SPPH Admissions

Prospective Student Information

Who we are

At the UTMB School of Public and Population Health (SPPH), we combine academic excellence with a student-centered experience—all in a unique coastal setting. Located in historic Galveston, Texas, our students pursuing rigorous, hands-on training in public health, research, and community service. With small class sizes, low student-to-faculty ratios, and accessible, engaged faculty, and a culture that truly values student opinions and feedback, SPPH fosters close-knit learning environments where students are known, supported, and empowered to thrive.  

SPPH offers high-quality, affordable public health education—among the most cost-effective options in Texas and the region. Our students benefit from rich opportunities to contribute to real-world research and community-based practice, both on campus and through partnerships across our diverse Gulf Coast community. Whether you're looking to make an impact locally or globally, SPPH provides the foundation, support, and inspiration to help you grow into a leader in public and population health.

SPPH students at the State Capitol

Programs

3 PhD Programs

4 Masters Programs

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4 Graduate Certificates

Applying to UTMB SPPH

Information for Applicants

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  • Masters & PhD Application Requirements
    • Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • Official Transcripts
      • All post-secondary and professional transcripts from each institution attended.
    • Statement of Purpose and Objectives
      • It is your opportunity to inform the faculty reviewers of your qualifications, motivation, and potential to contribute to the field of public health.
        • Describe your academic and/or professional preparation for a career in public health.
        • Your focused interest in the degree program/department or field of study to which you are applying.
        • Career plans upon completion of the program at UTMB School of Public and Population Health.
        • Note any relevant strengths or weaknesses in your background or in your ability to carry out your professional responsibilities.
    • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation - sent electronically via SOPHAS.
      • You must request LORs from individuals qualified to evaluate your academic and professional performance, ability, motivation, and character.
      • At least one LOR should come from a current or former professor/instructor.

    Apply to SOPHAS

  • Additional application requirements for International Applicants
    • World Education Services (WES) In lieu of official transcripts.
      • iCAP course-by-course evaluation of academic records from institutions outside of the U.S.
    • TOEFL or IELTS (scores must be less than 2 years old).
      • TOEFL iBT score of 94 or higher, or
      • IELTS overall score of 7.0 or higher
      • If English was the primary language of instruction and is listed on WES, you may request a waiver in writing.

    Apply to SOPHAS

  • Certificate Programs

    See your program’s page for more information about required tests, minimum scores and application links.

  • Application Review Process

    What Happens After I Apply?

    • Each degree and certificate program has its own admissions committee composed of at least three faculty members.
    • The admission committees review applications for evidence of the applicant’s intent and purpose in studying public health, past academic performance, program-specific academic potential and life experience, English fluency (where required), and other factors such as an applicant’s compatibility with faculty expertise and program directions. Note that GPAs provides a competitive point of reference for admission but is not alone decisive in the admissions review.

    When Will I Know If I Got In?

    • We are committed to a holistic and equitable review process and will review all "verified" applications within the application deadline period equally. Our hope is to notify applicants on the status of their application 6-8 weeks after an application submission. All applicants are notified of the committee’s decision via email.
Frequently Asked Questions

Note: Student applications are carefully considered as part of a holistic review process. GPAs listed are preferred minimum performance levels and provide competitive points of reference for admission, but is not alone decisive in the admissions review.

Important Deadlines

We admit students once a year for Fall start.

  • The application portal opened August 13, 2025
  • International Applicants deadline is December 15, 2025
  • All PhD Applicants deadline is December 15, 2025
  • U.S./Domestic Applicants deadline is May 1, 2026
  • New Student Orientation is August 24-25, 2026
  • First Day of Class is August 31, 2026

* Dates are subject to change.

Application Deadlines

FAQs

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  • What sets the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Public and Population Health apart from other schools of public health?

