MPH Program General Questions

How long is the MPH Program?
The MPH Program requires 45 credits. Full-time students complete the program over 2 academic years.

Do you accept part-time students?

Yes, part time students tend to complete the program in 3-5 years pending course load.

Is the program accredited?
VCU's MPH Program has been fully accredited since 1996 by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), which accredits schools of public health and graduate public health programs outside schools of public health. A listing of CEPH-accredited MPH programs and schools of public health is available on the CEPH website.

Do you have an open house/information session?
At least one open house event is usually held in the fall for the MPH and Epidemiology PhD programs. Prospective students may arrange one-on-one visits by emailing.

What are the tuition rates?
Tuition and fees depend on individual needs for housing, meals, etc. Please visit VCU’s Understanding Tuition and Fees webpage.

Do you provide any funding for graduate student tuition or expenses?
The MPH Program rarely has funding to provide for students. If it is available, it is usually limited and highly competitive. The MPH Program helps students find part-time employment and assistantships by promoting opportunities from potential employers at VCU and professional public health organizations in the area. The majority of full-time MPH students work part-time, primarily in positions they have found through the MPH Program

Can I transfer courses that I took at another school?
View the VCU Graduate School policy for transfer credit. Note that courses not previously applied toward another degree may be accepted for transfer credit consideration. The transfer course(s) must be of graduate level, relevant to the field of public health, and be approved by the graduate program. Students who have been accepted into the program and who wish to transfer in courses must send a written request to the Director of Educational Programs. The request must include an official copy of a transcript and a copy of the syllabus for each course being submitted for transfer consideration.

Can I transfer in courses that I took at VCU?
Yes, VCU coursework that is relevant to program requirements and was completed prior to matriculation may be considered for transfer. The curriculum of each graduate program has a specific sequence, and students should not take numerous courses prior to matriculation as courses taken out of sequence may negatively impact student progression of learning once in the program. Courses taken in other disciplines at VCU may be considered for transfer, as well. All courses considered for transfer credit may not have been part of the requirements for a previously awarded degree. All transfer course(s) must be of graduate level, relevant to the field of public health, and must be approved by the graduate program.

Do you offer online courses?
Some MPH program courses are offered online or in a hybrid format, but the MPH program is not a fully online program. An on-campus presence is required.

When do students register for classes?
The Division of Epidemiology posts an orientation web page in the summer that provides information to get students started on registration and preparation for the fall semester. If you are unsure of which courses you should take, it is acceptable to wait to register until you have attended the Program's Orientation session, which is scheduled in August, before classes begin. Our graduate programs typically give registration priority to our students to ensure their registration in required courses. Consult VCU's Schedule of Classes for listing of course offerings by semester and VCU Courses A-Z for course descriptions by offering department.

How do I take courses as a non-degree-seeking student?
To take a course in a graduate public health program, you must apply to VCU to become a non-degree-seeking student. Prospective students should follow the instructions for becoming a non-degree-seeking student. Once that application process has been completed, contact program administration for guidance in course selection.

What kind of internships are required?
All students in the MPH Program must complete an applied experience known as the Public Health Internship (PHI), which is a 3-credit-hour experience in a professional public health setting. Students work a minimum of 180 contact hours in a setting such as a local or state health department office, a non-profit organization such as the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, or an appropriate private enterprise. Through the internship, students gain valuable practical experience in the professional public health work environment.

Are the internships paid?
Since the purpose of the Public Health Internship is to expose students to everyday experience in a professional setting, pay is neither required nor expected. However, some internship sites are willing to pay student interns.

What type of a thesis will I need to prepare for the MPH Program?
The MPH Program is a professional degree program, so students do not complete a thesis, but a final project that is an integrated learning experience known as the MPH Capstone Project. Students are required to synthesize the literature, apply theory, evaluate data, and integrate knowledge gained and principles in situations that approximate some aspect of professional practice. With this mentored experience, students are able to both broaden their skills and hone their proficiency in a specific area of public health. The major product of this culminating experience is expected to vary depending on the student’s concentration and the educational goals of the student, but could include one of the following:

  • Manuscript suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal
  • Comprehensive disease-related report
  • Policy analysis report
  • Needs assessment for a specific population
  • Development, implementation, and analysis of target population surveys
  • Program evaluation
  • Organization, development, and assessment of content of public health training or informational conferences

MPH Dual Degree Programs

I want to apply to a dual degree program. Where do I apply to first?
For the MSW/MPH program, apply to both programs at the same time. Note that MSW/MPH students do not enter the MPH curriculum fully until the second year of study. Therefore, it is possible for applicants to apply to both programs simultaneously or apply to the MPH Program during the first semester of the MSW Program.

