Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum GRE score requirements?
What is the minimum GPA requirements?
How do I apply?
How long does it take to get an admissions decision?
Do you offer online degree programs?
Do you offer night or weekend courses?
How long does it take to complete the MHA/ MPH/ DrPH/ PhD or Graduate Certificate in Public Health?
What are the application deadlines?
Are there any prerequisites required for the masters programs?
Will my application be considered after the priority application deadline?
Do I need to send official transcripts to UNTHSC School of Public Health?
How many students are currently enrolled in the school?
Can I apply to more than one concentration?
Once I have been accepted, can I change concentrations or degree programs?
What is a typical class size?
Do you offer on-campus housing?
What type of funding is available to new incoming master students?
What type of funding is available to new incoming doctoral students?
What is the approximate cost to attend UNTHSC School of Public Health?
Can I transfer credit for graduate level courses earned elsewhere?
What is the difference between the MHA and MPH in health management and policy programs?
What is the difference between the DrPH Practice and the PhD in Public Health Sciences programs?
 

What is the minimum GRE score requirements?

UNTHSC School of Public Health does not have a minimum GRE score requirement. The mean scores of applicants accepted into the MPH and MHA programs for fall 2011 were at the 50th percentile ranking for both verbal (460/151)  and quantitative (610/149) and 48th percentile (4.0) on the analytical writing section.  Please note that these are mean percentiles, some percentile ranks were higher and some were lower. (old GRE test score/new GRE test score)

What is the minimum GPA requirements?

Although no minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement is required for master level applicants you will want your application to be competitive with other applicants. The mean undergraduate GPA of fall 2011 accepted applicants to the masters programs was 3.3.

Doctoral applicants must have a minimum 3.2 GPA.
 

How do I apply? 

How long does it take to get an admissions decision?

Once your application has been released to our university from the application service and all application materials have been received you can expect the following decision timelines:

Master Applicants: 2 weeks

Doctoral Applicants: 3-4 weeks

Do you offer online degree programs?

Beginning fall 2012 we will be offering the Master of Public Health Professional Option degree program online.

Do you offer classes at night or online?

We do offer some courses in the evening from 6-9pm in the fall & spring and 6-10pm in the summer. A few courses will be offered online starting fall 2012.

How long will it take to complete the MHA/MPH/DrPH/PhD or Graduate Certificate in Public Health?

Time to completion will vary depending on the course load students take. Students have a time limitation of 6 years for the master degrees and seven years for the doctoral degrees to complete.

What are the MHA & MPH application deadlines?

MHA & MPH applicants can apply for the fall, spring and summer semesters. The following are out priority deadlines :

Fall: March 15
Spring: June 1
Summer: February 1

See more information about application deadlines.

Are there any prerequisites required for the masters programs?

We do not require prerequisite courses for master applicants.

Will my application be considered after the priority application deadline?

Master level applications will be considered after the priority application deadline.
Doctoral applications will not be considered after the January 15th application deadline. See more information about application deadlines.

Do I need to send official transcripts to UNTHSC-School of Public Health?

Official transcripts are required only if you have been offered admission and plan to enroll at UNTHSC School of Public Health. The application services (SOPHAS/HAMPCAS) do not release official transcripts to the universities.

How many students are currently enrolled at UNTHSC/School of Public Health?

UNTHSC has a student population of approximately 1760 students. This encompasses students enrolled in the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health and School of Health Professions. The student population in the School of Public Health is 315.

Can I apply to more than one concentration?

Applicants must apply to one concentration. The concentration should be referenced in the applicants Statement of Purpose/Objectives.

Once I have been accepted, can I change concentrations or degree programs?

Yes, applicants may apply for a change of concentration. Students must be in academic good standing at the time they request a change of concentration.

What is a typical class size?

Classes are typically larger in the fall semesters due to the large number of new students that begin their programs. Core master level courses can range between 25-80 students, required courses average 15-25 students, electives average 5-26 depending on the elective.

Do you offer on-campus housing?

We do not offer campus housing but we are located near many apartments. You may contact our office for a list of apartments in the area or use an online apartment locator.

What type of funding is available for master students?

The Dean offers competitive scholarships & graduate assistantships (GA) to new incoming students each fall semester. These awards are given out based on prior academic performance. To be considered for the scholarships & GA positions applicants must have submitted and completed their fall application through SOPHAS or HAMPCAS by the March 15th priority application deadline to be considered. That means all application materials must be received by the application service well enough in advance for the service to complete the coursework verification and release the application to the university.

The competitive scholarship qualifies out-of-state or foreign residents to pay in-state tuition rates for the first academic year (fall, spring & summer).

The GA positions are part-time hourly paid positions with a limited amount of funding for the first academic year. These positions do not qualify for an out-of-state residency waiver for tuition.

What type of funding is available for new doctoral students?

The Dean offers competitive scholarships & graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) to new incoming doctoral students each fall semester. The competitive scholarship qualifies out-of-state or foreign residents to pay in-state tuition rates for the first academic year.The GTA position is a part-time salaried paid benefits eligible position in which the student will work with faculty member within the focus area they were admitted to for the first academic year.

What is the approximate cost to attend UNTHSC School of Public Health?
Approximate costs below are to complete the entire program which includes tuition & fees, course fees, matriculation and graduation fees included. These costs are subject to change. 

Can I transfer credits for graduate level courses taken elsewhere?

We will accept up to 12 semester credit hours of graduate course work taken elsewhere that was not used as part of a prior degree with approval.

What is the difference between the MHA and MPH in health management and policy programs?

The MPH in Health Management & Policy program prepares students with competencies needed for careers in policy development, policy analysis and health management. The 48 credit hour curriculum addresses health systems, quantitative methods, health economics and finance, managed care, private and public sector management, state and national policy, and health law.

The MHA program prepares students for effective organizational management based on competencies and evidence based practices needed to become exceptional managers and leaders in health care organizations. The 60 credit hour curriculum is designed for aspiring and committed professionals who are interest in careers in health services administration in such settings as hospitals; managed care organizations; medical group practices; ambulatory, long-term care, insurance and pharmaceutical companies; consulting firms; government agencies; for-profit and nonprofit sector organizations.

What is the difference between the DrPH Practice and the PhD in Public Health Sciences programs?

The Doctor in Public Health (DrPH) degree in Public Health Practice provides advanced training in public health leadership for individuals who will pursue a career as a public health professional in a variety of roles within government, private and not-for-profit organizations. The DrPH curriculum integrates work experiences relevant to this advanced degree and applies knowledge and skills gained in leadership, public health policy, program management and evaluation, and professional communication. To develop leadership skills, students will interact and collaborate with senior public health practitioners through a variety of courses and the Doctoral Residency. Program content and learning experiences will address the DrPH competencies identified by the Association of Public Health (ASPH).

The PhD program in Public Health Sciences prepares professionals for research, teaching, and service with the overall objective to improving the health of populations. To meet this objective, all students in the program pursue excellence in conducting research and disseminating knowledge. The primary focus is on research that advances knowledge and facilitates discovery regarding etiology, interventions, and policies that promote health at the individual, population, societal, and/or global levels. The PhD curriculum will provide a strong foundation in research methodology and biostatistics necessary for the public health sciences.