FAQs
No, all students begin the Vanderbilt MPH Program in the fall term, which usually begins in the third week of August.
No. While we offer a small number of online elective courses, students live in the Nashville area and take classes on Vanderbilt’s campus.
Yes, MPH students can choose from courses offered at any of theten colleges and schools, drawing on the depth and diversity of resources and expertise throughout Vanderbilt University. There is no additional tuition fee for these courses.
Students should discuss course options with their academic adviser to confirm that course credits from other graduate programs can be applied to their MPH degree.
Examples of courses in other Vanderbilt colleges, schools, or programs MPH students have taken.
Yes, students may receive advanced standing for approved courses taken outside the Vanderbilt MPH Program (up to 15 academic credit hours).
No. In general, we find that applicants who have a clear sense of their professional goals tend to thrive in our small, student-centered program. Relevant work experience can be helpful in guiding a student in their choice of courses, mentors, research opportunities, and the kind of skills they seek to build during their time in the Vanderbilt MPH Program.
The admissions committee reviews each application individually and recognizes that prior academic courses, research and service experiences, internships and part-time positions, as well as personal experiences can be very valuable in shaping a student’s career goals. In the evaluation process, it is thequality, not the quantity, of an applicant’s experience that is the most relevant.
GRE and/or MCAT scores are not required.
There are no minimum GPA or TOEFL score requirements. Reviewers look at each candidate’s application and qualifications as a whole.
Applicants to the Vanderbilt MPH Program come from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds. Average GPAs do not necessarily provide accurate or useful information on the student body.
Current TOEFL scores are required for non-native English-speaking international students. TOEFL scores are valid for two (2) years after the test date.
Scores should be submitted directly from ETS to SOPHAS using the code 5688 (SOPHAS in Massachusetts). There is no required minimum TOEFL score.
This requirement is waived for U.S. permanent residents and those who have completed an academic degree at an institution where English is the language of instruction. Applicants who qualify for a waiver, may leave this section of the application in SOPHAS blank. No formal waiver documentation is required.
We generally do not accept IELTS test scores, but if you are unable to take the TOEFL, please contact us to request an exception.
Official score reports require time to process, deliver, and match to an application in SOPHAS. Test dates should be scheduled and score reports should be requestedwell beforethe application deadline.
In general, official TOEFL score reports take about 16 business days from the test date (or request date) until they are posted to an application in SOPHAS.
Official test score reports must be sent directly from the testing organization (ETS), to SOPHAS and matched to your application by the application deadline. Use institution code5688when requesting your TOEFL scores from ETS.
Review theSOPHAS informationon submitting standardized test scores and troubleshooting.
Note: if your name or date of birth appears differently on your test report than it does on your SOPHAS application, your scores will not automatically post to your account. This often happens with applicants with hyphens, apostrophes, etc., in their names. Wait until ETS processes the scores, thencontact SOPHAS customer serviceso they can manually connect the scores to your application.
No, the Vanderbilt MPH Program does not have a supplemental or secondary application. A completed application to the Vanderbilt MPH Program consists of:
- A submitted SOPHAS application including:
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Official transcripts (or a WES credential evaluation for international applicants)
- Statement of purpose and objectives
- At least three letters of recommendation
- Official TOEFL score report for international applicants
All eligible applicants admitted to the Vanderbilt MPH Program are considered for theDavid Satcher Public Health Scholars Programand our other merit-based scholarships. No additional applications or forms are needed. Awardees are informed of the funding at the time they receive their admissions notification in the spring.
Applicants who wish to be considered for scholarships should submit their materials by the Priority Deadline (December 15).
The Community Scholars Program, VA Quality Scholars Program, and various external funding sources have different selection processes and require applications. Please see ourFunding Resourcespage for more information on eligibility and deadlines.
Students enrolled in other graduate or professional degree programs at Vanderbilt may request to take course in the MPH Program for academic credit. Students shouldcontact the MPH Programto inquire about this option.
Vanderbilt faculty or staff members who meet the MPH Program’sadmissions eligibility criteriamay submit a short application to take a course MPH Program for academic credit.Contact the MPH Programat least 6 weeks before the start of the course to begin this process.
Students may not audit MPH courses.
The Vanderbilt MPH Program administers the Master of Public Health degree program. Vanderbilt offers a number of related academic programs. Please contact each program for additional information.
Click here for a full list of Vanderbilt University degree offerings