Public Health is the science and art of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health professionals work in both the public and private sectors, and often focus in one of five core areas: epidemiology; behavioral science/health education; biostatistics; environmental health; and health services administration. (Learn more from the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health, ASPPH).

Prerequisites

Requirements vary widely based on type of program and career focus, but may include:

• Natural sciences
• Social sciences
• Statistics
• Professional or research experience in a public health setting

Application logistics

• Apply in the late summer/fall, about 12 months before intended entry.
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required by some programs. The GRE comprises three sections: Reading Comprehension; Quantitative Reasoning; and Analytical Writing.
• Most programs participate in the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS).
• Schools do not require a committee letter of recommendation. Program requirements vary, but expect to have at least three letters of recommendation. HPA can store copies of letters of recommendation, but recommenders will ultimately send references electronically through SOPHAS.

Find a program

ASPPH Academic Program Finder

For more information

• Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health
• Overview of Public Health from explorehealthcareers.org
• Profiles of public health professionals