University of Washington

Health Systems and Population Health

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Admissions: Community-Oriented Public Health Practice MPH


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  5. Admissions: Community-Oriented Public Health Practice MPH

Review this page to learn about our admissions requirements and application steps.

The COPHP Master of Public Health program prepares students for fulfilling careers as leaders in the field of community health through a problem-based learning approach. COPHP is one of three MPH degree programs offered by the UW Department of Health Systems and Population Health. Each program has their own application and admissions requirements.

Autumn 2026 Application Timeline

Application opens: September 1, 2025 – please do not add the program to your cart before this date
Application deadline: January 15, 2026
Applicants notified of admissions decisions: Mid-February 2026

There may be minor tweaks to this page before the start of the application cycle on 9/1/25.

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Materials and fee waivers
Essay prompts
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Application Steps

All applicants must apply through both SOPHAS and the UW Graduate School to be considered for entry. We recommend beginning the application process early to ensure all requirements are completed on time.

Step One: Research the Program

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Understand the Program and Problem-Based Learning

Learn as much as you can about our focus, format, and program expectations to consider if the program is right for you.

COPHP MPH students learn through problem-based learning and highly interactive classes. All applicants are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the program’s unique structure and curriculum in their application.

Program Experience

Meet Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Eligibility Criteria – set by the UW Graduate School

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or its equivalent from an institution outside of the U.S.
  • A minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for the last graded 60 semester credits or 90 graded quarter credits
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English

Two years of full-time work or substantial volunteer experience in public health is strongly recommended. The COPHP MPH recognizes unpaid work, including volunteering and internships, as valuable opportunities to inform your understanding and experience in public health. Additionally, the program appreciates that lived experience can be a contributing element to your understanding of public health systems and readiness for graduate school.

Current Bachelor Student Criteria

The COPHP MPH program team considers applications from students who are still enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • A nontraditional path to college or graduate school, with full-time work experience in public health
  • Exceptional academic performance with significant public health experience during undergraduate training

International and/or Undocumented Applicants

We welcome international and/or undocumented applicants. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

You are considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen, immigrant (documented or undocumented), or permanent resident. International applicants include students who hold U.S. visas, such as F-1, J-1 Exchange Visitors, H-1, dependent visas, or any other nonimmigrant classifications.

International students must have a visa status that allows for academic study at the University of Washington. If you are admitted to the COPHP program and plan to attend on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must study full time — at least 10 credits per quarter — to maintain your visa status.

Please note that international students should be prepared to cover all educational costs, as most financial aid programs will not be available.

International Applicants Undocumented Applicants

Understand Concurrent Degree Options

Concurrent degree options are available for COPHP MPH students with the following UW degrees ONLY:

  • Master of Social Work (MSW) from UW School of Social Work
  • Master of Urban Planning (MUP) from UW College of Built Environments

Other Concurrent Degrees: If you are interested in pursuing a different concurrent degree, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us (uwcophp@uw.edu) to discuss course plans, fee structures, and degree timelines.

As of the 2023 admissions cycle, COPHP is no longer extending invitations to clinical-track MSW students due to new UW Graduate School policies and competing course planning that prevents completion of both degrees in three years.

Learn More

Attend an Information Session

We highly recommend that prospective applicants attend one of our monthly information sessions on Zoom to learn about the program’s problem-based learning format, curriculum, admissions, career outlook, and more.

Information Sessions

Contact Us or Submit an Interest Form

If you still have questions about the COPHP, fill out an interest form or email us (uwcophp@uw.edu).

Interest Form

Step Two: Prepare to Apply

Draft written materials, obtain unofficial transcripts, designate people to write letters of recommendation, and apply early for fee waivers.

General Application Materials

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Application Fees and Waivers

SOPHAS Fee: $150 for the first program, $60 for each additional program

  • Visit the SOPHAS website for their full fee waiver policy and instructions
  • Contact SOPHAS customer service at 617-612-2090 before you submit a fee waiver request to determine if waivers are still available
  • SOPHAS offers a finite amount of waivers! They have previously run out of waivers before our application deadline. So, request these early!
    • If your fee waiver request is approved, it’s only valid for 14 days (including holidays and weekends). Be ready to submit your application if you are approved
    • Extensions will not be granted; failure to submit your application on time will void your fee waiver and you will not be allowed to reapply for a waiver
    • Outstanding transcripts, recommendations, and/or test scores do not have to be received within this timeframe

UW Graduate School Fee: $90

  • Determine your eligibility for the UW Grad School application fee waiver first. Only request a waiver from HSPop if you do not qualify for the Grad School fee waiver.
  • Request a waiver at least seven days before the application deadline.
  • Do not pay the fee or submit your application until you receive waiver approval or denial. The fee cannot be reimbursed! 
  1. UW Grad School | Fee Waivers – Determine your eligibility for the UW Grad School application fee waiver first.
  2. Dept. of HSPop | Fee Waivers – Only request a waiver from HSPop if you do not qualify for the Grad School fee waiver.
Learn More

Application IDs

Application: SOPHAS and UW Graduate School

To be considered for admission, you must complete both the UW Graduate School application and the SOPHAS application.