For the MD/MPH and PharmD/MPH programs, students should already be enrolled in either medical or pharmacy school. For these programs, students do not enter the MPH curriculum until after their third year of clinical study. Students therefore wait to apply to the MPH program until their third year in medical or second year in pharmacy school. Administrators in each school will notify students of dual degree program options and when they should apply to these programs

MPH Program Application Process

How Do I apply to the VCU MPH program?
Applications are in two stages: a primary application through the SOPHAS (The Centralized Application Service for Public Health programs) website. and a secondary, supplemental application to VCU Graduate Admissions (the secondary application requires a $70 fee to VCU). Both applications must be received for an applicant to be considered by the Admissions Committee. Once an applicant submits the SOPHAS application, VCU will send instructions on how to complete the secondary supplemental application.

What are the requirements for admission to the MPH Program?
Admission requirements are available in the VCU Graduate Bulletin and are the same for each MPH degree concentration:

What sort of academic background do I need to apply to the MPH Program?
Students must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited, four-year institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Recommended is undergraduate study that includes courses in the biological science and statistics/biostatistics.  While these are not absolutely required, applicants who have taken such courses and performed well in them (i.e., grade of B or higher) will likely be more competitive than applicants who lack this background. One or more courses in research methods or epidemiology is also beneficial, as is experience with applications used for data analysis such as SPSS, SAS, STATA, etc.

Do I need work experience?
We prefer that MPH Program applicants have a minimum of one calendar year of work or applied experience after earning the undergraduate degree. It is ideal, but not required, for this experience to be related to health in general and public health specifically. Volunteer work relevant to the health field such as for mission trips, AmeriCorps, summers abroad doing community service, or in a local organization may be included as experience.

Is the GRE required for the MPH Program?
No, the GRE is not required for admission to the MPH Program.

When may I apply to the program?
Applications typically open in SOPHAS by late August of each year. Pay attention to the application deadlines listed in SOPHAS for each degree program. Applications must be complete (contain all required elements, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation) to be considered for admission.

What is the deadline for international applications?
The deadline for applications is the same for both domestic and international applications and is listed in SOPHAS for each program.

What is the deadline for US applications?
Consult the application portal in SOPHAS for the current year's application deadline.

Do you have a waiting list?
During the review process, some applicants may be assigned to a “wait list” according to merit and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. If students who are offered admission into the program decline the invitation, then wait-listed students may be notified as these vacancies occur. Notification of wait-listed students will occur in the latter portion of April into early May.

If I miss the application deadline or can't get all the required application elements in by the deadline, what happens?
Incomplete applications will not be considered and will receive a status of "rejected." SOPHAS offers applicants the option to continue an incomplete application to the next academic year. Applications that are submitted by the deadline but have outstanding elements (e.g., waiting for official transcripts or letters of recommendation) will be monitored by the program and reviewed once the application is complete, depending on timing of application completion and available space in the program for the academic year.

How long will it take to get an admissions decision?
Our admissions committee begins meeting in February, and decisions are sent out on a rolling basis beginning in March. Timing for an admissions decision depends upon the submission of the application and how long it takes for all elements to be complete (e.g., receipt of official transcripts or letters of recommendation). No decision can be made until a complete application is received. Applications are screened and grouped for committee review as they become complete; the admissions committee meets multiple times during the spring semester to review applications.

What are your acceptance levels?
There is only one level of acceptance, which is full acceptance. Full acceptance is unconditional acceptance and is the highest level of acceptance granted by the University.

