School-level Admission Requirements

Degree and Certificate Requirements

All degree and certificate applicants must have completed Pitt Public Health’s prerequisite course requirements.

International Applicants

In addition to the application materials required of all students, international students must submit an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or the Duolingo English Test and a WES ICAP evaluation for all education from outside of the United States. The minimum acceptable scores are: TOEFL (80); IELTS (Band 6.5, which must include the academic writing and reading modules); and Duolingo English Test (115). Individual departments may require higher scores. See Department-specific Admission requirements  for this information.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Applicants must possess:

• U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent degree from a foreign school and substantial knowledge in a discipline relevant to public health, either through study, experience, or both
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional for most master’s programs. See the requirements below for each department. 

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Applicants must possess:

• U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent degree from a foreign school and substantial knowledge in a discipline relevant to public health, either through study, experience, or both
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. MHA/MBA applicants may submit optional GMAT or GRE scores. 

Multidisciplinary Master of Public Health (MMPH)

•  Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in the health sciences, be an advanced medical, dental, or veterinary student, or hold a relevant doctoral degree in a related field (considered on an individual basis). 
• In most cases, official scores from the verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions (general test) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be submitted. MCAT or DAT may be substituted for the GRE. All other test scores are considered on a case-by-case basis. International applicants must submit GRE scores. 

Note: If you’re a graduate of a foreign medical or dental school, you must hold a valid medical or dental license in the United States, be eligible for licensure, be in a residency or fellowship program, or be a visiting clinician planning to return to your native country.

Master of Science (MS)
Applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in arts, science, engineering, or nursing, or an MD, DDS, or DVM from an approved U.S. school or equivalent foreign degree
• Evidence of adequate training in the sciences basic to public health (some applicants may be admitted at the discretion of the faculty, making up deficiencies as prescribed)

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional for most master’s programs.  See the requirements below for each department.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Applicants must:

• Possess a U.S. graduate or bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent degree from a foreign school, in a field relevant to the PhD program to which they are applying
• Have had sufficient courses in mathematics and the biological and social sciences
• Have had sufficient prerequisite courses in the field to which they are applying

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)scores are optional for most PhD programs. See the requirements below for each department.

Certificate Programs
Applicants must possess:

• U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent degree from a foreign school and substantial knowledge in a discipline relevant to public health, either through study, experience, or a combination.

GRE Requirements for Degree Programs

The School of Public Health’s GRE requirement is determined by each individual program. Please refer to the chart below for the specific program to which you are applying. When submitting, official GRE scores must be sent from ETS to the Pitt Public Health SOPHAS code 4234. Copies/unofficial scores will not be accepted.

GRE Scores

**Other test scores accepted on a case-by-case basis. All international applicants must submit the GRE scores.

School-wide Prerequisite Courses

Social Science Requirement
MHA, MPH, and certificate applicants must have six college credits in behavioral and social sciences (with a C or better).

Mathematics Requirement
All applicants must have mathematical preparation appropriate for entrance into Principles of Statistical Reasoning through either previous collegiate coursework or advanced placement coursework reflected on the college transcript. An ETS administered advanced placement test score of three or higher in calculus or a GRE quantitative score at or above the 70th percentile is also evidence of acceptable preparation.

Department Requirements
In addition to school and degree-level requirements, each department has specific requirements. Once you know which program(s) you’re applying to, be sure to review departmental requirements .

Certificate Programs
Applicants must meet requirements for admission to MPH.