FAQs

The MPH and the PhD in Public Health Sciences formerly were housed within the Brown School. The programs now are within WashU’s newly launched School of Public Health.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of public health, there are a wide variety of factors that can determine eligibility. One course, however, is required and must be completed: human biology. Admitted students who have not met the prerequisite will receive options for completing the requirement before the end of the first academic year in the MPH program.

The SOPHAS application fee is $150 for the first program students apply to and $60 for each additional program. The School of Public Health does not require an additional fee.

Applicants may wish to review the SOPHAS Fee Assistance Program to determine their eligibility for a financial- or service-based fee waiver. WashU School of Public Health does not provide SOPHAS application fee waivers.

The School of Public Health offers a range of partial-tuition scholarships. To be considered, students must complete the WashU School of Public Health scholarship consideration form within the WashU graduate admissions portal after submitting the SOPHAS application.

Students accepted to the 3-2 MPH program will retain their undergraduate scholarships and pay the undergraduate rate through the fourth year of their studies. When they enter the fifth year, they will be assigned the graduate tuition rate. However, students will be eligible to apply for graduate-level scholarship opportunities at that time.

No, you do not need to secure a faculty advisor prior to submitting your application for admission into our program. The program encourages students to meet and work with faculty in the first year of enrollment to match with a faculty member who shares research interests and a compatible work style with the student. If you have an area of interest and a faculty member who you would really like to work with, please clearly articulate that in your personal statement. You are always welcome to reach out to individual faculty members ahead of applying, but it is neither required nor expected.  

First-year PhD students enter the program with the program director as their faculty advisor. During the first year in the program, students are highly encouraged to network with multiple faculty members with overlapping research interests. The program also creates opportunities for new students to meet various faculty members. Toward the end of first year or at the beginning of second year, PhD students identify their faculty advisors and begin working with them on their PhD research.

All admitted students receive a minimum of $37,853 per year, guaranteed for five years in the program. Additionally, students receive full tuition remission, annual professional development funds, and access to year-long subsidized dental and health care plans during the program. Paid research and teaching positions are available to eligible students, as well.

The program is designed to be completed in four to five years. Stipend support ends at the end of the fifth year. If needed, students are allowed a maximum of 14 semester to complete the PhD program.

No. The School of Public Health covers tuition fees for all PhD students, both domestic and international.

At the time of admission, students are offered the opportunity to apply for these competitive fellowships:

• Ann W. and Spencer T. Olin-Chancellor’s Fellowship
• McDonnell International Scholars Academy Fellowship

Once in the program, students may also apply to training grants and other fellowships related to their area of study.