Should I submit my application before I have all my supporting documentation, such as letters of reference?
Yes, you may submit your application without materials such as transcripts or letters of recommendation, but follow the instructions on the SOPHAS website. Submitting the application “on-line” starts the admissions process, but you should be sure to follow up as soon as possible with the rest of the application materials, since the process cannot be finalized and your application cannot be fully reviewed until we receive your application fees and all required, supporting documents.

Where do I send my supporting documents?
All supporting documents are submitted through SOPHAS, according to directions provided on the SOPHAS website. Do not send application materials to any VCU address unless specifically directed to so by a program administrator.

Is there a deadline for admitted students to inform the program of their decision to enroll?
Yes—Admitted students must inform the program of their intent to matriculate by April 15th unless otherwise instructed. Students who do not reply by that date will forfeit their place in the program.

Do you admit students in the spring?
Due to the sequencing of courses in our graduate curricula, we admit students only in the fall.

Should reference letters for admission to the MPH program be academic or professional?
To be effective, the letters must show that the referee can explain why your background prepares you for a career in public health and that you will be able to perform well under the rigors of graduate study. Therefore, letters of reference from current or past professors are the best choice. For the MPH program, at least one letter, and preferably two, should be from an academic reference. If you have asked for a reference from someone you have worked with in a job, a letter from a supervisor is more appropriate than a letter from a colleague. In addition, a letter from a health professional would be more appropriate than a letter from a business professional. However, if you do not have professional references from the general health field, a reference from a past supervisor that addresses your performance on the job and can assess qualities like responsibility, level of maturity, and other elements that will lend to success in graduate school, is entirely appropriate

If I am a foreign student. Do I need to take the TOEFL test?
Since lectures, laboratory instructions, and written and oral examinations are conducted in English, students must be proficient in the language. Guidelines for international students are available.

PhD in Epidemiology Program General Questions

How long is the PhD Program?

The PhD program is typically completed over 4 years of full-time study.

Is Funding available?

VCU’s PhD in Epidemiology program is fully funded for 4 years contingent on satisfactory academic progress. PhD students receive funding for tuition and a stipend for working 20 hours a week in their faculty advisor’s research program.

Where can I learn more about research programs offered by VCU’s PhD in Epidemiology?

Matching prospective students with faculty research programs is an important element of our admissions process. Please visit our Faculty Research programs webpage to learn about research programs within the Division of Epidemiology and to determine if your interests align with those of one or more of our faculty members.

Is the program accredited?

The PhD in Epidemiology Program is accredited through the overall University accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Do you accept part-time students?

The PhD Program accepts primarily full-time students and will occasionally consider applicants who wish to have a part-time student status.

Do you have an open house/information session?
At least one open house event is usually held in the fall for the MPH and Epidemiology PhD programs. Prospective students may arrange one on one visits by emailing.

Can I transfer courses that I took at another school?
View the VCU Graduate School policy for transfer credit. Note that courses not previously applied toward another degree may be accepted for transfer credit consideration. The transfer course(s) must be of graduate level, relevant to the field of public health, and be approved by the graduate program. Students who have been accepted into the program and who wish to transfer in courses must send a written request to the Director of Educational Programs. The request must include an official copy of a transcript and a copy of the syllabus for each course being submitted for transfer consideration.

Can I transfer in courses that I took at VCU?
Yes, VCU coursework completed prior to matriculation may be considered for transfer. The curriculum of each graduate program has a specific sequence and students should not take numerous courses prior to matriculation as courses taken out of sequence may negatively impact their progression of learning once in the program. Courses taken in other disciplines at VCU may be considered for transfer, as well. All courses considered for transfer credit may not have been part of the requirements for a previously awarded degree. All transfer course(s) must be of graduate level, relevant to the field of public health, and must be approved by the graduate program.

Do you offer online courses?

PhD courses are almost exclusively offered face-to-face.

When do students register for classes?
The Division of Epidemiology posts an orientation web page in the summer that provides information to get students started on registration and preparation for the fall semester. If you are unsure of which courses you should take, it is acceptable to wait to register until you have attended the Program's Orientation session, which is scheduled in August, before classes begin. Our graduate programs typically give registration priority to our students to ensure their registration in required courses. Consult VCU's Schedule of Classes for listing of course offerings by semester and VCU Courses A-Z for course descriptions by offering department.


