{"id":55475,"date":"2014-10-10T09:25:28","date_gmt":"2014-10-10T13:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/?page_id=55475"},"modified":"2026-08-12T10:37:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T14:37:23","slug":"doctor-of-public-health-drph","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/admissions\/applying\/doctor-of-public-health-drph\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) 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=\"#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>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<h2 class=\"anchor-heading\" id=\"application-deadlines\">Application Deadlines<\/h2>\n<h5>Fall 2027:<\/h5>\n<p>Priority Deadline*: November 1, 2026<br \/>\nFinal Deadline: December 1, 2026<\/p>\n<p><em>*Applications must be submitted and verified by SOPHAS by December 1. We encourage applicants to apply by November 1, 2026 in order to meet the December 1 final deadline.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>You can find more information about the <a href=\"https:\/\/help.liaisonedu.com\/SOPHAS_Applicant_Help_Center\/Submitting_and_Monitoring_Your_SOPHAS_Application\/Verification_and_GPA_Calculations_for_SOPHAS\/1_What_is_Verification%3F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SOPHAS verification process<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"anchor-heading\" id=\"prerequisites\">Prerequisites<\/h2>\n<h5>Education:<\/h5>\n<p>MPH or other master\u2019s degree in a field of study pertinent to public health. A master\u2019s-level degree must be conferred before beginning classes at SPH. Applicants without an MPH must have a comparable degree\u2014or relevant academic experience\u2014and must complete appropriate MPH courses prior to or within the first year of matriculation.<\/p>\n<h5>Experience:<\/h5>\n<p>Three or more years of full-time public health or relevant experience.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/education\/degrees-and-programs\/doctor-of-public-health-drph\/\">Learn more about the DrPH program<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"anchor-heading\" id=\"application-requirements\">Application Requirements<\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h2 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Standardized Test Scores<\/h2><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/admissions-1\/application-requirements\/english-language-proficiency-for-international-applicants\/\">English language proficiency<\/a> 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\"><h2 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">English language proficiency exam<\/h2><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<p><strong>English Proficiency Exams<\/strong><\/p>\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<p><strong>Test and Required Minimum Score<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>TOEFL ibt: 100 or higher (<em>if exam was administered prior to January 2026<\/em>) <strong>or<\/strong> 5.0 or higher (<em>if exam was administered January 2026 or later<\/em>)<\/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<p><strong>Waivers<\/strong><\/p>\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 your 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<p><strong>Reporting codes for TOEFL and IELTS<\/strong><\/p>\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<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h2 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Academic Transcripts or WES ICAP Evaluation<\/h2><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<p>Applicants must submit official transcripts for all registered coursework from each college or university attended. The SOPHAS Official Transcript Request Form 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\">WES ICAP evaluation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you are currently in a degree program, you are required to submit a current official transcript showing completed coursework and all work in progress. If you are accepted for admission, a final official transcript after degree conferral must be submitted directly to BUSPH\u00a0prior to matriculation.<\/p>\n<p>SPH reserves the right to reevaluate your application for admission upon receipt of the final official transcript.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h2 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Three (3) Letters of Recommendation<\/h2><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>While only two letters of recommendation are needed for SOPHAS to submit your application to BUSPH for review, three letters of recommendation are required for an application to be considered complete. Recommenders should be able to evaluate academic or professional work, applicant abilities to undertake graduate study, and applicant potential as a public health professional. If possible, two of the letters of recommendation should come from faculty.<\/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\"><h2 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Statement of Purpose and Objectives<\/h2><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA personal statement is intended to give an applicant the opportunity to submit a narrative describing past education, experiences, and current professional career objectives.<\/p>\n<p>Applicants are encouraged to comment on any or all of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>plans that the applicant has to use the education and training acquired at SPH<\/li>\n<li>the needs and\/or challenges the applicant perceives as important in the relevant field of study<\/li>\n<li>any personal qualities, characteristics, and skills the applicant believes will enable him or her to be successful in the chosen field of study<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h2 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">CV or R\u00e9sum\u00e9<\/h2><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA current curriculum vitae or r\u00e9sum\u00e9 is required. This document should be uploaded directly to your SOPHAS application.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<h2>Contact Information<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"mailto:asksph@bu.edu\">asksph@bu.edu<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fall 2027: Priority Deadline*: November 1, 2026 Final Deadline: December 1, 2026 *Applications must be submitted and verified by SOPHAS by December 1. We encourage applicants to apply by November 1, 2026 in order to meet the December 1 final deadline. You can find more information about the SOPHAS verification process. Education: MPH or other [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8472,"featured_media":0,"parent":55469,"menu_order":9,"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\/55475"}],"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\/8472"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55475"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55475\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":267028,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55475\/revisions\/267028"}],"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=55475"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu-publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-publication?post=55475"},{"taxonomy":"profile_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profile_tax?post=55475"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}