Public Health

Degrees Vary from Master's to Doctorate

Preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting human health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals.

For descriptions of this profession, see: What Is Public Health or Explore Health Careers

Degree Obtained

Master of Public Health, M.P.H : Master of Health Administration, M.H.A : Master of Science, M.S. : Master of Health Systems Administration, M.H.S.A

Doctor of Public Health, D.R.P.H : Doctor of Philosophy, Ph. D. : Doctor of Science, Sc. D.

Length of Program

Master's Programs: 2 years

Doctoral programs: 3-5 years

Career Options

There are five core areas of public health; public health programs offer a concentration in each of these areas:

Biostatistics
Epidemiology
Health Services Administration
Health Education/Behavioral Science
Environmental Health

Many schools offer other concentration is addition to the five core areas of public health. consult the Association of Schools of Public Health for a list of public health schools.

Course Requirements

The general course requirements for public health vary depending on the program and concentration. Check directly with the school's website and the Association of Schools of Public Health to determine the prerequisite courses.

Application Timeline

For admittance directly after DePauw: Prerequisite courses completed by the end of senior year; although, preference may be given to applicants who complete the required courses sooner. Apply fall of senior year.

Application Service

Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS)

Available September 1
Schools not participating in SOPHAS, apply directly to the school.
Apply early! Do not wait until the application deadline.

Standardized Test

Typically the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required, but can vary by school.

The GRE has three sections: Verbal Reasoning (Score 130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (130-170), and Analytical Writing (Score 0-6). The test takes approximately 4 hours to complete and is offered year-round at computer based test centers. You can register online. Unofficial scores are give on test day, with official scores available in 10-15 days.

Free and low-cost preparation materials: