Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Students FAQs

• What sets the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Public and Population Health apart from other schools of public health?
  We are a vibrant, growing, and community-centric school, which 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. Our 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 and 26.1309.
• 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 and equitable review process and will review all “verified” applications received within the application deadline period equally when making graduate admission decisions. Faculty reviewers thoroughly evaluate all materials submitted by an applicant to assess their intentions and motivations for pursuing a graduate-level public health degree, including evaluating 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 training program foci. Note that GPAs provide a competitive point of reference for 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.
• 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. 
• What kinds of jobs do public health professionals get after graduating?
  Our alumni have achieved success in a range of professional roles.  Several of our alumni have established careers in federal, state, and local governmental agencies, and have assuming responsibilities as epidemiologists, program managers, administrators, strategic planners, directors and others.  Others pursue careers in academia, which may involve engaging in postdoctoral training, securing faculty positions or contributing to academic research, education, and in various administrative roles.  Some of our graduates choose to become leaders within the non-profit and for-profit industry sectors, where the support decision making, data analysis, administration, and beyond.  We have graduates practicing in the health care, pharmaceutical, community development, and social services sectors.  
  
• 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 that speaks to academic abilities from a professor or instructor. 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 enrolled.  Some training opportunities, such as rotation hours, offer direct 1-on-1 instruction with faculty mentors.