FAQs
Do I need to take the GRE?
Master of public health students- Yes, if you have never taken the GRE or it has 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 on the GRE. GRE test information and dates can be found at http://www.gre.org.
If you have a prior graduate degree from a U.S. institution you can use that degree as a substitute for the GRE.
Graduate Certificate in Public health students- No, applicants to the GCPH program are not required to submit standardized test scores.
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).
What GPA do I need to have for admission to the program?
We require at least a 3.0 GPA
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.
When are applications due?
Review the application deadlines page for winter and fall term application deadlines.
Where can I get an application?
Our application is available online. Before completing an application, please review the Steps to Apply. Please note that some of the requirements of the School of Nursing graduate programs are different from those of this OMPH track.
When do courses start?
Please view the Academic Calendar for important dates.
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.
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.
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.
Some examples of employment categories are:
- 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
Contact the SON Office of Recruitment, Admissions and Progression at 503 494-7725 or proginfo@ohsu.edu.
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.
