Open an MPH application!

Please note that the admissions committee only reviews completed applications. You must meet the admission requirements of both the Wayne State University Graduate School and our Public Health Graduate Programs. You may open a WSU Graduate School application through the Graduate School website.

The Office of Graduate Admissions will require transcripts from all of your college experiences. Information on how to access transcripts is available on the Graduate School website.

If you earned your bachelor’s degree from a non-U.S. institution, the MPH Program requires you to submit an official course by course transcript evaluation of that degree prior to review by our admissions committee. The course by course transcript evaluation will serve as the official academic transcript. Only reports completed by one of the following credential evaluators will be accepted: SpanTran - The Evaluation company, World Educational Service-WES, Educational Credential Evaluators-ECE. The credentialing agency must e-mail the course-by-course transcript evaluation directly to gradadmissions@wayne.edu to be considered official.

Note that BGC-PH and MPH admission requirements are the same. Note that federal financial aid is not available for BGC-PH students. We are no longer requiring the GRE. 

Current WSU graduate students may be eligible for the BGC-PH streamlined application process. Contact mph@med.wayne.edu for more information.

Application Deadlines

Fall semester: July 1

Winter semester: November 1

Spring/Summer semester: March 1

Admission Requirements

The Admissions Committee uses a holistic approach that highlights the student’s individual strengths and experiences. Each component of the application portfolio contributes to the final decision regarding the applicant’s potential fit for our program. The MPH Program is competitive and completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

1. Grade Point Average: Applicants are required to have an overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0) and grades of 3.0 or higher in mathematics, social science, and natural science college courses. Official degree posted transcripts are required.
2. College Level Math: Applicants are required to have a grade of B or better in a college mathematics or statistics course within the last 5 years. Applicants who have not fulfilled this requirement may strengthen their application by doing one of the following:
   • Enroll in a university or community college mathematics course. E-mail mph@med.wayne.edu for more information.

• • Earn a third level score on the Mathematics Placement Assessment (MPA) and place into the courses MAT 1110 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I, MAT 1120 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II, or MAT 1800 Elementary Functions.

2. • Physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals may apply for a math requirement waiver if they have taken biostatistics as part of a larger course (such as community medicine). Write a letter to the Admissions Committee explaining the specific biostatistics competencies, number of contact hours, and grades attained. Title the letter “Math Requirement Waiver Request” and upload it to the “additional document” area of your electronic application.
3. English Proficiency: Applicants who graduated from non-US colleges or universities are required to demonstrate English proficiency by one of the methods below:
   • Complete a degree at an accredited U.S. institution or in a country where English is the native language.

• Earn a minimum score on an approved test of English Language Proficiency (within the last two years). Note that the MPH Program may require higher minimum English Language Proficiency scores than those set by the WSU Office of Graduate Admissions:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based:  90
  • International English Language Test System (IELTS): 7
  • DUOLINGO: 125
  • Michigan Language Assessment (MET): 64
  • Pearson English Language Test (PTE):  58 

4. Curriculum Vitae/Résumé: Include education, professional experiences, and research and volunteer experiences.
5. Personal Statement (< 500 words): The personal statement should explain the applicant’s desire for graduate public health education and discuss the personal, professional, and/or academic experiences that have led the applicant to apply to the MPH program. The WSU Graduate School website provides information about how to write compelling personal statements. The personal statement should discuss the information below:

• Interest and background in the field of public health.
• Long-term academic and professional goals.
• Reasons for applying to the Wayne State University MPH Program, taking into consideration the Program’s mission and/or faculty research interests.

6. Three Professional Letters of Recommendation: The letters may be from former faculty, supervisors and/or professional colleagues. Personal recommendations from family members, friends, or counselors and therapists are not permitted. The WSU Graduate School website (bottom of page) provides a sample letter to request letters of recommendation. MPH Program letter of recommendation requirements are listed below:
   • The letters need to be current, signed and printed on letterhead, and include a description of how long and in what capacity the referee knows the applicant.
   • The letters should provide information about the applicant’s professional experiences, skills and interests in public health and/or related fields. At least one letter of recommendation must specifically address the applicant’s experiences and interest in public health. If you don’t have public health experience, consider volunteering at a public health organization so that you will be able to request a letter of recommendation from the volunteer supervisor.
   • The letters should provide information about the applicant’s ability to be successful in a public health graduate program.
   • The letters may include information about the applicant’s interpersonal skills, ability to communicate effectively, motivation, organizational abilities and aptitude in research.