Coming from all parts of the world, MPH students bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to the program. The majority of these students are health professionals, with a minimum of three to five years of work experience, who are preparing for advancement in their organizations or for transition into new fields. The MPH program is geared toward professionals who hold a doctoral degree (or foreign degree equivalent) in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, or other fields related to public health (for example, biology, other natural sciences, behavioral sciences, or social sciences). Individuals who hold a master's degree in nursing, social work, business administration or a field closely related to public health and have at least three years of health related work experience may also be considered for admission to the program. Preference is given to applicants with clearly identified career goals relevant to the program and who demonstrate a strong academic background.
Students currently enrolled in MD, DMD, or DDS programs (and some law students), who have a career interest in public health and/or preventive medicine, are also eligible to apply for admission to the MPH program. Medical and dental students undertake the MPH program while on leave of absence between the third and fourth year of medical or dental school. They receive the MPH degree upon successful completion of both programs and conferral of the doctoral degree. The MPH program serves as a required academic year for residency training in general preventive medicine, aerospace medicine, or occupational and environmental medicine. For more information: MPH Combined Degree Programs.
Students accepted to Harvard Law School may simultaneously pursue an MPH under Harvard's JD/MPH Joint Degree Program. Prospective students should apply to the joint program either concurrently with their application to Harvard Law School or during their first year of law school. HSPH course work begins in the summer following the first year of law school and continues over the next two years.