FAQs

What undergraduate degree do I need to apply to the school of public health?

There is no specific undergraduate degree required for admission to the School of Public Health.  However, it is recommended that applicants complete a course in statistics.  Students in our programs have completed undergraduate degrees in the science, math, social and behavioral sciences, economics, business and the humanities.

What GPA is required for admission?

There is no minimum GPA required for admission, however at least a 3.0 is considered competitive.

What standardized test do you require for admission?

The School of Public Health will accept the GRE, MCAT, LSAT or the GMAT exam taken within the last 5 years. These exams can be waived if the applicant possesses a doctoral degree. There is no minimum score requirement.

What are your requirements for international students?

International students must have all foreign transcripts evaluated by the World Education Service (visit www.wes.org for more information). Non-native English speaking applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The minimum TOEFL scores are 80 (Internet-based), 213 (computer-based) and 550 (paper-based). The TOEFL exam is waived if the applicant completed their bachelor’s degree in the United States.

What is the application deadline?

We have a rolling admissions process with all students accepted for the Fall semester for the full-time and Executive MPH programs. Application deadlines for the MS and doctoral programs are as follows with all programs beginning in the Fall:

MS in Biostatistics:  June 30

DrPH in Community Health and Prevention: January 15 for early admission, April 15 for regular admission

PhD in Epidemiology: January 15 for early admission, April 15 for regular admission

DrPH in Health Policy and Social Justice: January 15 for early admission, April 15 for regular admission

Can I transfer credits toward a master's degree program?

It is difficult to transfer credits toward a degree in our program due to the sequential problem-based learning curriculum. Requests to transfer credits will be reviewed by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

How long is my offer of admissions valid?

We allow students to defer their admission for one year.

I am a foreign medical doctor, is my application process different?

No, the process for all international applicants is the same.  Please see above for minimum required TOEFL scores.

Can I schedule an appointment to discuss admissions?

Yes, prospective students are encouraged to visit the School. Information sessions are offered monthly as well as individual appointments with admissions representatives. Interviews are not required for admission to the MPH programs, however the DrPH programs and PhD program require an in-person or telephone interview.

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School Demographics

Where do students live?

Many students live in Stiles Hall which offers 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments in close proximity to the School of Public Health. Visit http://www.drexel.edu/housing/Halls/Stiles/ for more information. In addition, the Drexel University Office of Off-Campus Housing (http://www.drexel.edu/offcampushousing/) assists graduate students in finding accommodations in the area. A free shuttle service is provided between the Center City, Queen Lane and Main Campuses for students who wish to live closer to the other Drexel campuses.

How many students are enrolled in the School of Public Health?

Our total student enrollment is approximately 300. The full-time MPH program typically enrolls 90 - 100 students each year, and the Executive MPH enrolls 40-45 students in each cohort.

Is your student body diverse?

Yes.  We normally enroll approximately 50% of students from non-white populations.  Our ethnicity breakdown in the 2008-09 academic year was 26% African-American, 18% Asian or Pacific Islander, 5% Hispanic, and 47% Caucasian. Typically we enroll about 70% females and 30% males. The average age of students enrolled at the School of Public Health is 27.

Additionally, our student population is geographically diverse.  We have students from many states including, but not limited to, Pennsylvania, California, Maryland, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, Washington, Arizona, Connecticut, North Carolina, Ohio, New Hampshire, Colorado and Illinois.

We also have a strong international presence, including students from India, Nigeria, China, Nambia, Korea, Ghana and other countries across the globe.

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After Graduation

What career services are available?

Through the university, we have a career service office that works closely with students in a number of ways. They offer workshops throughout the year in resume writing, interviewing and other related career services.

In addition, the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC) serves students, alumni, faculty, administrators, and the University's participating employer organizations. Services focus on integrating experiential education experiences and academic programs; and teaching and prioritizing effective career management that empower students with skills essential for their future careers and lives. The Center City SCDC is conveniently located on the second floor of the Bellet Building. The Career Center hosts two careers fairs each year on the Center City campus for students seeking employment in health professions.  Additionally, the School of Public Health regularly provides its students with career development information and job/internship/fellowship postings.  Also, career development workshops for public health students are held throughout the academic year.

What are the job prospects for people with MPHs?

Fantastic!  Our graduates have a good track record. They are working as health planners/educators, epidemiologists, and evaluators in hospitals, community-based organizations, and businesses. We have other students who have continued their education in doctoral programs, as well as medical school.  Other graduates have been awarded fellowships, particularly with federal government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Click here for more information about careers in public health.

If you have additional questions, please contact:

Colleen Baillie
Director of Enrollment, Recruitment and Retention
Cpb32@drexel.edu