On-Campus MPH Application Requirements.

All 17 MPH certificates are listed on SOPHAS as individual program designations. While you do need to select a certificate program when you apply, your choice is non-binding and it has no bearing on the admissions process. You may also select, “undecided.”

At BUSPH, we recognize that public health is an interdisciplinary field of study and practice. We seek on-campus MPH candidates that will be successful across program areas. Our MPH program’s flexibility enables students to explore their interests. All students will have the opportunity to finalize their certificate choice(s) within their first semester of the program.

English is the language of instruction at Boston University. You must be able to understand rapid, idiomatic English and express yourself clearly in speech and writing.

English Proficiency Exams

International students whose native language is not English must provide official results of the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Only official TOEFL and IELTS score reports will be accepted and must be submitted using the appropriate reporting code through SOPHAS. Photocopies of test scores or unofficial records will not be accepted

Boston University School of Public Health does not accept Duolingo English Test results.

Test and Required Minimum Score

• TOEFL ibt: 100 or higher
• TOEFL pbt: 600 or higher
• IELTS – Academic Exam Only: 7.0 (total band score)

Applicants may submit the TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS exams are considered valid for two (2) years from the date the exam was administered. Applicants with invalid scores or who do not meet the required minimum score will not be considered for admission.

Waivers

• If an international applicant’s WES ICAP evaluation states that English was the language of instruction for a completed degree, the TOEFL/IELTS requirement will be waived automatically by SPH Admissions.

• SPH Admissions will automatically waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for International applicants who have earned a previous degree in any of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, or Zimbabwe.
  • One (1) year of study in a bachelor’s degree in the US or in any of the countries above does not qualify. The majority of the bachelor’s degree program (at least 2+ years) must be completed in one of the countries above to be considered for this waiver.

• SPH Admissions will automatically waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for International applicants who are citizens of Cameroon or Canada and have earned your post-secondary degree from a university in Cameroon or Canada in which English is the language of instruction.

• If you do not meet either of the criteria above but believe the TOEFL/IELTS requirement should be waived for you, please submit the following to SPH Admissions:
  • A completed TOEFL and IELTS Waiver Request Form.
  • Official supporting documentation demonstrating English proficiency sent directly from the university or institution on official letterhead. We cannot accept supporting documentation directly from applicants.

Reporting codes for TOEFL and IELTS

• TOEFL
  Institution Code: 5688*
  Dept. Code: Any
  www.ets.org

• IELTS
  Please have a score report submitted through SOPHAS.

Domestic Transcripts

Applicants must submit official transcripts for all registered coursework from each college or university attended. The SOPHAS Official Transcript Request Form must be included with each transcript. This documentation must be sent from the registrar or designated school records official directly to SOPHAS. Official transcripts will not be accepted from the applicant. Photocopies of official transcripts or unofficial records will not be accepted.

International Transcripts

For all international transcripts that are not verified by SOPHAS, BUSPH requires a course-by-course academic International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) evaluation submitted to SOPHAS by the World Education Service. Evaluations provide the Admissions Committee with US grading equivalency which is required to make a decision on your application. SOPHAS will only accept WES ICAP evaluations; no original transcripts should be submitted.

If it is impossible for you to obtain a WES evaluation due to extenuating circumstances in your country or your undergraduate institution, please contact the Admissions Office at asksph@bu.edu.

Study Abroad for Domestic Applicants

If you have completed your Bachelor’s degree at a US institution but have one (1) or more semesters at an international institution which counted toward the completion of your degree program, please follow SOPHAS guidelines for reporting these courses.

Currently Enrolled Undergraduate Students

For fall admissions, we encourage all currently enrolled students to wait until their most recent grades are available (end of fall semester or quarter) to submit their application. Updates to grades currently in process will not be accepted unless asked for by the admissions committee upon initial review of your application.

SPH reserves the right to reevaluate your application for admission upon receipt of the final official transcript.

While only two letters of recommendation are needed for SOPHAS to submit your application to BUSPH for review, three letters of recommendation are required for an application to be considered complete. Recommenders should be able to evaluate academic or professional work, the ability to undertake graduate study, and potential as a public health professional. If possible, two of the letters of recommendation should come from faculty.

SOPHAS provides an electronic submission process for all letters of recommendation.

Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose and objectives, intended to give applicants the opportunity to submit a narrative describing past education, experience, and current professional career objectives. Applicants must address the following three questions:

• What are your reasons for pursuing a Master of Public Health?
• Why do you wish to pursue your MPH at Boston University School of Public Health?
• How do you intend to leverage your MPH in a career of public health practice?

Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.

A current curriculum vitae or résumé is required. This document should be uploaded directly to the SOPHAS application.