Future Students

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the program accredited?

The Master of Public Health Program at West Virginia University has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1998. The current accreditation cycle extends to December 31, 2015.

Q: How long will it take to complete the degree requirements?

A:  Most students complete the program in two years.

Q: May I transfer courses from another Master of Public Health program?

A:  Each course must be from a CEPH-accredited program or school of public health. With approval from the WVU MPH chair, up to 12 credit hours may be transferred from another institution.

Q: May I transfer courses from another WVU graduate program?

A:  Upon department chair approval, up to 12 credit hours may be transferred.

Q: What is the application deadline?

A: Please see the Admissions page.

Q: What is the institution code for GRE submission?

A:  Institution Code: 5904

Q: Who should write my letters of reference?

A:  Academic reference letters should be written by people who know you well and can articulate your goals in public health. The more detailed the reference letter, the better.

Q: What information should my personal statement contain?

A:  Your personal statement should inform the committee why you have decided to pursue public health. Write about something important to you in the field, or about the driving force behind your motivation toward this career path. Explain things about yourself that are not immediately apparent in your resume and transcripts.

Q: Do you offer the MPH degree online?

A:  Yes, the MPH program is offered fully online. The online MPH program is also accredited by CEPH.

Q: Are international students required to take the TOEFL exam?

A:  Yes. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Passing scores are 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, and 80 for the internet-based test (iBT), with a minimum requirement of 20 in each subsection. The passing score for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is 6.5.

Q: How will I know whether I have been selected?

A:  We notify all applicants of their application status once a decision has been reached.

Q: What are the career opportunities in public health and what salary ranges can I expect after graduation?

A:  Please see this page.

Please Note: All curriculum seen here is subject to change as the Department of Community Medicine transitions
into the School of Public Health; please continue to check with your advisors for any changes.