Both application portals provide the following:

  • Unique application ID numbers for every program you apply to
  • Prompts to link the two applications:
    • Add SOPHAS application ID to UW Graduate School application
    • Add UW Graduate School application ID to SOPHAS application

You may do this in either order, although you will not be able to complete either application until the two are linked.

Transcripts – Unofficial and Official

Application: SOPHAS and UW Graduate School

Unofficial transcripts are needed for the UW Graduate School, and official transcripts are needed for SOPHAS. You may omit transcripts that are redundant or irrelevant to this degree, such as minor transcripts for coursework that is irrelevant to the program.

Obtain unofficial transcripts from each college or university where you earned a degree or completed relevant coursework. Download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies. UW will request official transcripts when an offer of admission is made (international applicants) or accepted (domestic applicants).

For SOPHAS applications, you will need to order official transcripts from each collegiate level institution attended. Details can be found on the SOPHAS website.

SOPHAS: Transcripts

List of Coursework (Transcript Entry)

Application: SOPHAS

The SOPHAS application requires applicants both to order official transcripts AND manually enter all coursework exactly as it is listed on official college level transcripts. This process takes a significant amount of time, and we recommend entering this information as early as possible.

Bypass Info

GRE Scores (optional)

Application: SOPHAS

The GRE is no longer required! However, if applicants think their GRE scores are a better representation of academic preparedness for the program than their transcripts, they may include their GRE scores.

If applicants choose to submit GRE scores, they must self-report them in the online application with SOPHAS AND have scores sent directly to SOPHAS from the Educational Testing Service using the institutional code below. Scores from the testing services must arrive by the application deadline to be considered.

UW Institution Code with SOPHAS: 4943

SOPHAS: GRE

Proof of English Language Proficiency (select students)

Application: SOPHAS and UW Graduate School

Applicants whose first language is not English might need to share proof of English language proficiency. Only scores less than two years old at the time of the application deadline will be accepted.

Test scores must be sent directly to the UW by the Educational Testing Service using the UW institution code.

UW Institution Code: 4854

Profieciency Requirements International Applicant Process

Letters of Recommendation

Application: SOPHAS

Number Needed: 3

Identify three people who will write letters of recommendation, such as academic advisors, professors, supervisors, or mentors. Recommenders should be familiar with your academic goals and potential for achieving those goals. These letters should address the general topic of your suitability for the program and should mention how recommenders know you and for how long.

How to add your references on SOPHAS:

  • Enter the name, email, and a personal message (up to 500 words) to the recommenders. Do this early in the application cycle to give them plenty of time to write and submit their letters.
  • SOPHAS will send each reference an automated email with your message and a link to submit their letters.
  • You will be able to return to the online application to check whether letters have been submitted. You are expected to be in contact with each recommender to make sure that the letters are submitted by the application deadline (noted at the top of this page).

Please note: These letters are used for all programs you apply to through the online SOPHAS application. If the programs you are applying to include the UW Community-Oriented Public Health Practice Master of Public Health (COPHP MPH) program, one recommender must be an academic reference who can specifically speak to your readiness for graduate school.

Update Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Application: SOPHAS

Make sure your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) are up to date and inclusive of any public health experience you might have, such as conference presentations, publications, mentoring, volunteering, and other unpaid experience.

Essay Prompts Required by the UW School of Public Health

These essays will be viewed by all UW MPH programs that you apply to.

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Personal History Statement

Application: SOPHAS

Limit: 500 words max

The Personal History Statement is meant to give you the opportunity to offer a narrative of your lived experiences, and obstacles you may have overcome and how these have guided you towards an interest in public health.

Your Personal History Statement can include information about who you are as a person; your family or cultural background; your socioeconomic conditions; and your experiences growing up, including successes, challenges, and moments of learning and growth.

Please do not feel compelled to provide personal information you would rather not share.

Mission, Vision, and Values Statement

Application: SOPHAS

Limit: 500 words max

Review the UW School of Public Health’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

How would you contribute to the Mission, Vision, and/or Values of the University of Washington School of Public Health in the program and your future career? Please address two of our listed values.

Essay Prompts Unique to the COPHP MPH Program

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COPHP Interest Statement

Application: SOPHAS

Limit: 2500 characters max

The Community-Oriented Public Health Practice (COPHP) program is a full-time, in-person MPH program that prepares students to become problem solvers, leaders, and advocates in the field of community health. Please discuss how the unique approach of the COPHP program complements your field of focus, career path, and/or learning styles. Elaborate on what aspects of this program specifically attract you, such as problem-based learning, public health practice, and other relevant features specific to COPHP. 

