisites\"><span><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"11\" height=\"11\" viewBox=\"0 0 11 11\"><circle cx=\"5.5\" cy=\"5.5\" r=\"5\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><\/circle><polygon points=\"3 4 5.5 8 8 4 3 4\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\"><\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>Online MPH Prerequisites<\/a>\n<\/li><li><a class=\"anchor-link\" href=\"#application-requirements\"><span><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"11\" height=\"11\" viewBox=\"0 0 11 11\"><circle cx=\"5.5\" cy=\"5.5\" r=\"5\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><\/circle><polygon points=\"3 4 5.5 8 8 4 3 4\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\"><\/polygon><\/svg><\/span>Application Requirements<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><a class=\"back-to-top\" href=\"#anchor-list\"><span><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xmlns:svgjs=\"http:\/\/svgjs.com\/svgjs\" viewBox=\"0 0 140 140\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\"><g transform=\"matrix(5.833333333333333,0,0,5.833333333333333,0,0)\"><path d=\"M20.5 8.999L12 0.499 3.5 8.999\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/span>Top<\/a>\n<ul class=\"button-list\"><\/ul>\n<p><h2 class=\"anchor-heading\" id=\"application-deadlines\">Application Deadlines<\/h2><aside class=\"callout alignright\"><div class=\"callout-content\"><\/p>\n<h3>Accessibly priced at $25k USD<\/h3>\n<p>Advance your public health work \u2013 from your own community, on your own schedule.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/education\/degrees-and-programs\/online-master-of-public-health\/\" class=\"button btn-arrow\" >Learn more<\/a>\n<p><\/div><\/aside><\/p>\n<h3>Fall 2026:<\/h3>\n<p>Round 3 Deadline: May 15, 2026<br \/>\nFinal Deadline: July 1, 2026<\/p>\n<p><strong>Applications must be complete (all materials received) and verified by <a href=\"https:\/\/sophas.org\/\">SOPHAS<\/a> by the final deadlines.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>*The priority deadline is <u>not<\/u> a hard deadline. We encourage applicants to submit by the priority deadline as seats are more plentiful at the beginning of the cycle and a decision will be released earlier. <\/em><\/p>\n<p>SOPHAS can take 2-4 weeks to verify an application, so we highly recommend that you submit your application early to ensure you meet the appropriate deadline.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"anchor-heading\" id=\"online-mph-prerequisites\">Online MPH Prerequisites<\/h2>\n<h3>Experience:<\/h3>\n<p>We recommend two years of work experience, but it is not required. The Master\u2019s in Public Health online is designed for working professionals comfortable learning and working independently, as all courses are self-directed.<\/p>\n<h3>Education:<\/h3>\n<p>A bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited institution is required.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/education\/degrees-and-programs\/online-master-of-public-health\/request-information-about-the-online-mph\/\" class=\"button btn-arrow\" >Learn more about the Online MPH<\/a>\n<p><h2 class=\"anchor-heading\" id=\"application-requirements\">Application Requirements<\/h2><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">SOPHAS Program Designation<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"> The Online Master\u2019s in Public Health SOPHAS designation is health equity.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Standardized Test Scores<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>A GRE score is not required for application to BU School of Public Health and will not be considered if submitted.<\/p>\n<p>International applicants must submit an English language proficiency exam. Applicants may submit the TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS exams are considered valid for two (2) years from the date the exam was administered.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">English language proficiency exam<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>English is the language of instruction at Boston University. You must be able to understand rapid, idiomatic English and express yourself clearly in speech and writing.<\/p>\n<h4>English Proficiency Exams<\/h4>\n<p>International students whose native language is not English must provide official results of the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).<\/p>\n<p>Only official TOEFL and IELTS score reports will be accepted and must be submitted using the appropriate reporting code through SOPHAS. Photocopies of test scores or unofficial records will not be accepted.<\/p>\n<p>Boston University School of Public Health does not accept Duolingo English Test results.<\/p>\n<h4>Test and Required Minimum Score<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>TOEFL ibt: 100 or higher (if exam was administered prior to January 2026) or 5.0 or higher (if exam was administered January 2026 or later)<\/li>\n<li>TOEFL pbt: 600 or higher<\/li>\n<li>IELTS \u2013 Academic Exam Only: 7.0 (total band score)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Applicants may submit the TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS exams are considered valid for two (2) years from the date the exam was administered.<span>\u00a0<\/span><em>Applicants with invalid scores or who do not meet the required minimum score will not be considered for admission.<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Waivers<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>If an international applicant&#8217;s WES ICAP evaluation states that English was the language of instruction for a completed degree, the TOEFL\/IELTS requirement will be waived automatically by SPH Admissions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>SPH Admissions will automatically waive the TOEFL\/IELTS requirement for international applicants who have earned a previous degree in any of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua &amp; Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, or Zimbabwe.\n<ul>\n<li>One (1) year of study in a bachelor\u2019s degree in the US or in any of the countries above does <u>not<\/u> qualify. The majority of the bachelor\u2019s degree program (at least 2+ years) must be completed in one of the countries above to be considered for this waiver.