    SPPH is a vibrant, growing, and community-centric school that provides for a strong sense of community among all of our students. We dedicate time to our students and focus on the quality of their experience, both in and out of the classroom. We provide opportunities to engage in research and scholarly activities, including grant writing, publications, and more. Our network of community and training partners provides students with countless opportunities to learn and contribute outside of the classroom to improve the health of our region. SPPH cohorts tend to be very cohesive and work together across our different programs.

  • Is the MPH STEM Designated?

    Yes. The MPH and its concentrations are STEM designated with corresponding CIP codes 51.2201.

  • What funding and financial aid options are available?

    Financing your education at the School of Public and Population Health is an investment in your future. A variety of types of assistance are available to help you fund tuition, fees, and expenses, including federal loans, work-study positions, scholarships, employment, and private sources. Learn more about Federal Work Study, Financial Aid, and Scholarships visit Enrollment Services.

  • Do you accept international students?

    Yes. We highly recommend that all international applicants visit the UTMB International Student web page.

  • What do you look for in an application?

    SPPH is committed to a holistic review process, in which faculty reviewers evaluate all materials submitted by an applicant to assess their intentions and motivations for pursuing a graduate-level public health degree, including past academic performance, program-specific academic potential, life experience, English fluency (where required), and applicants’ compatibility with faculty expertise and training program foci. Applications must be “verified” prior to the deadline to be considered. Note that GPAs provide a competitive point of reference for academic performance and admission but are not alone decisive in the admission review.

  • Can I apply to more than one program or MPH concentration at once?

    Applicants can apply to multiple programs or MPH concentrations during any given application cycle.

  • Can I apply for a Spring admission?

    SPPH currently admits master’s and PhD students for the Fall semester only each year. However, if you apply to a graduate certificate program, you may apply for Spring, Summer or Fall admission.

  • Is the GRE required?

    The GRE is not required or considered for admissions.

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  • What is the minimum GPA requirement?

    SPPH has a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0) scale across all coursework.  Trends in academic performance, as well as previous graduate school training and extenuating circumstances, may also be considered during the review process.

  • Which English Proficiency Test scores do you accept?

    SPPH accepts either the TOEFL or IELTS proficiency exams.  Overall minimum scores of 7.0 for IELTS or 94 for TOEFL IBT are required.

  • My language of instruction was in English. Do I need to submit an English Proficiency Test Score?

    If the primary language of instruction was in English, you may request a waiver. Please contact our Admissions Office for more details. 

  • How many LORs are required?

    A minimum of 3 letters of recommendation are required. At least 1 LOR must be from a professor or instructor, who can speak to academic abilities. For applicants who are more than 3 years from their last academic experience, this requirement for a letter from a professor may be waived. Please contact our admissions office for more information.

  • Can I get an application fee waiver?

    SPPH does not provide application fee waivers; however, SOPHAS does provide a very limited number of application fee waivers each cycle. Please visit SOPHAS Fees and Fee Waivers for more information.

  • How much is tuition?

    Tuition costs differ for Texas residents and non-Texas residents. Learn more about tuition and attendance visit School of Public and Population Health Tuition and Fees.

  • What is the average class size?

    The School of Public and Population Health values our low student to faculty ratio. Some classes with higher enrollments include 15-20 students, but many have fewer than 15 students. Some training opportunities, such as rotation hours, offer direct 1-on-1 instruction with faculty mentors.

  • What kinds of jobs do public health professionals get after graduating?

    SPPH alumni have achieved success in a range of professional roles across different sectors, including governmental public health, health care, pharmaceutical, academic, community development, and social services. Several alumni have established careers in federal, state, and local governmental agencies, assuming positions as epidemiologists, program managers, administrators, strategic planners, grant writers, and others. Others pursue careers in academia, such as postdoctoral fellowships, research positions, and faculty positions. Some graduates working within the non-profit or for-profit sectors are involved in consulting, management, research, or education.

General Requests: (409) 772-1128
Applicants: (409) 747-7584