Frequently Asked Questions

Graduation gown with stole that reads "Dornsife Public Health Fellow"

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the application process, Drexel Dornsife application fee, and general program information.

If you are a prospective student with questions about our public health programs, please request more information to connect with an academic advisor:

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Frequently Asked Questions About Drexel Dornsife Programs:

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Application Process

Is there an application deadline?

For BA and BS degrees, applicants may apply for early decision, early action, or regular decision. Learn more about Drexel undergraduate application deadlines.

MPH deadlines: Learn more about MPH deadlines.

MS deadlines: July 1 for regular decision and June 1 for international students

PhD deadline: December 15

Online Certificate deadline: Certificate deadlines are listed under the "Public Health" heading on the online application deadline tool.

Which application service do I use?

Graduate degrees: For any of Dornsife's face-to-face public health graduate degree programs (MPH, MS, PhD and DrPH) you should submit your application through SOPHAS.

SOPHAS is a Centralized Application for Schools of Public Health. SOPHAS simplifies the process of applying to multiple public health programs because you can submit one application that includes all necessary materials. Click here to start your application.

SOPHAS charges $145 for the first program you apply to and $55 for each additional program.

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

Undergraduate degrees: For any of Dornsife's public health undergraduate degree programs (BA or BS) you should submit your application through the Common Application.

Do I need work experience for the MPH program?

The MPH program does not require work experience. Your classmates will have a mix of varied experiences. Most students have at least 1-2 years of work experience, while others have more extensive work experience.

The hybrid Executive MPH program is the only MPH program with a work requirement. Students must have a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience (in any setting) prior to enrolling.

What standardized test do I need to take?

No GRE score is required for MS or MPH applications. Learn more about why Dornsife does not require a GRE score.

GRE score submissions for our doctoral applications depend on the program. Please review the Admissions tab on your specific Degree page for the requirements.

Undergraduate applicants should visit standardized testing policies for information.

International applicants to graduate programs 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. Learn more about TOEFL and IELTS language requirements.

What is the minimum GPA requirement for applying to Drexel Dornsife?

For the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (MS), a GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred.

Those with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply, and should highlight relevant work experience, professional certifications, and continuing education in their Statement of Purpose.

Does it cost anything to apply?

The SOPHAS application fee is $145 for the first graduate school or program to which you apply. Any additional schools or programs to which you choose to apply will cost $55 per designation, even if you submit those schools or programs later in the application cycle. Read more about SOPHAS fees, fee waivers, and international-based fee waivers.

There is no cost to apply to online public health degree certificates and graduate programs through Drexel University Online, and the application takes as little as 20 minutes.

For information on undergraduate application fees visit first-year instructions.

For information on transferring to Drexel visit transfer credits.

Can I request a SOPHAS 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: See how to send college transcripts for Drexel Online admissions.

How do I receive transfer credit for a course from another institution?

For guidance on how to receive transfer credit as an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student, visit our Transfer Credit Policies page.

When will I receive an application decision?

Graduate programs: Admissions decisions for graduate programs are shared on a rolling basis.

Undergraduate programs: If you choose to apply for Regular Decision, you will receive a non-binding decision from Drexel by April 1. Other application decision dates are here: Early decision, early action, and regular decision options.

Do you offer scholarships?

Masters programs: 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. Opportunities include urban health fellowships and practicum funding through the Drexel Urban Health Collaborative.

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.

Doctoral programs: 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.

Funding opportunities include the Drexel Urban Health Collaborative, which offers dissertation funding and fellowships to PhD students.

Undergraduate programs: Drexel offers undergraduate scholarships based on both merit and for students with various associations.

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.

Do you offer tuition adjustment for active military, veterans, or federal employees?

Drexel University Online offers veteran- and military-friendly benefits for online public health degrees and certifications. Drexel’s main website has other information especially for Drexel's military and veteran students.

Drexel University Online currently has a tuition-saving partnership for federal alliance employees through the Federal Academic Alliance. Learn more about Drexel Online's educational partner network.

General Program Information

Is the Dornsife School of Public Health fully accredited?

Yes. The Dornsife School of Public Health was most recently reaccredited in 2022 for another 7 years (through 2029) by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

The school has been fully and continuously accredited by CEPH since 2007.

Drexel Dornsife is ranked as the #1 School of Public Health in Philadelphia according to the U.S. News and World Report's 2023 rankings of the nation’s best graduate schools.

