Admissions

Is an advanced degree necessary to be considered for the MPH? What type of undergraduate degree do I need to apply?

Advanced degrees are not required to be considered for the program. However, all applicants must have a bachelor’s degree. Your bachelor’s degree can be from any field.

Do I need to complete specific coursework in undergrad to apply?

No. However, you must have earned your bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or a foreign equivalent.

Do I need to take the GRE to apply?

No, a GRE exam score is not a requirement for admission. GMAT, MCAT, DAT, and LSAT exam scores are also not required for admission.

If my GPA is below a 3.0, can I still apply?

Yes. Please contact an admissions advisor for more information.

What is the TOEFL requirement?

For application to the MPH online program, international students must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. These scores are required of international applicants whose native language is not English. Please visit the Admissions Overview page for specific requirements.

Is it possible to transfer any credits toward the MPH?

The maximum number of transfer credits which may be applied toward the MPH degree is 10.5 units or approximately 25 percent of the minimum degree requirements (42 units minimum for MPH degree). The USC Department of Degree Progress in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether coursework taken elsewhere is applicable for transfer credit. Faculty of the student’s degree program also determine whether such credit is applicable toward a specific graduate degree, which is subject to approval by the dean of the degree-conferring unit.

Transfer credit cannot be applied to MPH core coursework. Transfer credit will only be allowed for elective courses (1) from an accredited graduate school master’s program, (2) of a quality of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale, (3) constituting a fair and reasonable equivalent to current USC coursework at the graduate level and (4) logically fitting into the program for the degree. Transfer coursework is applied as credit (CR) toward the degree and is not included in the calculation of a minimum grade point average for graduation. For more information, please refer to the USC Catalogue.

Program Structure

How much does the program cost?

The most up-to-date tuition information is available on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Is the online program different from the on-campus program?

The curriculum, faculty, and course content are similar across programs. Graduates receive the same degree. The main difference is in how the courses are delivered.

Will my diploma indicate that I earned my degree online?

You will receive the same USC degree as our on-campus students — a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Southern California. There will be no indication that your degree was earned online.

How long will it take to complete the MPH program online?

The program can be completed in as few as two years when enrolled full-time. The Accelerated Fast-Track Program can be completed in as few as four semesters. The Accelerated Fast-Track Program must be started in the summer semester.

Am I ever required to visit the USC campus?

While you are always welcome to visit, you are not required to come to the campus to fulfill any of your coursework. Students enrolled in our online programs have the same access to campus resources as on-ground students. Students may also participate in the commencement ceremony in May.

When can I start the program?

There are three start dates available each year (spring, summer, and fall terms). Your admissions advisor can explain the benefits of various start dates and help you select the timing that works best for your schedule.

Is the USC MPH program a member of the Associated Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)?

Yes. The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (www.aspph.org) is the voice of accredited public health education, representing member schools and programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). ASPPH is the successor to the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH), established in 1953. In 2013, membership was expanded to include CEPH-accredited programs of public health. The USC MPH program became one of the founding members.