Academic Performance and Background (optional)

Application: SOPHAS

Limit: 1000 characters max

Is there anything in your transcript (GPA below 3.0 or failed courses) or resume for which you would like to provide additional context? If you had a non-traditional path to college or graduate school, please speak to your preparation for COPHP.

Concurrent Degree (optional)

Application: SOPHAS

Limit: 100 characters max

Will you be pursuing the COPHP Masters of Public Health degree concurrently with a Masters of Urban Planning or Masters of Social Work? If yes, please indicate: the degree (MUP or MSW) and your current status with respect to that program (enrolled or applied). Please note, this question is only for those pursuing MSW and MUP degrees, not certificates. COPHP no longer accepts MSW-clinical track students for the concurrent degree.

Please note, this question is only for those pursuing MSW and MUP degrees, not certificates.

COPHP only accepts concurrent degrees with MUP and MSW. Those interested in pursuing concurrent degrees are strongly encouraged to reach out to the program to discuss course plans, fee structures, and degree timelines.

A

Learn More

HSEED Award (optional)

Application: SOPHAS

The Health Systems Excellence, Equity, and Distinction (HSEED) Award offers up to $5,000 to one incoming student with funds distributed over a 9-month period. Award recipients are notified before autumn quarter begins.

To be considered, complete both the SOPHAS and UW Grad School applications before the January 15 deadline.

Please review this website to determine your eligibility for the HSEED award and select if you would like to be considered.

HSEED Eligibility Criteria

Sigolène Ortega Fund for Social Justice in Public Health Award (optional)

Application: SOPHAS

The Sigolène Ortega Fund for Social Justice in Public Health offers a minimum of $500 to an incoming student (or two) to cover the costs of the application, tuition deposit, relocation costs and/or rent.

Award recipients will be notified prior to start of program.

Please review the eligibility criteria and select if you would like to be considered for the Sigoléne Ortega Fund for Social Justice in Public Health Award.

Criteria for Selecting Awardee(s)
  • An admitted COPHP applicant who enrolls in 10 credits each quarter they are offered funding
  • A student whose admission helps to diversify the COPHP student body to better reflect the communities served by a social justice-oriented public health workforce
  • Leadership potential to serve underserved communities in the field of public health

Step Three: Apply Online

You will need to complete applications through both SOPHAS and the UW Graduate School. Please use the same name and email address on both application portals.

We recommend starting with SOPHAS, but you can begin on either portal. As you proceed through the SOPHAS application, you will also be instructed to complete the UW Graduate School online application. This is a dual process and you will not be able to submit either application until the two are linked.

Review the UW School of Public Health Application FAQs for more details about this requirement.

Ready to Apply?

Complete Your
SOPHAS Application

Complete Your
UW Grad School Application

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SOPHAS Application Checklist

SOPHAS Overview: Information and materials reported in the following sections are shared among all SOPHAS applications — Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Evaluations.

Unlike other quadrants, the Program Materials section is unique to each program you apply to.

Start SOPHAS Application

SOPHAS Application Sections and Materials

UW Graduate School Application Checklist

Create an account with or sign into the UW Graduate School application system and follow the prompts for new or returning applicants.

Start UW Grad School Application

UW Graduate School Application Sections and Materials

SOPHAS Manual Transcript Entry Bypass (Optional)

PLEASE NOTE: The SOPHAS application requires you to both order official transcripts AND manually enter all coursework exactly as it is listed on official college level transcripts. This process takes a significant amount of time, and you should plan to enter this information as early as possible.

We understand the accessibility issues posed by the requirement to manually enter all course work in addition to providing official transcripts. Because of this, we have provided a bypass option for select situations.

Only use the bypass option if you are applying ONLY to the following programs:

  • Community-Oriented Public Health Practice (COPHP) MPH
  • Online MPH
  • Health Systems and Population Health MPH (includes Generalist, Health Systems and Policy, and Social and Behavioral Sciences tracks)

DO NOT use the bypass option if you plan to apply to any additional programs as they likely haven’t made this exception.

Bypass for Manual Transcript Entry

You are eligible to bypass the manual entry, IF you are applying to any of the programs listed above in the UW Department of Health Systems and Population Health (HSPop) AND no other programs.

How to Bypass: You can manually add only one course to the transcript entry section and upload unofficial transcripts later in the application (in the Documents section under the Program Materials section).

When using the bypass option, someone from SOPHAS might contact you about your manual transcript entry being incomplete.

UW Statement of Nondiscrimination

The University of Washington prohibits discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns, make complaints, or direct inquiries to the Civil Rights Compliance Office. The statement of nondiscrimination is located at: uw.edu/civilrights/policies-and-guidance/statement-of-nondiscrimination/