Frequently Asked Questions about the Oregon MPH Program



 

 What are the prerequisite requirements for statistics?

All students are required to have successfully completed at least one undergraduate statistics course to be admitted to the program. Students without such a course can still be admitted but must take an acceptable course before starting the program.  Once here students are required to take courses that assume some basic knowledge of statistics and this is why we have this as a prerequisite for starting the program.

 When can I apply for each track and for each school?

Please see here for this information.

 What is the process for international applicants?

 Please see here for this information.

 What is the minimum requirement for the GRE & TOEFL?

The OMPH Program requires a TOEFL score of 550 on the paper test; 213 on the computer-based test. 

The OMPH Program requires a minimum score of 1,000, split between 500 on the verbal section and 500 on the quantitative section. GRE scores are one of several factors weighed in the admission process.

 What is the total duration of the MPH program?

The OMPH Program is designed to appeal to students at a variety of stages of professional development.  As such, it caters to part-time and full-time students, working and non-working, returning and continuing.  Degree completion can range from two to seven years.  The average time it took to degree completion is 2.5 years. 

 Is it possible to complete the program while working?

Yes it is possible to complete the program while working.  This success of this depends on the individual student.  Many students still maintain their full-time or part-time jobs, taking classes in the evenings, online, or on days off.

 How do I learn about scholarships and grants?

Scholarship and grant information will be posted and updated periodically here and here. These two pages will also direct you to information regarding school-specific financial aid options. 

 What is the total cost of the program?  

Prospective students apply directly to the campus that hosts the track in which they are interested. Tuition and fee schedules, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships are administered by each host campus.  For each of the tracks (noted in parentheses, below) please visit the following links:

 Is there an advisor with whom I can speak?

Each track has a track advisor or track coordinator.  Please see here for the contact information for these track advisors. 

 Are there any information sessions for prospective students?

The Oregon MPH Program does not offer a general information session at this time. However, some of the departments and specialty tracks do offer information sessions.  You need to contact the track coordinator (see above) to inquire directly.

 What do most MPH students do with their MPH?  

Public Health is a wonderful and extremely broad field. We recommend that students take a look at job listings for the Oregon Public Health Division, as well as county and local health departments, to see the wide array of currently available positions. We also recommend students search The American Journal of Public Health and The Nation's Health, both published monthly, for national employment listings. There are also a wealth of community organizations dedicated to addressing public health issues, please be certain to look at those working in the arenas that interest you most. Finally, you may wish to search www.publichealthjobs.net, as well as our own Oregon MPH website postings, for currently available position descriptions.

 How many MPH courses can I take before I am admitted?

     Students are allowed to take no more than 12 credits on a non-degree basis prior to admission to the OMPH Program.  OMPH core courses may not be taken prior to admission in the OMPH Program.  Students who have already completed 12 credits must apply for admission if they wish to continue in the OMPH Program.

  Are there any courses offered on-line?  Which tracks are offered on-line?

Currently only the Primary Health Care & Health Disparities Track may be completed entirely online. However, students admitted to other tracks within the OMPH Program may have access to the five core courses offered online through the PHCHD Track.

 Is it recommended to complete the Graduate Certificate Program prior to application for the MPH degree?  Where can I find information about the certificate?

 Please see here for this information. 

What are the general requirements for the MPH program?

 Please see here for this information.

What are the SOPHAs?  Do you all require this?

 SOPHA is the Schools of Public Health Application Service.  The Oregon MPH Program does not participate in this application service.

Where can I find the admission packet online?

 Please see here for this information.

 I am interested in more than one specialty track; can I apply to both?

Yes, you may apply to more than one specialty track.  Please remember that you will need to apply directly to the university and department which houses the specialty track(s) you are interested in attedning.  Also remember that it is recommended that you narrow your focus of interest prior to applying. 

Are there any dual masters programs with the MPH program?

 Please see here for this information.

Can the MCAT be used instead of GRE?

 The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) can be considered in lieu of GRE scores.

I am a transfer student from another MPH program.  How many credits may I transfer in?

OMPH students may transfer in up to 1/3 of the number of credits required for their degree. This number includes any pre-admission credits (up to 12) taken in the OMPH Program as well as transfer credits from other institutions: 

a.       If a student transfers from another MPH degree program/school they can transfer up to 1/3 of their credits to the OMPH Program (20-21 credits total depending on the track).

b.       If a student is not admitted or matriculated in to any MPH degree program/school, then any OMPH classes they take are "pre-admit" and the limit is currently 12 credits.  {Note: Students may take the core classes as “pre-admits” only as room allows.}

c.        If a student transfers from another MPH degree program or school and they have also taken OMPH classes, the limit is still 1/3 of the total credits. 

All pre-admission and transfer credits must be graduate level and meet the following requirements: 1) must be letter graded B- or higher; 2) must not be graded Pass (or similar grading method); 3) must not be used for any other degree at any institution; 4) must be no older than seven years at the time the MPH degree is awarded; 5) must be applicable to a master degree at originating institution without qualification; 6) must not be correspondence credit.

Note: OMPH Graduate Certificate students are allowed to transfer all 19 of their certificate required credits once admitted in to the OMPH Program.   

At what times of day are classes offered?

We offer courses throughout the day.   For the exact class offerings for each track and school, please consult the class schedule for your university.

Do I need to complete the field experience?

             Please see here for more information.

Questions about online versus regular classes in the OMPH program.

                Please see here for more information.





 

OMPH Program Office 506 SW Mill St., Suite 670B Portland, OR 97201 Mail Code: OMPH-SCH Tel. 503-725-5106 Fax 503-725-5100