Prerequisites vary significantly between programs. Some programs have no required undergraduate coursework.
UW-Madison’s Public Health program requires at least one semester of college level math and one semester of a science.
Depending on your interests, there are a number of different Public Health programs you can apply for. Some options are as follows:
MPH ~ Masters in Public Health
The MPH degree focuses on public health practice, as opposed to research or teaching. Traditional education includes six core areas of public health: biostatistics, epidemiology, health services administration, health education, behavioral science, and environmental science.
The MPH may be paired with a health-related professional degree or graduate degree. For example, UW-Madison has an MD/MPH dual degree program: click here for more information. UW-Madison’s School of Nursing also has a joint MS/MPH degree: click here for more information. Additional dual degrees are also available with Public Affairs, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and Veterinary Medicine: click here for more information.
MSPH ~ Masters of Science in Public Health
The MSPH degree is an academic public health degree rather than a professional public health degree. The MSPH is more research-oriented than is the MPH. Required MSPH coursework includes most of the same classes needed for the MPH degree, but in addition the MSPH degree requires additional coursework in research methods, epidemiology, biostatistics, and similar public health studies. Also, MSPH students must complete a research thesis. The extra coursework roughly requires an additional year of study in relation to what is required for the MPH degree.
For information on UW-Madison’s program, click here.
DR.PH ~ Doctor of Public Health
The DrPH degree is for those who intend to pursue or advance a professional practice career in public health and for leaders and future leaders in public health practice. This degree leads to a career in high-level administration, teaching, or practice, where advanced analytical and conceptual capabilities are required. The usual requirement for entry into this program is a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH).
Some, but not all, Public Health programs require the GRE; a fee reduction program is available. Check with individual programs for specific admissions requirements.