How do I take courses as a non-degree-seeking student?
To take a course in a graduate public health program, you must apply to VCU to become a non-degree-seeking student. Prospective students may find instructions for becoming a non-degree-seeking student

PhD in Epidemiology Application Process

How Do I apply to the VCU PhD in Epidemiology program?
Applications are in two stages: a primary application through the SOPHAS (The Centralized Application Service for Public Health) website. and a secondary, supplemental application to VCU Graduate Admissions (the secondary application requires a $70 fee to VCU). Both applications must be received for an applicant to be considered by the Admissions Committee. Once an applicant submits the SOPHAS application, VCU will send instructions on how to complete the secondary supplemental application.

What are the admissions requirements for the PhD in Epidemiology program?

Admission requirements are available in the VCU Graduate Bulletin.

When may I apply to the program?
Applications typically open in SOPHAS by late August of each year. Pay attention to the application deadlines listed in SOPHAS for each degree program. Applications must be complete (contain all required elements, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation) to be considered for admission.

What is the deadline for international applications?
The deadline for applications is the same for both domestic and international applications and is listed in SOPHAS for each program.

What is the deadline for US applications?
Consult the application portal in SOPHAS for the current year's application deadline.

If I miss the application deadline or can't get all the required application elements in by the deadline, what happens?
Incomplete applications will not be considered and will receive a status of "rejected." SOPHAS offers applicants the option to continue an incomplete application to the next academic year. Applications that are submitted by the deadline but have outstanding elements (e.g., waiting for official transcripts or letters of recommendation) will be monitored by the program and reviewed once the application is complete, depending on timing of application completion and available space in the program for the academic year.

Do you admit students in the spring?
Due to the sequencing of courses in our graduate curricula, we admit students only in the fall.

How long will it take to get an admissions decision?
Our admissions committee begins meeting in February, and decisions are sent out on a rolling basis beginning in March. Timing for an admissions decision depends upon the submission of the application and how long it takes for all elements to be complete (e.g., receipt of official transcripts or letters of recommendation). No decision can be made until a complete application is received. Applications are screened and grouped for committee review as they become complete; the admissions committee typically meets several times during the spring semester.

Competitive PhD applicants will be invited to a first-round phone or video interview with the Graduate Programs Director and potential advisor. Following the first-round interview, competitive students would then be invited to an on-campus (or zoom) second round interview with other faculty members and current PhD students. Admissions offer would follow a successful interview process.

What are your acceptance levels?
There is only one level of acceptance, which is full acceptance. Full acceptance is unconditional acceptance and is the highest level of acceptance granted by the University.

Is there a deadline for admitted students to inform the program of their decision to enroll?
For the PhD in Epidemiology Program:  Students should respond with a decision by the deadline indicated in their offer of admission letter, usually 30 days from receipt of the formal offer of admission.

Should I submit my application before I have all my supporting documentation, such as letters of reference?
Yes, you may submit your application without materials such as transcripts or letters of recommendation, but follow the instructions on the SOPHAS website. Submitting the application “on-line” starts the admissions process, but you should be sure to follow up as soon as possible with the rest of the application materials, since the process cannot be finalized and your application cannot be fully reviewed until we receive your application fees and all required, supporting documents.

Where do I send my supporting documents?
All supporting documents are submitted through SOPHAS, according to directions provided on the SOPHAS website. Do not send application materials to any VCU address unless specifically directed to so by a program administrator

Do your graduate programs have a minimum GRE score requirement?

For the Epidemiology PhD program, scores at the 75th percentile or higher are preferred. The admissions committee will review each application as a whole, taking all elements into consideration, but applicants with scores at or above the 75th percentile will be more competitive.

I took the GREs 10 years ago. Do I have to retake them to apply?
Yes, GRE test scores are only accepted within 5 years of the test date.

What is the VCU code for the GRE scores?
Submit GRE scores through SOPHAS using the VCU SOPHAS GRE code: 7543.

If I am a foreign student. Do I need to take the TOEFL test?
Since lectures, laboratory instructions, and written and oral examinations are conducted in English, students must be proficient in the language. Guidelines for international students are available.