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>SPH Admissions will automatically waive the TOEFL\/IELTS requirement for International applicants who are citizens of Cameroon or Canada and have earned their post-secondary degree from a university in Cameroon or Canada in which English is the language of instruction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>If you do not meet either of the criteria above but believe the TOEFL\/IELTS requirement should be waived for you, please submit the following to SPH Admissions:\n<ul>\n<li>A <em>completed <\/em><a href=\"\/sph\/files\/2016\/09\/toefl_and_ielts_waiver_request_form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">TOEFL and IELTS Waiver Request Form<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Official supporting documentation demonstrating\u00a0English proficiency sent directly from the university or institution on official letterhead. We cannot accept supporting documentation directly from applicants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Reporting codes for TOEFL and IELTS<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span>TOEFL<\/span><br \/>\nInstitution Code: 5688<br \/>\nDept. Code: Any<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ets.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.ets.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span>IELTS<\/span><br \/>\nPlease have a score report submitted through SOPHAS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Academic Transcripts or WES ICAP Evaluation<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Applicants must submit official transcripts for all registered coursework from each college or university attended. The <a href=\"https:\/\/help.liaisonedu.com\/SOPHAS_Applicant_Help_Center\/Sending_Your_Official_Transcripts_and_Test_Scores_to_SOPHAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SOPHAS Official Transcript Request Form<\/a> must be included with each transcript. This documentation must be sent from the registrar or designated school records official directly to\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sophas.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SOPHAS<\/a>. Official transcripts will not be accepted from the applicant. Photocopies of official transcripts or unofficial records will not be accepted.\u00a0<a title=\"Transcripts\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/admissions\/applying\/transcripts\/\">International transcripts, including study abroad transcripts, may have additional requirements<\/a>.\u00a0International applicants should submit a\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wes.org\/fees\/icap.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WES ICAP evaluation<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Two (2) Letters of Recommendation<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Two letters of recommendation are required for an application to be considered complete. Recommenders should be able to evaluate academic or professional work, the ability to undertake graduate study, and potential as a public health professional.<\/p>\n<p>SOPHAS provides an electronic submission process for all letters of recommendation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Short Answer Questions<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">Applicants must address the following three short answer questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How does an MPH degree fit into your professional development plan? Why is a focus on health equity important to this plan? How does this specific <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online MPH program<\/span> at BUSPH fit your plans?\u00a0 (500 words or less)<\/li>\n<li>Online Master\u2019s in Public Health combines both quantitative and qualitative skills. Please explain how your education and professional experience has prepared you for this type of program.\u00a0 (250 words or less)<\/li>\n<li>The Online MPH is a self-directed, asynchronous graduate program. Please explain why this model best fits your learning and lifestyle.\u00a0 (250 words or less)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">CV or R\u00e9sum\u00e9<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">A current curriculum vitae or r\u00e9sum\u00e9 is required. This document should be uploaded directly to the SOPHAS application.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p>Additional information can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/education\/degrees-and-programs\/online-master-of-public-health\/\">Online MPH degree page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/sophas.cas.myliaison.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/deeplink\/programSearch\/organization\/5570904105431456768\" class=\"button btn-arrow\" target=\"_blank\" >Ready to begin? Start your application<\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fall 2026: Round 3 Deadline: May 15, 2026 Final Deadline: July 1, 2026 Applications must be complete (all materials received) and verified by SOPHAS by the final deadlines. *The priority deadline is not a hard deadline. We encourage applicants to submit by the priority deadline as seats are more plentiful at the beginning of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20178,"featured_media":0,"parent":55469,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"bu-publication":[],"profile_tax":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/214978"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20178"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=214978"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/214978\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":263567,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/214978\/revisions\/263567"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55469"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=214978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu-publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-publication?post=214978"},{"taxonomy":"profile_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profile_tax?post=214978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}