Frequently Asked Questions

See below for frequently asked questions regarding the application process, international applicants, connecting with Dornsife, and general program information.

To learn more our programs or to speak with an academic advisor request more information today.

Expand All | Close All

Application Process

Which application service do I use?

You may submit a SOPHAS application for any of our face-to-face public health degree programs. SOPHAS charges $140 for the first program you apply to and $50 for each additional program.

For online public health degree programs, the application should be submitted through Drexel University Online. There is no fee to apply.

Do I need work experience for the MPH program?

The MPH program does not require work experience. However, our classrooms are comprised of students with a mix of varied experiences. Most have at least 1-2 years of work experience, while others have more extensive work experience. The Executive MPH student must have a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience (in any setting) prior to enrolling.

What standardized test do I need to take?

As of Fall 2020 no GRE score is required for MS or MPH applications. Learn more about why Dornsife does not require a GRE score.

GRE scores are typically required for all doctoral programs, but there are exceptions. Please review the Admissions tab on each Degree page for the specific requirements.

International applicants must submit an English language proficiency exam. Applicants may submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo exams are considered valid for two (2) years from the date the exam was administered.

Does it cost anything to apply?

The cost for a SOPHAS application is $140 for the first school or program to which you apply. Any additional schools or programs to which you choose to apply will cost $50 per designation, even if you submit those schools or programs later in the application cycle.

There is no fee to apply to online public health degree programs through Drexel University Online.

Can I request an application fee waiver?

We do not collect the fees for the application. The fees are collected directly by SOPHAS. SOPHAS has a limited number of fee waivers for applicants who meet their financial, service, or international based criteria. For more information, please visit the SOPHAS Applicant Help Center and contact them directly.

Can I apply to more than one degree program?

No. We only allow one program designation. If the review committee recommends you for a different program, the Admissions Office will contact you directly.

How do I send my transcripts or academic records?

For applicants submitting their application through SOPHAS: Submit official transcripts electronically (preferred) or through the mail. Consult the SOPHAS Applicant Help Center for more information on submitting transcripts.

For applicants submitting their application through Drexel University Online: Submit official transcripts electronically to enroll@drexel.edu or by mail to:

By Postal Mail:

Drexel University
Application Processing
PO Box 34789
Philadelphia, PA 19101

By Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.):

Drexel University
Application Processing
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2876

When will I receive an application decision?

Admissions decisions are shared on a rolling basis. Applicants to the on-campus MPH and MS programs who are interested in being considered for one of the School's Endowed Scholarships should apply no later than January 15th.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, applicants to the full-time on-campus MPH and MS programs are eligible for scholarships at the time of application as well as other scholarships once enrolled. Historically, more than 92 percent of full-time masters students receive some type of scholarship funding.

Applicants to the online MPH and MS programs are eligible to receive a 25% tuition discount. Additional special tuition rates are also available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.

Full-time doctoral students typically receive some type of tuition funding or a stipend. Historically, 95 percent of PhD students receive tuition remission, stipend, and health insurance.

Visit Scholarships for more information

In addition, need-based aid is available in the form of grants, loans, and work-study. Please visit Drexel Central for more information on financial aid.

International Applicants

Which transcript evaluation services are accepted?

The Dornsife School of Public Health requires a course-by-course academic evaluation. Evaluations provide the Admissions Committee with U.S. grading equivalency, which is required to make a decision on your application.

The Dornsife School of Public Health will accept any evaluation from a company that is a current member of NACES. If applying through SOPHAS, SOPHAS will only accept WES ICAP evaluations; Other evaluations can be sent directly to Drexel University to enroll@drexel.edu. No original transcripts should be submitted.

Do you accept USMLE or ECFMG scores?

Yes, we will accept USMLE or ECFMG scores, Steps 1 and 2.

What kind of visa will I need in order to study?

You will need either Form I-20 or DS-2019. Drexel's International Students and Scholars Services will review your profile in order to determine which immigration document is appropriate.

How can international students secure funding?

