Master of Public Health

About the Program

Our Public Health programs seek to:

  • Prepare diverse cohorts of students to conduct core public health functions such as assessment and research, program planning, evaluation, and policy development for the purposes of improving community and population health.
  • Educate students to understand the scientific, community, political, and social dimensions of public health research and practice.
  • Provide an interdisciplinary academic environment that fosters collaborative inquiry to address public health problems in Long Island communities and beyond.
  • Support faculty and students to research pressing public health issues.
  • Collaborate widely with community institutions and groups on Long Island, in the region, and across the country to improve the public's health.
  • Contribute to local, state, and national efforts aimed at public health improvement.
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Hofstra University's MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

FAQ

What are the application requirements?
Application requirements for both the MPH and the Advanced Certificate in Foundations of Public Health.
Are there separate requirements for international students?
Application requirements for both the MPH and the Advanced Certificate in Foundations of Public Health. International students must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if their undergraduate transcript is from a foreign institution. If the undergraduate transcript is not in English, then evaluation services are required.
Is the GRE required?
Yes, the GRE is required for the MPH program; however, we also accept the LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT. Additionally, we waive the GRE for any applicant who has another advanced degree. Lastly, we also offer an advanced certificate in Foundations of Public Health that is a 12-credit (4-course) program, which does not require the GRE. Should students decide to continue into the MPH, all courses in the advanced certificate can be applied to the master’s and the GRE would be waived.
Should I still apply even if my GPA is lower than what is stated in the Admission Requirements?
We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications which means that we look at many aspects of an applicant’s profile: the GPA (including the courses taken); the GRE (for evidence of capacity to do graduate level work); the personal statement (for evidence of public health understanding and career interest); the resume (for evidence of a commitment to social justice, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, writing proficiency); letters of recommendation (for evidence of capacity to do graduate level work, passion for the field). These components are not listed in any kind of priority order nor does any one component drive the admissions decision. Therefore, if you feel that your overall profile demonstrates that you are well-suited for an MPH program, I would encourage you to apply.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Applications for both programs are accepted on a rolling basis for both the fall and spring semesters. Links to the SOPHAS application for the MPH and the SOPHAS Express or Hofstra University’s Graduate Application for the Advanced Certificate in Foundations of Public Health.
How long does it take to complete the programs?

The MPH program is 42 credits. Full-time study is 9 credits a semester or more (3 or 4 classes) and part-time study is anything less than that. You must just complete the program within five years of starting it. You can also work with the program director to complete the program in as little as 13 months, which will consist of fall, January, spring, and summer session classes.

The advanced certificate in foundations of public health is 12 credits: 4 classes plus one 0-credit seminar. The program can be completed in two or four semesters, depending on if you take one class a semester or two classes a semester.

Do you accept transfer credits?
Applicants can ask to have previously taken relevant graduate level courses reviewed for transfer. With program director approval, the MPH can transfer in up to 9 credits, while the advanced certificate in foundations of public health can transfer in one class. These requests are only confirmed after an applicant is admitted to the programs.
When are classes offered?
Classes are offered once a week in the evenings for two hours at either 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, at our campus in Hempstead, New York, which is located on Long Island.
Are there resources to help me fund my degree?

Each graduate application is automatically reviewed by the program director for merit-based scholarships. Admitted and matriculated students can also apply for graduate assistantship positions, which are part-time jobs on campus that pay in the form of tuition remission.

Questions about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services at 516-463-8000.

News & Updates

 

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