Applications for Fall 2025 are now being accepted for the Master of Public Health (MPH) program on a rolling basis.

• Priority admission application deadline is November 1.
• Regular admission application deadline is March 1.
• Rolling admissions will occur for applications received after March 1, until the cohort is filled.

► Learn more about application deadlines for International Students.

Applicants will choose from the following programs:

• MPH Traditional Program - Epidemiology emphasis
• MPH Traditional Program - Health Promotion emphasis
• MPH Hybrid Program - Epidemiology emphasis
• MPH Hybrid Program - Health Promotion emphasis

Note: Students have until the end of their first semester in the program to confirm their chosen emphasis.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend an MPH Information event (in person or online).

Please contact the College of Health Professions Student Services Office with any program requirement questions. Note: There are no course or academic discipline (major/minor) pre-requisites for this program. However, the successful completion of an undergraduate level (or graduate level) statistics or quantitative research course is highly recommended. 

Need Help?

GVSU Admissions Office: 
(616) 331-2025
1-(800) 748-0246 (Toll-free Phone)
[email protected]

University Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
2. Submission of all required admission materials, including:
   1. Completed graduate application for admission
   2. $30 nonrefundable application fee (unless you have previously applied to Grand Valley)
   3. Official transcript from the undergraduate degree-granting institution of higher education. This transcript must be sent from the institution directly to the GVSU Admissions Office (300 Student Services Building, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401). NOTE: We do not require an official transcript from Grand Valley
   4. For applicants whose native language is not English: test scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or PTE Academic (Pearson Test for English Academic), or Duolingo (Duolingo English Test). Only original score reports will be accepted. The following minimum scores are expected: TOEFL - 80, IELTS - 6.5, MELAB - 77, PTE Academic - 53, Duolingo: 105. The English proficiency exam requirement is waived for students from the following countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grand Cayman Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, North Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, St. Christopher-Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Program Requirements

In addition to the University requirements of admission, all students seeking a degree for the Master of Public Health (MPH) must also meet the following requirements:

1. Grade point average of 3.0 (B) 
2. Recommendations: Two recommendations received. You can provide the emails of three references in your account at www.gvsu.edu/gradapply, and they will be sent a link to fill out for their online recommendation

Required Documents/Personal Statement

All applicants are required to submit the following items as part of their application package:

• Résumé detailing work and volunteer experiences 

• All applicants must provide a written statement that addresses both of the following questions. The overall response should not exceed two, double-spaced pages (maximum).

1. What would make you an excellent candidate for the Grand Valley State University MPH program?
2. What are your expectations for a future career in Public Health (highlighting your emphasis area of interest)?

Additional Information

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request additional information it deems appropriate, including a second writing sample, if a decision is not reached upon the initial review of an applicant's documents. The committee may also require the applicant in question to participate in an oral interview with one or more members of the committee. The decisions of the MPH Admissions Committee are final.

International Applicants

View GVSU's International Graduate Admissions Requirements.

The following application deadlines are applicable for international students during rolling admissions. Applications are only accepted for rolling admission if open seats remain after the Regular Application deadline (March 1).

• For international applicants outside of the US: Rolling admissions application deadline is May 1
• For applicants inside of the US: Rolling admissions application deadline is July 1

Please note:

• The MPH program is not a STEM-OPT program.
• Requests to waive the application fee for new applicants must be directed to the Admissions Office or The Graduate School. The MPH program does not have control over application fees. It is GVSU policy to waive the application fee for any previous GVSU applicant.
• Visit the financial support for Public Health students webpage for information on available options. The MPH program does not currently provide funding or scholarships - students must seek assistance through other opportunities in the university or from external sources.