How can I request information about programs and events?

Please fill out our Request More Information to be added to the Drexel Dornsife mailing list and receive updates and notices of upcoming events.

Subscribe to our school's monthly newsletter to keep up with news on research, students, faculty, and events.

How long is the MPH program?

There are 12-month, 18-month, 21-month, and 33-month plans of study. 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?

The Dornsife School of Public Heath offers a number of online master's degree programs and online graduate certificates through Drexel University Online. Online MPH and MS students choose from a number of different timelines for their plan of study (ranging from one year to three years) and can choose to complete the program as a part-time student.

Full-time, working professionals are encouraged to consider part-time MPH programs and certificates, such as the 33-month MPH and the Executive MPH.

Can I complete my degree part time?

Students at the Dornsife School of Public Health can complete certain public health certificates, MPH degrees, an MS degree, and a DrPh degree as part time degrees.

Learn more about part-time degrees at Drexel Dornsife.

Can I enroll as a non-degree student?

Yes, undergraduate and graduates applicants can enroll in Drexel Dornsife's public health courses without working towards a degree program.

Learn more about how individuals become non-degree students at Drexel Dornsife.

Do students work closely with faculty?

All graduate students are assigned a faculty mentor, and students are able to collaborate with faculty on a variety of student practical experiences, research and community-based projects. Our faculty are highly accessible and share a commitment to mentoring students.

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

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

Transfer credit from other institutions 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 Office of Education. Learn more about our transfer credit policies.

Can I transfer credits from a Dornsife certificate to a Dornsife master's program?

Most graduate certificate programs are an outgrowth of our master's degree programs, with all courses earning graduate course credits.

Yes, it is possible for most certificate students at the Dornsife School of Public Health to roll all credits into a public health master's program after successfully completing the certificate and all other graduate admissions requirements.

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 2022-2023 the race and ethnic background of our students is 1.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, 27.2% Asian, 22.8% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic, 0% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 44.1% White, and 3.4% 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 over 35 states and international students from countries across the globe, including Afghanistan, Armenia, Brazil, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Korea, Vietnam, and Zambia.

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

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.

How do I qualify as an international student?

Undergraduate programs: International first-year applicants can read Drexel's undergraduate admissions' international instructions and details on English language proficiency for prospective students.

Graduate programs: Applicants should refer to Dornsife's application requirements and English proficiency requirements for graduate programs.

Online programs: Applicants should refer to the international student requirements for online education at Drexel.

Do you accept USMLE or ECFMG scores?

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

Is there an application fee for international students?

Information on the undergraduate application fee can be found on Drexel's first-year applicant instructions.

Graduate application fees for on-campus public health graduate degree programs are collected as part of the SOPHAS application. SOPHAS is the centralized application services for CEPH-accredited schools of public health. Read more information on SOPHAS fees and international-based fee waivers.

There is no fee to apply to Drexel's online public health degrees or certificates.

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.

Do you have STEM designated degrees?

There are nine STEM designated degree programs at the Dornsife School of Public Health. Learn more about our STEM designated programs.

Visiting Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health

Do you offer events for prospective students?

Yes, Drexel Dornsife hosts Preview Days, Class Visit Days, and Accepted Student Days throughout the academic year. These provide a great opportunity to learn more about the School, meet current students, and talk to faculty and members of the admissions team.

Events include both in-person and virtual information sessions.

Visit Dornsife

Visit Drexel

Take a virtual tour of Drexel University

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

Absolutely. Our Dornsife Ambassadors are available to chat with prospective students and answer questions about the school's programs and admissions process.

Please contact Admissions directly to arrange an opportunity to speak with a Dornsife Ambassador, faculty member, or advising staff at Dornsife. Please email us at sphadmissions@drexel.edu.

You are also welcome to meet our Admissions team at one of our upcoming virtual fairs, webinars and visit days.

What is it like to study in 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 unique opportunities to study public health, 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 96-acre campus is in the heart of University City in West Philadelphia, surrounded by vibrant communities.

The campus is a short walk from the Schuylkill River and the iconic 30th Street Station (serving Amtrak trains, SEPTA Regional Rail, NJ Transit, SEPTA suburban buses, and SEPTA city subway, bus, and trolley lines).

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?

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

Video: NYC-Based Alumnus Shares How Dornsife Prepared Her for Her Career

Darlice Rocha's healthcare career got a head start through her applied practical experience at Dornsife.

Darlice's Video