Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application deadline dates?

The MPH application deadlines are noted on the admission requirements. Please note that these deadlines are earlier than the Graduate College deadlines. Only completed applications received by the deadline date will receive a full admission review by the MPH admissions committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and completed applications received after the deadline may be considered if the deadline is extended to fill empty seats.

Are there any exceptions to the deadlines?

If seats are still available after initial applicant decisions are made, the MPH admissions committee may decide to extend a given deadline. Otherwise, application deadlines are firm.

As an international student and have a Visa interview approaching, can I find out about my application status right away?

No. The MPH admissions committee meets approximately two weeks following each semester deadline. Only during these meetings are decisions made regarding each applicant.

Are there additional application requirements that I should know about as an international student?

Yes. Please visit international graduate student admissions for specific instructions.

What type of undergraduate degree do I need to apply to the MPH program?

Because public health is a broad multi-disciplinary field, applicants to the program come from a diverse range of undergraduate programs, which include medical and other physical sciences, social sciences, business sciences and clinical programs. However, applicants with any undergraduate degree may be considered.

Do I have to retake the GRE if I took it a long time ago (i.e. 8+ years)?

The Graduate College requires an official copy of your GRE score from the Educational Testing Service, also known as ETS. ETS does not keep scores that are 5 years old or older. If you cannot obtain an official copy of your test score you will have to retake the GRE. An exception may be made if you have completed some other graduate degree program.

How long is my application valid?

Your application is valid for the term in which you are applying. If you would like to delay admission, you must reapply.

What is your tuition?

Review our estimated costs for tuition.

What funding can I apply for?

An extremely limited number of graduate assistantships are available in the MPH program. Preference may be given to those who have completed at least a year in the program. Additional information can be found via the office of financial aid.

Can I take MPH courses at Missouri State before I am admitted into the MPH program?

Domestic students may be accepted by the Graduate College on a nondegree-seeking or postbaccalaureate status. As such, students can take MPH courses which (if later accepted to the program) can be counted toward the degree.

Can I transfer any credits toward the MPH degree?

Requests to transfer credits are considered on an individual basis after students are admitted to the program. In order for transfer credits to be given, a course must be a graduate course from an accredited institution, appropriate to the student’s course of study at Missouri State and approved by the student’s advisor, the program director and the Graduate College. A maximum of 12 semester hours may be transferred, but all coursework must be completed within eight years.

How long will it take to complete the MPH degree at Missouri State?

The number of credit hours required to complete the MPH program is 42. On a full-time basis, the degree is typically completed in two-and-a-half to three years. Full and part-time students must complete all program requirements within eight years.

At what time of day are the MPH courses typically offered?

The program is tailored to meet the needs of working individuals. Therefore, classes are mostly offered in the evenings, on Saturdays (web-enhanced with approximately four class meetings per semester), via the Internet and in an executive-style format. The executive-style format allows working professionals to complete all coursework on a part-time basis with limited on-campus attendance.

Can I take courses on a part-time basis?

Yes, but all coursework must be completed within eight years.