Public Health (Epidemiology), M.P.H.

I. Contact Information

School of Community Health Sciences
203 Lombardi
(775) 784-1857

Dr. Kristen Clements-Nolle, Director of Graduate Studies,
School of Community Health Sciences
(775) 682-7097
clements@unr.edu

II. Brief Description

The School of Community Health Sciences offers a graduate degree program leading to a master of public health (MPH). Emphases in the MPH program include Epidemiology, Health Administration and Policy, Public Health Practice and Social and Behavioral Health. A MD/MPH dual degree program and an accelerated BS/MPH program are also offered.   

The goal of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program is to prepare students to be effective public health professionals. Public health professionals work in a variety of organizations and agencies to contribute to the common aim of promoting and protecting health in human populations through innovative research, policy analysis, and education that draws upon multidisciplinary expertise. The school serves local, national, and international communities with its knowledge through practicum experience.

Students are admitted to the MPH degree program on a competitive basis. They must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university to be accepted to the graduate program. No specific undergraduate major is required; however, students who do not have an undergraduate degree from an accredited public health program must take an overview of public health course (0 credits) before graduating from the MPH program.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The goal of the Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program is to prepare students to be effective public health professionals. Public health professionals work in a variety of organizations and agencies to contribute to the common aim of promoting and protecting health in human populations.

IV. Admission Requirements

Admissions Deadline

The application deadline for the MPH program is April 15. However, to receive full consideration for graduate scholarship funding, applicants are encouraged to submit their application by February 1. MPH applications are accepted once per year (fall admission). If you miss the deadline and would like to discuss enrolling in graduate special coursework that could be applied to the MPH program, please contact Dr. Kristen Clements-Nolle, Director of Graduate Studies, at clements@unr.edu.

Admissions Requirements

The Admissions Committee places emphasis on the diversity of our graduate students who have the qualifications and credentials to succeed in public health practice. The multi-faceted nature of the public health profession now demands students from diverse educational as well as professional backgrounds. We welcome inquiries and applications from anyone who has a passion for improving the health of our communities. Therefore, while we seek students who meet BOTH University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and School of Community Health Sciences (SCHS) public health requirements for graduate status, we also consider other important attributes such as volunteer and professional experiences, career objectives, and potential to contribute to the public health profession.

1. Regular fall admission: The application deadline for the MPH program is April 15. However, to receive full consideration for Graduate Assistantships, Fellowships, and Merit graduate student awards, applicants are encouraged to submit their application by February 1. Only one MPH cohort is admitted each year. If you miss the deadline and would like to discuss enrolling in graduate special coursework that could be applied to the MPH program, please contact Dr. Kristen-Clements-Nolle, Director of Graduate Studies, at clements@unr.edu.
2. Baccalaureate degree: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, with an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4-point scale. If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 but higher than 2.75 your application will be considered if your GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework is 3.0 or higher. If you graduated from an international college or university, please contact the Graduate School for approval of your undergraduate degree for graduate studies at UNR.
3. GRE scores: Competitive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores on verbal, quantitative and analytic measures. GRE scores of accepted students are typically above the 40th percentile. However, scores are assessed relative to other applicants in the pool and considered in the context of the overall application package. The exam must have been taken within the last five (5) years. Other graduate entrance examinations (e.g. MCAT, GMAT) may be substituted for the GRE. The GRE is not required for applicants who have already obtained a Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., Dr.PH, or Master Degrees from institutions approved by the School of Community Health Sciences or the UNR Graduate School.
4. TOEFL scores: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores are required for applicants from non-English speaking nations. The minimum threshold is 550 for the TOEFL paper exam, 80 for the internet-based exam, and 6.5 for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
5. Three letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s motivation, academic capability, scholarship potential, and personal goals for graduate study.
6. Statement of Purpose. The essay should be at least 500 words in length, outlining the student’s interest in graduate study in public health, potential research interests, career objectives, and specifying the chosen MPH specialization of interest (Epidemiology, Social Behavioral Health, Health Administration and Policy, or Public Health Practice).
7. Resume or CV: Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates evidence of professional and/or educational health-related experience.  

Prerequisite Coursework

Completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in statistics is required. The statistics requirement must be met prior to taking CHS 712  and CHS 780 .

Application Process

Two separate applications are REQUIRED for admission to the in-person MPH program: 1) one application package is submitted directly to SOPHAS and 2) another application package is submitted directly to the Graduate School of the University of Nevada, Reno. Applicants will not be reviewed for admission until both applications are submitted. Before applying for admission, please note the admission requirements.

Application 1:

1. The following materials should be sent directly to SOPHAS at: http://sophas.org/
2. Transcripts: One official copy of transcripts from ALL undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
3. GRE scores: Submit official GRE scores by using the University of Nevada, Reno SOPHAS code 7828.
4. Other Standardized Test Scores. Submit OFFICIAL standardized test scores other than the GRE, including the TOEFL, IELTS (for international students) and MCAT or GMAT (if substituting for the GRE).  TOEFL scores can be submitted using the University of Nevada, Reno SOPHAS code 7828.
5. Three letters of recommendation.
6. Statement of purpose.
7. Resume or CV.

Application 2:

The following materials should be sent directly to the Graduate School of the University of Nevada, Reno at: https://unr.force.com/TX_SiteLogin?startURL=%2FTargetX_Portal__PB

1. UNR online application form

V. Program Requirements

The MPH degree, with a specialization in Epidemiology is a 42 unit minimum program that includes a MPH core curriculum of 21 units in research methods, biostatistics, social/behavioral health, epidemiology, environmental health, and health administration. In addition, all MPH students must complete a 3-unit practicum and 3 units in a MPH capstone course. Students must also complete required epidemiology specialization courses and electives.

VI. Total Units (42 units)

VII. Notes

For the master’s program, classes are offered during the day, in the evening, and through alternative scheduling formats to accommodate full-time students and working professionals.