OHSU School of Nursing: Online Master of Public Health Program Requirements

1. Do I need to take the GRE?
Yes, if you have never taken the GRE or its been more than 5 years ago you do need to take the GRE and report your official scores with your application. We generally like to see a combined Verbal and Qualitative score of greater that 1000.

GRE test information and dates can be found at http://www.gre.com.

2. What are the prerequisites for this program?
The Oregon MPH (OMPH) program requires that you have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. We require that you complete prior to admission or have already completed in the past a Statistics course with a passing grade (a “C” or better). We require that you report official GRE scores (unless you have already received a graduate level degree from an accredited university).

3. What GPA do I need to have for admission to the program?
We require at least a 3.0 GPA

4. Do I have to have a degree in a health related field to qualify for this program?
No, you do not have to be a professional health care provider or have health care experience to qualify for this program. An interest in reducing health disparities and improving public health is all you need.

5. Are there any international educational experiences available?
The School of Nursing has two immersion programs; one in Bangkok, Thailand and one in Quito, Ecuador. The Thailand program occurs in December and the Ecuador program occurs in July. For more information see the International Programs website: http://www.ohsu.edu/son/student/international.shtml .

9. Can I take classes before I received official acceptance in the program?
Generally the answer is “No” as our courses fill up quickly with matriculated students from the OMPH program.

10. How are application criteria evaluated (for example, how much emphasis is placed on GPA or GRE scores)?
We review applications as a whole and do not base decisions on any particular piece. For example, if GRE scores lower but your GPA is high we’ll take that into consideration. We suggest that if one area of your application is weak you put a greater focus and effort towards another aspect of the application.

11. What kind of job can I get with a MPH degree?
Primary Health Care and Health Disparities track graduates are experienced health care professionals, including nurses and nurse practitioners, naturopaths, chiropractors, health educators, and program directors, researchers, etc. with a commitment to reduce health disparities in their communities. They are prepared to assume leadership roles in a variety of settings, including but not limited to city, county, state and federal agencies, community or private organizations, clinics, universities, hospitals, etc.. Graduates are able to ensure the quality of implemented clinical and community care activities, act as a resource for the development of innovative and expanded responses in clinical and community care, coordinate care with regional and county offices, interface with all services involved with the care of patients, and provide counseling and education for families and patients receiving care.

Community Health Educator/Specialist
International Health Consultant
International Relief Aid
Humanitarian Assistance Officer
Health Education Manager
University faculty positions
Employee Health Departments
Emergency Coordinator
Environmental Health & Safety Officer
Health Promotion Specialist
Disaster Relief Assistant

12. Who do I talk to if I need more information or have specific questions?
Contact the SON Office of Recruitment, Admissions and Progression at 503 494-7725 or proginfo@ohsu.edu.

13. I'm a student in another OMPH track. Can I take a course in the PHCHD track?
Yes. Please contact the track coordinator or MPH support staff at your home institution for details.