FAQ

For MBS FAQ's, please click here.

Is the MPH program accredited?

Yes. The Tufts program is a fully accredited MPH Program. The Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) accredits both schools of public health and MPH Programs that reside within other schools, such as the Tufts University School of Medicine.

Is work experience required to apply to the programs?

No. Many of our students come to us directly from their undergraduate program, and from a variety of academic majors. Some students are preparing for blended careers in law or medicine. In addition, many of our students are public health professionals who have been in the field for several years. We welcome all types of students.

What are the admissions requirements?

The average student who was accepted to the MPH, MS/HCOM, and MS/PREP programs last year had a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.4. The average GRE scores for admitted students were 520V and 660Q. When making decisions, the Admissions Committee considers the applicant's entire record, including recommendations and personal statements, rather than employing rigid numerical cut-offs.

Is there a minimum required GRE score and can other test scores be substituted for the GRE?

There is no GRE score minimum. The Admissions Committee takes an applicant's entire file into consideration when making an admissions decision.
Both MCAT and GMAT scores will be accepted in lieu of the GRE. The LSAT may not be substituted for the GRE, unless the student is applying for the joint JD/MPH program. (Applicants may request a waiver of the GRE requirement. Typically, waivers are granted if candidates have a doctorate or professional degree and/or have several years of professional experience. Requests should be emailed to: med-phpd@tufts.edu.)

Are specific undergraduate courses required to apply?

College Biology or its equivalent is a prerequisite to graduate from the MPH program. For those students who come to Tufts MPH Program who have not had such prior course experience, by the end of their first fall semester in our program, they will normally be expected to have taken such a course. As Tufts MPH students, they can satisfy this requirement by taking our 0.5 credit Public Health Biology course offered each fall; or by enrolling at some college or university and taking an undergraduate level biology course before the end of their first fall semester with us.

What are the application deadlines?

All programs have a rolling admissions process, which means that applications are reviewed as they become complete.

The MPH, MS/HCOM, & MS/PREP programs have the following fall and spring priority admissions deadlines:

• January 15th for applicants who wish to enroll in the fall
• October 25th for applicants who wish to enroll in the spring

Applicants may submit after the priority deadlines, but will be considered on a space available basis. For MS/HCOM and MS/PREP, the deadlines are more flexible. The application goes offline and is unavailable from July 15 to September 15.

Tufts undergraduates who are applying for the BA/MPH program may apply at any time during the year, but are encouraged to follow the deadlines above.

Are there different application types?

Yes. Prospective students can apply to matriculate (degree-seeking) or seek status as a Non Matriculated student. Non Matriculated students may take up to 8 credits without being a degree candidate.

What programs are available to Non Matriculated students?

Non Matriculated students may register for courses in the following programs only:

• Master of Public Health
• Master of Science in Health Communication
• Master of Science in Pain Research, Education & Policy

When do classes begin?

The Fall semester usually begins the week of Labor Day, and the Spring semester begins the week of Martin Luther King Day.

What times are classes offered?

Most classes are offered in the late afternoon and at night, allowing students flexibility to work during the day. There are some courses offered during the day as well.

Are classes offered in the summer?

Yes. We offer two summer sessions, and core courses are available. If you have been accepted for admission for the Fall semester, but you wish to matriculate and start taking courses in the summer, you may arrange to do so by calling or emailing the PHPD Admissions Office. (Students who matriculate in the summer may be eligible for financial aid and are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid office as soon as possible to discuss the summer application process.)

View course schedules

Isn't Tufts in Medford, Massachusetts?

The main campus of Tufts University is located in suburban Medford, which is about 9 miles north of Boston. Tufts also has a Health Sciences campus that includes the Medical School, Dental School, Friedman School of Nutrition, and Sackler School and is located in downtown Boston. The Tufts Health Sciences campus is conveniently located directly behind Tufts Medical Center. The MPH and MS programs are offered by the School of Medicine and are therefore located in downtown Boston.

How long does it take to complete the MPH Program?

A full time student could complete the MPH or HCOM Program in 18 months. However, these programs were designed for students who are employed and allow up to five years for completion of the degree.

What concentrations of study are available within the Master of Public Health Program?

• Epidemiology & Biostatistics
• Health Services, Management & Policy
• Nutrition
• Global Health
• Health Communication

How many credits are needed for an MPH degree?

The MPH is currently a 48-credit degree program.

How do I apply?

Apply online to the Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Health Communication, Master of Science in Pain Research, Education & Policy, and Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences programs.

Combined MPH programs:

Prospective students for the MS Nutrition/MPH and JD/MPH dual degree programs apply online to the MPH Program as above, but must apply separately to the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy or Northeastern University, referencing the dual degree on their applications.

The combined MD/MPH, MD/MBA, and MD/DVM programs are applied to through the medical and veterinary schools. Students are reviewed by the MPH or MBA committee after they are offered admission to the medical or veterinary school. MD applicants may apply via the online TUSM secondary application at any time during the application cycle. (Space is limited in the programs so applying early is recommended.) DVM candidates may pick up an application when they interview at the vet school, or access the application here.

For more detailed information about the admissions process, please visit http://www.tufts.edu/med/admissions/phpd/apply.html

How do I contact the Admissions Office or arrange to visit the campus?

Please visit the Contact Us web page to find contact information and to learn more about visit options.