{"id":55481,"date":"2014-10-10T09:30:12","date_gmt":"2014-10-10T13:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/?page_id=55481"},"modified":"2026-05-21T12:21:52","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T16:21:52","slug":"master-of-public-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/admissions\/applying\/master-of-public-health\/","title":{"rendered":"On-Campus MPH 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<p><h2 class=\"anchor-heading\" id=\"application-deadlines\">Application Deadlines<\/h2><aside class=\"callout alignright\"><div class=\"callout-content\"><\/p>\n<h2>$25,000 Access Grant<\/h2>\n<p>If you are an accepted student to our 2025 On-Campus MPH single degree program, you are eligible for an Access Grant to immediately reduce the cost of your tuition.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/admissions\/tuition-and-funding\/\" class=\"button btn-arrow\" >Learn more<\/a>\n<p><\/div><\/aside><\/p>\n<h5>Spring 2026:<\/h5>\n<p>Priority Deadline*: October 15, 2025<br \/>\nInternational Final Deadline: October 15, 2025<br \/>\nDomestic Final Deadline: December 15, 2025<\/p>\n<h5>Fall 2026:<\/h5>\n<p>Priority Deadline*: January 15, 2026<br \/>\nInternational Final Deadline: April 1, 2026<br \/>\nDomestic Final Deadline: June 15, 2026<\/p>\n<p><strong>All application materials must be received <em>and verified<\/em> by <a href=\"https:\/\/sophas.org\/\">SOPHAS<\/a> before BUSPH&#8217;s final deadlines. <\/strong>SOPHAS can take 2-4 weeks to verify your application, so we highly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible.<\/p>\n<p><strong>*Priority Deadlines:<\/strong> We encourage applicants to submit by the priority deadline as seats and scholarship are more plentiful at the beginning of the application cycle. You will also receive an early admissions decision.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"anchor-heading\" id=\"prerequisites\">Prerequisites<\/h2>\n<h5>Education:<\/h5>\n<p>Applicants from all undergraduate majors and backgrounds are acceptable and encouraged to apply. Successful candidates display a solid mix of quantitative, verbal and reasoning skills.<\/p>\n<h5>Experience:<\/h5>\n<p>None required. Work, volunteer, research, and\/or internship experience relevant to public health is valued in the review process.<\/p>\n<p>In order to help reduce <span data-markjs=\"true\" class=\"outlook-search-highlight\">inequities<\/span> in the graduate school application process, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/news\/articles\/2022\/removing-the-gre-requirement-does-not-affect-student-success\/\">GRE is not required nor considered<\/a> as part of your application<\/p>\n<a href=\"HTTPs:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/education\/degrees-and-programs\/master-of-public-health-programs\/\" class=\"button btn-arrow\" >Learn more about the On-Campus MPH Program<\/a>\n<h2 class=\"anchor-heading\" id=\"application-requirements\">Application Requirements<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h2 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Select a SOPHAS Program Designation<\/h2><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">All <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/education\/degrees-and-programs\/master-of-public-health-programs\/certificates\/\">17 MPH certificates<\/a> are listed on SOPHAS as individual program designations. While you do need to select a certificate program when you apply, <strong>your choice is non-binding and it has no bearing on the admissions process. <\/strong>You may also select, &#8220;undecided.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>At BUSPH, we recognize that public health is an interdisciplinary field of study and practice. We seek on-campus MPH candidates that will be successful across program areas. Our MPH program&#8217;s flexibility enables students to explore their interests. All students will have the opportunity to finalize their certificate choice(s) within their first semester of the program.<\/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<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;\"><\/p>\n<p><strong><span>Domestic Transcripts<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\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.<br \/>\n<strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>International Transcripts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For all international transcripts that are not verified by SOPHAS, BUSPH requires a course-by-course academic International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) evaluation submitted to SOPHAS by the<span>\u00a0<\/span><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wes.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">World Education Service<\/a>. Evaluations provide the Admissions Committee with US grading equivalency which is required to make a decision on your application.<strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>SOPHAS will only accept<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wes.org\/fees\/icap.asp\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WES ICAP evaluations<\/a>; no original transcripts should be submitted.<\/p>\n<p>If it is impossible for you to obtain a WES evaluation due to extenuating circumstances in your country or your undergraduate institution, please contact the Admissions Office at<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:asksph@bu.edu\">asksph@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Study Abroad for Domestic Applicants<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you have completed your Bachelor\u2019s degree at a US institution but have one (1) or more semesters at an international institution which counted toward the completion of your degree program, please follow<span>\u00a0<\/span><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/sophas.org\/faqs\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SOPHAS guidelines<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>for reporting these courses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Currently Enrolled Undergraduate Students<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For fall admissions, we encourage all currently enrolled students to wait until their most recent grades are available (end of fall semester or quarter) to submit their application. Updates to grades currently in process will not be accepted unless asked for by the admissions committee upon initial review of your application.<\/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, the ability to undertake graduate study, and potential as a public health professional.\u00a0If 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;\">Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose and objectives, intended to give applicants the opportunity to submit a narrative describing past education, experience, and current professional career objectives. Applicants must address the following three questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What are your reasons for pursuing a Master of Public Health?<\/li>\n<li>Why do you wish to pursue your MPH at Boston University School of Public Health?<\/li>\n<li>How do you intend to leverage your MPH in a career of public health practice?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1\u20132 pages, single-spaced.<\/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;\">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>Visit our <a title=\"FAQ\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/admissions\/faq\/\">FAQ page<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/admissions\/request-information\/\">request more information<\/a> to attend an upcoming webinar or admissions info session.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/sophas.cas.myliaison.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/deeplink\/programSearch\/organization\/5570904105431456768\" class=\"button btn-arrow\" >Ready to begin? Start your application<\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spring 2026: Priority Deadline*: October 15, 2025 International Final Deadline: October 15, 2025 Domestic Final Deadline: December 15, 2025 Fall 2026: Priority Deadline*: January 15, 2026 International Final Deadline: April 1, 2026 Domestic Final Deadline: June 15, 2026 All application materials must be received and verified by SOPHAS before BUSPH&#8217;s final deadlines. SOPHAS can take [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8472,"featured_media":0,"parent":55469,"menu_order":1,"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\/55481"}],"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=55481"}],"version-history":[{"count":53,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":265062,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/55481\/revisions\/265062"}],"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=55481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu-publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-publication?post=55481"},{"taxonomy":"profile_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profile_tax?post=55481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}