Admissions FAQ

General Questions

Unfortunately, financial aid is only available for the MS, MPH and PhD programs. However, you may be eligible for a payment plan. Contact bursar@sph.cuny.edu for more information.

Spring admission is available for master’s programs and the advanced certificate programs. It is not available for PhD programs.

Please see this page for information about CUNY SPH’s online programs.

Yes. MPH, MS, PhD, and Advanced Certificate students can all attend CUNY SPH part time. They can also switch back and forth between full time and part time as their personal schedule permits.

Full time status for certificate and MPH/MS students is 12 credits. For PhD students, it is 7 credits. Only International and Veteran students are required to maintain full time status. If a student wants to get federal aid, then they need to register for 6 credits; all other students may register for the number of credits as they see fit.

The master’s programs are designed to be completed in two years based on fall admission and full-time enrollment. Many students choose to go part time for one or more semesters; as such the average time to complete the MPH or MS is about 3 years.

The MS in Global and Migrant Health Policy, MS in Health Communication for Social Change, and the MS in Population Health Informatics can each be completed in 1.5 years based on full-time enrollment.

The PhD is designed to be completed in 4.5 years. Doctoral students can choose to attend classes part time as well.

Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields may qualify for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months, in addition to their initial period of Post-Completion OPT (12 months).

The following CUNY SPH programs are considered STEM:

  • PhD in Environmental and Planetary Health Sciences (CIP 51.2202)
  • PhD in Epidemiology (CIP 26.1309)
  • MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (CIP 51.2202)
  • MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CIP 26.1309)

CUNY SPH does not offer student housing.

Application Questions

Yes. We accept all kinds of work experience, including internships, externships, and volunteer work.

Completion of a master of science, master of public health, or other equivalent advanced degree is required.

The statement of interest is one of the most important components of the application. The admissions committee is looking to see that you have a well-defined interest and plan of study.

This is your opportunity to explain to the admissions committee:

  • How your past experiences have prepared you for master’s level training and research
  • How what you want to do in the future requires master’s level training
  • How you will use your time in the master’s program to work towards this future.

Transcripts are required to be sent to SOPHAS from all U.S. and English-speaking Canadian institutions you have reported in the “Colleges Attended” section of your application. SOPHAS cannot process your application without receiving all of your transcripts.

Transcripts must be addressed and mailed to SOPHAS directly by the Registrar’s Office.

SOPHAS mailing address:

SOPHAS Transcript Processing Center
P.O. Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471

For overnight delivery of transcripts ONLY:

SOPHAS Transcript Processing Center
c/o Liaison International
311 Arsenal Street, Suite #15
Watertown, MA 02472

Please visit the Admissions Requirements by Program page to see the admission requirements for the specific program to which you are applying.

MPH/MS applicants who have a post-graduate degree from a US accredited school or a post-graduate degree in clinical or allied health that WES or ECE has deemed equivalent to its US counterpart may request a standardized test waiver.

The PhD program requires GRE scores within the past 5 years.

Please refer to the Admissions Requirements by Program page to review the admission requirements for the specific program to which you are applying.

Financial Aid

Complete information about financial aid options can be found on the Office of Financial Aid page.

Yes, many of our students work on campus. The Office of Career Services sends a weekly email to all students listing current employment opportunities.

International Students

Please click here to view the FAQ for international students.

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