Deadlines
Priority: January 15 – First consideration for scholarship funding
General: March 1 – Second consideration for scholarship funding
Final: Rolling until August 1 on space available basis
We do not admit to the on-campus MPH program in the spring semester unless you have first completed the Certificate in Public Health Fundamentals and Principles. The Certificate in Public Health Fundamentals is an 18-credit, fully online program that can be completed in as little as two semesters, and all 18 credits transfer directly to the MPH program. Students may apply to the Certificate for spring admission while simultaneously applying to the MPH for fall admission. Please contact us at [email protected] to learn more about the benefits of this pathway and the application process.
Applicants who wish to be considered for a College of Integrated Health Sciences scholarship must submit their application by the priority deadline.
SOPHAS fee waivers are available for the first program you apply to in SOPHAS to cover the initial $150 application fee. There are three types of fee waivers: financial-based, service-based and international-based. You may only apply for one type of fee waiver, and the waiver request must be submitted to SOPHAS before you submit your SOPHAS application. SOPHAS fee waivers are granted on a first come, first served basis, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the priority deadline when requesting a waiver. For more information, visit SOPHAS Fees and Fee Waivers.
Applications are accepted for all programs on a space available basis after the published deadlines.
MPH Degree Application
The application and all supporting materials for the Master of Public Health must be submitted through SOPHAS.
Visit the SOPHAS Applicant Help Center for help with starting your SOPHAS application.
Application Requirements
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing
- Grade point average of 3.00 or better
- One semester of social sciences
- One college level course in mathematics (algebra or pre-calculus) or statistics with a grade of B or higher (high school AP courses do not count towards this prerequisite)
- Two semesters of college level biology
- Two semesters of college level chemistry
Note: GRE not required for admission.
International Requirements
- International students must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 98 (or 5.0 under the 2026 scoring system), IELTS score of 7.0, or Duolingo score of 125. We will only accept official scores sent by the testing institution.
- UAlbany SOPHAS TOEFL code is 5688. We do not use department codes.
- Official Duolingo scores must be sent to the University at Albany (SOPHAS does not accept Duolingo scores). Students may include unofficial scores in their SOPHAS application, but official scores must be received by the University at Albany.
- The TOEFL or IELTS is not required for international students who have completed at least four semesters of full-time study within a four-year time frame from time of application, and maintained at least a B average at a college or university in the United States or a country from an approved list. For questions regarding English Language Proficiency waivers, please email Soha Acosta at [email protected].
- International students must request a transcript evaluation from World Education Services (WES). The WES evaluation must be sent directly to SOPHAS, NOT the University at Albany or the College of Integrated Health Sciences.
Required Application Materials
Official Transcripts
- Official transcripts from EVERY post-secondary academic institution attended, including college coursework completed during high school, must be sent directly from the institution to SOPHAS. You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines.
- UAlbany students must have an official UAlbany transcript sent directly to SOPHAS. When ordering the transcript, select Third Party Application Service SOPHAS, not University at Albany, as the recipient.
- Applicants who use the professional transcript entry service provided by SOPHAS should note that the entry process adds TWO FULL WEEKS to the time it takes for an application to be verified and considered complete by the admissions committee.
- Applicants who have completed their education in the United States must self-report courses in the Transcript Entry section, which enables reviewers to see your academic strengths through an electronic transcript. The use of a professional transcript entry service is strongly discouraged, as it increases the cost of applying and delays the review of your application by several weeks. We strongly encourage applicants to self-report coursework and grades in the Transcript Entry section to ensure a smooth and cost-effective application process.
Three letters of recommendation
- A minimum of two letters must be from academic faculty
- At least one letter must be from a university faculty member in the major field of study
- Applicants who have been out of school for five or more years may submit professional references
- Letters must be signed and on institutional/organizational letterhead.
Personal Statement
- Why do you wish to pursue a career in public health and why are you interested in your chosen area of study?
- 2-page limit
CV/Resume
Application Submission
Applicants should submit their application as soon as the items you have control over are complete (personal statement, resume/CV, institutions attended, coursework entry, and all other required sections of the online application). Test scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation will be added as they are received, after which SOPHAS will begin verifying your application.
Applications will not be reviewed until all required items, including official transcripts, official test scores, and required letters of recommendation, have been received and your application has been verified. Please note that once SOPHAS has received all of your application materials, it may take up to 4 full weeks to be verified by SOPHAS. Be sure to request all transcripts, recommendations, and standardized test scores in advance so your application can be completed and verified by the specified application deadline.
For application specific questions, contact us at [email protected] or 518-442-2450.
Combined BS/MPH Required Application Materials
The combined program is highly competitive. You must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher and have completed 56 total credits hours toward your BS. Students typically apply in their junior year. The department accepts applications only for fall semester start.
Application Materials
- Completed Degree Application through the Graduate School (not SOPHAS). Select the fall term you will first start taking graduate coursework.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate coursework not completed at UAlbany.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic faculty. One must be from your major area of study.
- Attestation from academic advisor that all gen ed requirements, major requirements (except three electives), capstone sequence, and minor requirements will be completed by the end of the third year of study.
- 1-2 page personal statement detailing interest in public health, your chosen area of study, and reasons for pursuing the BS/MPH
- Resume
- $75 application fee
Note: GRE not required for admission.
Accepted Student Profile
Average GPA: 3.35
Special Notes
Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.