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The Admissions Committee seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds who have the qualifications and credentials to succeed in public health, epidemiology and biostatistics coursework. The multi-faceted nature of the public health profession now demands students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, but the applicant must provide evidence of quantitative preparation (e.g., strong grades in mathematics and statistics courses). While we seek students who meet both University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno and School of Public Health requirements for graduate status, we consider other important attributes such as volunteer and professional experiences, career objectives and potential to contribute to the public health epidemiology professions.  Prospective students must meet the graduate admission requirements of both the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno and School of Public Health, per the following guidelines:

1. Regular fall admission: The priority deadline (to receive full consideration for Graduate Assistantships, Fellowships and merit graduate student awards) is February 1. The final deadline for fall admission is June 1.
   • All materials (including official transcripts) must be submitted and verified in SOPHAS at least two weeks before the final deadline.
   • Incomplete or unverified applications will not be reviewed.
   • Transcripts can be submitted before final grades are posted.
   • Only one MPH cohort is admitted each year.
   • If you miss the deadline and would like to discuss enrolling in graduate special coursework or a certificate program that could be applied to the MPH in Epidemiology, please contact Kristen Clements-Nolle, Graduate Director of Epidemiology, at clements@unr.edu.
2. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, with an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4-point scale: If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 but higher than 2.75 your application will be considered if your GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework is 3.0 or higher. If you graduated from an international college or university, please contact The Graduate School for approval of your undergraduate degree for graduate studies at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.
3. GRE scores (optional): The GRE is NOT required for the MPH program, but may be submitted if the applicant believes it will strengthen their application.  If test scores are submitted, they should be official scores from an exam taken within the past 5 years. 
4. Duolingo, TOEFL or IELTS Test Scores: (required if education history is from a non-English Speaking Country).  OFFICIAL Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS test scores are required if your educational history is from a non-English speaking country.  Minimum scores: Duolingo: 115, TOEFL: 550 (paper) or 79 (internet); IELTS: 6.5 (academic version).
5. Three letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant's motivation, academic capability, scholarship potential and personal goals for graduate study.
6. Statement of purpose: The essay should be approximately 500 words in length, outlining the student's interest in graduate study in epidemiology, potential research interests and career objectives.
7. Resume or CV: Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates professional and/or educational health-related experience.

MPH in Epidemiology program prerequisite coursework

• An undergraduate or graduate course in statistics is required. Students who do not have this prerequisite should not apply to the MPH in Epidemiology program.
• Students who did not graduate from an undergraduate program accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health must complete the Basics of Public Health course that covers the 12 Foundational Public Health Knowledge learning objectives. The Basics of Public Health course is completed for no academic credit and the student pays no fees or tuition for completing the course. This course should be completed before the start of the program.

MPH in Epidemiology application process

A full application must be submitted through SOPHAS and you must pay the application fee.  The School of Public Health does not provide a fee waiver for the SOPHAS application.

The following materials should be submitted directly to :

1. Transcripts: One official copy of transcripts from ALL undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
2. GRE Scores (optional): The GRE is NOT required for the MPH program, but may be submitted if the applicant believes it will strengthen their application. Submit OFFICIAL GRE scores by using the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno SOPHAS code 7828.
3. Duolingo, TOEFL or IELTS Test Scores (required if education history is from a non-English Speaking Country): Scores can be submitted using the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno SOPHAS code 5688.
4. Three Letters of Recommendation
5. Statement of Purpose
6. Resume or CV