International students are eligible for merit awards, certain department scholarships, University fellowships, and/or private loans. In some cases, independent organizations may also offer funding specifically for international graduate students. For further information, please visit Drexel Central's financial aid process for graduate students.

Visiting Dornsife

Do you offer events for prospective students?

Yes, Dornsife hosts Preview and Class Visit Days throughout the fall and early spring. These provide a great opportunity to learn more about the School, meet current students, and talk to faculty and members of the admissions team.

At this time, due to COVID-19, the Dornsife School of Public Health is not hosting any in-person walk-in visits or Information Sessions. Many of these events have been changed to a virtual format.

Learn more about visiting Dornsife

Learn more about visiting Drexel

Take a virtual tour of Drexel University

May I speak with faculty members or current students before applying?

Absolutely. Please contact Admissions directly to arrange an opportunity to speak with faculty, current students, and other staff at Dornsife. Please email us at sphadmissions@drexel.edu.

You are also welcome to meet our Admissions team at an upcoming virtual fair.

What is it like to study Philadelphia?

Drexel's hometown of Philadelphia is one of the nation's first and largest cities, and the birthplace of the nation. The city offers opportunities to learn, play, work, and engage in the arts, history, and culture.

Learn more about Philadelphia

Take a virtual tour of Drexel University

How do I get to campus?

Drexel University's 74-acre University City campus functions as the heart of West Philadelphia, with a vibrant community to the west and the iconic 30th Street Station to the east.

Visit Directions to Campus for complete directions to Drexel by car and local public transportation.

For specific directions to Dornsife's location in Nesbitt Hall visit our Contact page.

Where should I stay while visiting campus?

Dornsife guests may receive special reduced rates at many participating hotels near campus. For more information, see the Travel and Hotels page.

General Program Information

Is the Dornsife School of Public Health fully accredited?

Yes. The Dornsife School of Public Health is the first accredited school of public health in Philadelphia by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

How can I request information?

Please fill out our Request More Information Form to be added to our mailing list communication plan and receive updates and notices of upcoming events.

How long is the MPH program?

There are 12-month, 18-month, and 21-month plans of study for the on-campus and online MPH programs. The Executive MPH is completed in 21 months through online courses and occasional face-to-face Friday classes.

Learn more about the different MPH plans of study.

Do you offer online or evening classes?

Most courses are offered during the day. Full-time, working professionals are encouraged to consider the Executive MPH or part-time online master’s programs or public health certificate program.

Learn more about Drexel’s online public health degrees.

Do students work closely with faculty?

Yes, all students are assigned a faculty mentor. Additionally, students are able to collaborate with faculty on a variety of research and community-based projects. Our faculty are highly accessible and committed to mentoring students.

Watch these videos of Dornsife students to hear more about the value of faculty mentoring at Dornsife.

Can I transfer credits toward a master's degree program?

Transfer credit is considered on a case by case basis. Those who have completed graduate coursework in public health must be prepared to submit official transcripts and all course syllabi for review by the Director of Academic Affairs.

Is your student body diverse?

The Dornsife School of Public health views diversity in our students, faculty and staff as essential to all elements of our mission. We pride ourselves in having a School with a diverse faculty and student body and are committed to creating a supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.

In academic year 2020-2021 the race and ethnic background of our students is 1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 20% Asian, 29% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic, 38% White and 5% unknown. Typically we enroll about 80% females and 20% males. The average age of students enrolled at the Dornsife School of Public Health is 29.

Additionally, our student population is geographically diverse. We have students from many states including, but not limited to, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, California, Michigan, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Washington, Arizona, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Colorado and Illinois.

We also have an international presence, including students from China, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Korea, Argentina, Cameroon, Ghana, Saudi Arabia and other countries across the globe.

Learn more about demographics at Dornsife by visiting Who We Are.

Rachel Seitz presents map data at a meeting

Video: Dornsife MPH Student Helps to Craft Disaster Preparation Plan

Rachel Seitz discovered how data informs policy through her work at the Center for Public Health Readiness and Communication.

Rachel's Video