MPH Admissions

Program Prerequisites:

  • Baccalaureate degree with overall minimum GPA of 3.0 in last 60 semester or quarter units.
  • Strong writing skills and evidence of quantitative ability.
  • Multicultural experience, including diversity.
  • Clear commitment to public health as demonstrated through work or volunteer experiences.
  • Clear understanding of public health and community health education.
  • 2 years post-baccalaureate public health related experience preferred.
  • GRE is not needed.
  • Submission of 2 applications
    • To SJSU via Cal State Apply and to the MPH Program. See Checklist below for details.
    • We highly recommend to submit applications at the same or similar timeframe.
    • The program runs on a rolling admissions process. The sooner your applications are fully complete, the sooner it can be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
    • The program admits students in the Fall only. Spring admissions is not available.

Fall 2025* Checklist:

*The Fall 2025 (FA25) Admissions window opened on October 1, 2024

Step 1: Applying to SJSU (on Cal State Apply)

  1. Review SJSU/Cal State Apply deadlines
  2. SJSU deadlines differ from the MPH program deadlines
    • SJSU Domestic deadline is June 1, 2025* (Document deadline is June 20, 2025). *Due to enrollment capacity, we highly recommend CalStateApply and MPH applications be submitted 4 weeks in advance.
    • SJSU International deadline is April 1, 2025 (Document deadline is April 20, 2025)
  3. Review SJSU's Graduate Admissions Requirements and Want to Apply
  4. Pay Cal State Apply application fee
  5. Send official transcripts
    • Refer to SJSU's Graduate Admissions website on how to submit transcripts and other required documents based on your International or Domestic status.
    • Once your MySJSU account is activated, please review your MySJSU To-Do List 
  6. Apply Online at Cal State Apply

Step 2: Applying to the MPH Program

  1. Select one format only (Campus or Online). You may not transfer after acceptance.
  2. Review MPH Program deadlines
    • Submit your MPH application by June 1, 2025* (rolling admissions).  
      • *Due to enrollment capacity, we highly recommend CalStateApply and MPH applications be submitted 4 weeks in advance.
      • If the program meets enrollment capacity before deadlines, we will no longer accept applications or review pending applications.  
      • If you are an International applicant, you must submit a SJSU/Cal State Apply application by April 1, 2025.  
  3. Two letters of recommendation
    • The MPH Program will request letters from your writer directly. Letters from applicants will not be accepted. Letters must be on official letterhead, signed, and include contact information of author.
    • Letters can be submitted after application deadlines.
  4. Resume/CV
  5. Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages)
    1. A statement of purpose is an important document in your application. This is a space for you to tell us what sets you apart from all the other applicants in terms of academic and professional background, your personal interests, beliefs and goals.
    2. When you are writing your statement of purpose for the SJSU MPH Program, please address the following:
      • What led you to public health?
      • How in your past and/or current work/volunteering you have engaged with diverse cultures and/or communities, using specific examples?
      • Why you want to pursue a masters degree in public health (particularly in our program, an MPH in Community Health Education)?
      • How receiving an MPH from our program will help you achieve your professional goals?
      • What strengths/qualities you will bring to the SJSU MPH program and the SJSU Spartan community?
  6. You can find more details in the Information Packet
  7. Fill out and complete the MPH application
    • Link to application
    • Please note that you must use a computer (not a mobile device or tablet) to complete this application. You will be required to upload several documents.
    • Please have your Statement of Purpose and Resume prepared and ready to upload during this application process.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please email master-public-health@sjsu.edu