Learn about admission requirements for domestic and international students, as well as deadlines and the application process for USC’s on-campus Master of Public Health program. Looking for information about applying to the USC Master of Public Health online program? Visit mphdegree.usc.edu.
Admission Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree and minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; official transcripts from each accredited college or university attended
- A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score – Verbal and Quantitative.
- Records of GRE scores are purged after 5 years. Please visit the Educational Testing Service for GRE exam information.
- Applicants may substitute MCAT (< 3 years old), GMAT (< 5 years old), DAT (< 5 years old) or LSAT (< 5 years old) in lieu of the GRE requirement
- Applicants with a medical degree from an accredited (LCME) medical school, foreign medical school graduates who have passed at least step 1 and step 2 (both parts) of the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), and those with a post-graduate degree in another health profession or health-related profession may request an exemption of the GRE requirement.
- A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation. (ALL letters must be less than a year old and on department letterhead. At least one letter must be academic. We do not accept letters from peer colleagues or friends.)
- A Statement of Purpose of approximately 2-3 pages addressing the following questions: Why are you interested in pursuing the MPH Degree? How will an MPH Degree affect or enhance your career aspirations and goals?
- A Curriculum vitae (C.V.) or resume
How to Apply
NOTE: Information provided here pertains to the campus MPH program ONLY. If applying to the online MPH program, please complete the USC application at this link.
Application Deadlines
Fall 2019
Spring 2020
Summer 2020
Campus Program Deadline: March 1, 2020
Term starts May 20, 2020
Online Program Deadline: March 25, 2020
Term starts May 8, 2019
Fall 2020
Campus Program Priority Deadline: December 1, 2019
Campus Program Final Deadline: May 1, 2020
Term starts August 24, 2020
- Prepare to apply by gathering all materials and information to complete your online application. These materials include personal statement, resume/CV, recommender’s information, personal, financial and education information.
- Create a SOPHAS account and complete all parts of the online application.
- Pay application fee.
- Send official transcripts to SOPHAS.
More detailed instructions on transcript submission can be found at this link.
- Send official GRE scores to school code 2048. If using MCAT, GMAT, DAT, or LSAT scores please e-mail valeriem@usc.edu for further submission.
- International applicants should complete the additional steps to apply listed in the section below.
International Applicants
Additional Admission Requirements
- Official transcripts indicating the award of all degrees with the title and date conferred in the student's native language and an exact translation into English of each document.
- Official test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These scores are required of international applicants whose native language is not English.
- Minimum TOEFL requirements:
- Internet-based exam score (iBT) of 90. Applicants must score no less than 20 points on each sub-score.
- Minimum IELTS requirements:
- A total score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on each band score.
- Note: 1) The TOEFL (or IELTS) is not required for international students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. 2) Records of TOEFL scores are purged after 5 years. Please visit the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org/toefl) information about the TOEFL exam or www.ielts.org for information about the IELTS.
- A Statement for Financing Studies at USC showing proof of the ability to pay all tuition and living expenses.
Need additional information? Visit the Office of International Services.
Additional Steps to Apply
- Send official transcripts to the following address:
- Via regular mail:
University of Southern California
USC Office of Graduate Admission
3601 South Flower Street, Room 112
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915 - Via courier service:
University of Southern California
USC Office of Graduate Admission and Financial Aid
3601 South Flower Street, Tyler 112
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915
Phone: (213) 740-1111
Along with your official transcripts please provide your transcripts in original language of issuance. International students who have earned their degree outside the United States must check our country-specific requirements to determine if we need original-language copies of their academic records. In such cases, a separate, word-for-word, English-language translation of all academic records must also be submitted. The translation should either be issued directly from the school itself or by a professional, certified translator. It must contain all information shown on the original-language documents and “mirror” them as precisely as possible. Dual-language transcripts are also acceptable.
- Submit official English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS) using code 5688 USC must receive scores electronically from the testing service for them to be considered official. Photocopies or paper copies of scores from the testing service are not acceptable.
- If submitting IELTS, select “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register to take the IELTS test. Alternatively, provide this information to your testing center after you have taken the test.
- Submit your financial document(s) and passport copies
- Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must have an appropriate visa in order to study at USC. If you plan to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must submit proof of adequate financial support and a copy of your passport. You must also submit passport copies for your dependents if they will be traveling with you to USC during your study period.
- See more instructions on how to submit your financial documentation.
- For more detailed information on every step on this checklist please visit gradadm.usc.edu.
