Admission Requirements

School-Wide Prerequisites 

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.

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

Certificate applicants must meet requirements for admission to the MPH (see below).

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 the departmental requirements.

GRE Requirements for Degree Programs for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 Admission

  • No photocopies of GRE score reports will be accepted. 
  • Use Pitt Public Health code 4234 to send your official GRE scores
  • Department codes are not used. 
  Master of Science Master of Public Health Master of Health Administration              Doctor of Philosophy             
Behavioral and Community Health Sciences                Optional   Not Accepted
Biostatistics Optional     Recommended
Environmental and Occupational Health Optional Optional   Optional
Epidemiology Optional Optional   Optional
Health Policy & Management Optional Optional

MPH/JD: LSAT scores optional
Optional

MHA/MBA: GRE or GMAT scores optional
Optional
Human Genetics             

Optional

Genome Bioinformatics
Optional 

Genetic Counseling
Not Accepted

Optional

             

 

Optional

 

Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Optional Optional   Optional
Multidisciplinary MPH*^   Required: GRE, MCAT or DAT     

*^Multidisciplinary MPH applicants only: other tests accepted on a case-by-case basis. All international applicants to the Multidisciplinary MPH program must submit the GRE scores.

Department-Specific Requirements

Each program has specific requirements. Once you know which program(s) you’re applying to, be sure to review the departmental requirements.

Requirements by Degree

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Applicants must possess a 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.

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

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Applicants must possess a 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.

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

Certificate Programs

Applicants must possess a 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.

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

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). Graduates of foreign medical or dental schools must hold a valid license in the United States, be eligible for license, be in a residency or fellowship program, or be a visiting clinician planning to return to their native country.

More information on the MMPH program »

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)
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

*Please see the specific requirements of the department to which you are applying, as some departments require completion of a graduate degree.

Non-Degree Study

  • Applicants must have a U.S. bachelors degree or the equivalent foreign degree
  • Students may enroll in 12 credits of non-degree study before applying into a degree-seeking program 

View non-degree Courses