Department-specific Admission Requirements

Each program at Pitt Public Health has specific requirements. Once you know which program(s) you’re applying to, be sure to review the departmental requirements listed below.

Behavioral and Community Health Sciences

MPH applicants

• MPH applicants should have an undergraduate quality or grade point average of 3.0
• MPH applicants must meet the school-wide requirements.
• GRE scores are optional. 

PhD applicants

• PhD applicants must hold a post-baccalaureate degree in a discipline relevant to public health. International post-baccalaureate degrees must be equivalent to a U.S. post-baccalaureate, as determined by a WES ICAP evaluation.
• A clear statement of what your research goals are and how the program of study will contribute to achieving your career goals.
• PhD applicants must have a graduate quality or grade point average of at least 3.3.
• Completion of all school-wide prerequisites.
• GRE scores are not accepted.

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 (100); IELTS (Band 7.0, which must include the academic writing and reading modules); and Duolingo English Test (130). 

Biostatistics

The following table summarizes the department-specific requirements for admission by degree:

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 (100); IELTS (Band 7.0, which must include the academic writing and reading modules); and Duolingo English Test (120).
 

Environmental and Occupational Health

MS applicants:

• A bachelor’s degree in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences with at least a 3.0 grade-point average overall and in the basic sciences.
• A minimum of two courses each in organic chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus are highly recommended.
• School-wide prerequisite in mathematics
• GRE scores are optional.

MPH applicants:

• A bachelor’s degree in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences with at least a 3.0 grade-point average overall and in the basic sciences
• Completion of all school-wide prerequisites
• GRE scores are optional.

PhD applicants:

• A Bachelor of Science or Master’s degree in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences with at least a 3.0 grade-point average overall and in the basic sciences.
• Courses in organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, calculus and statistics
• GRE scores are optional.

PhD applicants with a concentration in Public Health Practice (PHP):

• Previously demonstrated ability for leadership in their fields, as well as advancement of scientific knowledge
• Completed the requirements for the Pitt Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health MPH degree. If an MPH degree has been earned at another institution, an applicant must take our EOH MPH core requirements before starting the PHP program.
• Support by an external sponsor or research support available to the supervisor.
• GRE scores are optional.

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).

Epidemiology

• Three college-level credits of human biology course work. Examples of qualifying courses include general/introductory human biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, and anatomy. Advanced Placement (AP) biology coursework does not fulfill the human biology prerequisite requirement. Applicants must fulfill all prerequisites before beginning their studies. 
• MPH applicants: completion of all school-wide prerequisites
• MS and PhD applicants: completion of school-wide mathematics prerequisite
• GRE scores are optional.

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 (90, but over 100 is strongly preferred); IELTS (Band 7.0, which must include the academic writing and reading modules); and Duolingo English Test (130).

Health Policy and Management

MHA and MHA/MBA applicants

• Minimum of three credits in college-level mathematics (algebra or higher) or statistics
• Minimum of six credits in the social and behavioral sciences, preferably with at least one course in economics
• GRE scores are not a required component for the MHA application. For those students who feel that their past academic performance and/or prior work history do not adequately represent their skill set (or strength of their application), the GRE may be submitted for additional consideration.  A strong test score can help offset the lack of industry experience and/or previous academic success.

MPH and JD/MPH applicants

• Minimum of three credits in college-level mathematics (algebra or higher) or statistics
• Minimum of six credits in the social and behavioral sciences, preferably with at least one course in economics
• GRE scores are optional for MPH applicants and LSAT scores are optional for the MPH portion of the JD/MPH application 

MS applicants

• QPA of 3.0 or higher (undergraduate degree)
• Undergraduate or graduate calculus with a 3.0 or higher
• GRE scores are optional. Applicants who feel that their past academic performance and/or prior work history do not adequately represent their skill set may submit GRE scores for consideration.
• Recommended: coursework in statistics, economics, and another social science

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 (90); IELTS (Band 6.5, which must include the academic writing and reading modules); and Duolingo English Test (130).

