Frequently Asked Questions

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

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the application process, 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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Application Process

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

SOPHAS charges $140 for the first program you apply to and $50 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 and 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 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.

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.

Does it cost anything to apply?

The cost for a SOPHAS application is $140 for the first graduate 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.

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

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

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?

Admissions decisions for graduate programs 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.

Undergraduate admissions deadlines 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. 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.

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.

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.

Do you have STEM designated degrees?

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

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, Drexel University is hosting some in-person information sessions and some in 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 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 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 has been fully and continuously accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 2007. The School was most recently reaccredited in 2022 for another 7 years (through 2029).

How can I request information?

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

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for 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.

Do students work closely with faculty?

All graduate students are assigned a faculty mentor. Additionally, 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 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. Learn more about our transfer credit policies.

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 2021-2022 the race and ethnic background of our students is 0% American Indian or Alaska Native, 19% Asian, 25% Black or African American, 9% Hispanic, 0% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 3% Multiracial, 42% White, and 2% 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, Brazil, Argentina, Cameroon, Ghana, Saudi Arabia and other countries across the globe.

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

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