Human Genetics

MS in Human Genetics

• U.S. bachelor’s or graduate degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline related to the biological, quantitative, or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university. 
• GPA of 3.0 or greater is recommended.
• Introductory courses in genetics and either calculus or statistics (required); additional coursework in biochemistry and behavioral/social sciences (recommended).
• GRE scores are optional. 

MS in Genetic Counseling

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum quality point average (QPA) of 3.0.
• Completion of an undergraduate course in each of the following: genetics, organic chemistry, general biochemistry, statistics, and behavioral or social science.
• Register for NMS Match before applying
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores will not be accepted.
• Submission of a personal statement that discusses their interest in becoming a genetic counselor at the University of Pittsburgh Genetic Counseling Program. Drawing upon your lived and professional experiences, please elaborate on how these have shaped your journey to becoming a genetic counselor with an emphasis on how this will inform your practice as a future genetic counselor.
• Applicants are encouraged to gain exposure to the field of genetic counseling by volunteering at clinical genetic centers, speaking with practicing genetic counselors, and/or pursuing other opportunities to educate themselves about the field prior to admission.
• Admission to the Genetic Counseling Program requires an interview by the faculty and clinical staff involved in the counseling internship programs.

MPH in Public Health Genetics

• A bachelor’s degree in a discipline relevant to public health, biology and/or genetics or must have substantial knowledge of a discipline relevant to public health gained either through study or experience.
• Six college credits in behavioral and/or social sciences (with a C or better).
• Three college credits in mathematics or statistics (with a C or better)
• An introductory course in genetics is required; other college-level coursework in biology may be considered to fulfill this requirement on a case-by-case basis. Coursework in biochemistry and calculus is helpful but not required.
• GRE scores are optional

MS in Genome Bioinformatics 

• U.S. bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline related to the biological sciences or computer science from an accredited college or university. 
• Recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher  
• Prerequisite coursework in the following:
  • One course in calculus or statistics
  • One course in biology, genetics or related field.
  • One course in programming or coding
• GRE scores are optional. 

PhD in Human Genetics

• U.S. bachelor’s or graduate degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline related to biological or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university. .
• Recommended GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Introductory courses in genetics and either calculus or statistics (required); additional coursework in biochemistry and behavioral/social sciences (recommended).
• GRE scores are optional. 

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).

Infectious Diseases and Microbiology

 
MS and PhD programs

• Minimum 3.0 combined grade-point average in biology, chemistry, math, and biochemistry and/or molecular biology and/or immunology
• Relevant research experience in biochemistry, immunology, and molecular biology
• College biology with or without microbiology
• Chemistry, including organic chemistry with laboratory and biochemistry
• College-level algebra
• GRE scores are optional

MPH programs

• Minimum six credits of college-level behavioral science, to include at least one course in sociology or social psychology and an additional course in anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, or sociology with a grade of C or better.
• Three credits of college-level algebra or higher with a grade of C or better
• Three credits of college-level biology with a grade of C or better.
• Recommended GPA of 3.0
• GRE scores are optional.

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 (90, but 100 is preferred); IELTS (Band 7.0, which must include the academic writing and reading modules); and Duolingo English Test (115).

Multidisciplinary Master of Public Health (for clinically trained health professionals)

The program is open to…

• Physicians, dentists, and veterinarians
• Holders of doctoral degrees in the health sciences
• Advanced medical and dental students (considered on an individual basis)
• Holders of other relevant doctoral-level degrees (considered on an individual basis)

If you’re a graduate of a foreign medical and 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.

GRE, MCAT, or DAT scores are required. Other test scores are considered on a case-by-case basis. International applicants must submit GRE scores. 

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).

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
• Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to MPH. 

Non-Degree Status

• US bachelor’s degree or the equivalent foreign degree. 
• Non-degree applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. In some cases, local applicants on a visa may apply, but must contact the Office of Student Affairs to verify eligibility before submitting an application. 
• Non-degree students can take up to 12 credits (cumulative maximum). If a non-degree student is later accepted into a degree program, that program will decide which of those credits may be applied to the degree requirements.