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 2027 Admissions Timeline
Application open: September 1, 2026
Priority deadline: January 15, 2027
Earliest admissions decisions: shared with applicants: Mid-February 2027
Accepted Applicants Decision Deadline: April 15, 2027
Update 6/4/26: COPHP is no longer accepting applications for 2026 entry.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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!
- UW Grad School | Fee Waivers – Determine your eligibility for the UW Grad School application fee waiver first.
- Dept. of HSPop | Fee Waivers – Only request a waiver from HSPop if you do not qualify for the Grad School fee waiver.
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.
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.
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
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
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 Request Recommendations on SOPHAS
Under the Supporting Information > Recommendations section, SOPHAS will prompt you to create recommendation requests.
- Provide names, emails, a personal message (≤500 words), and the date by which you would like this recommendation completed. This date should be before the application deadline.
- Once you save each request, SOPHAS will send an email to the recommender with a link to a secure website where they will submit their letter.
- Use the Recommendations tab in the program materials section to track “Requested” vs “Completed” statuses. You are expected to be in contact with each recommender to make sure that the letters are submitted by the application deadline.
- You can submit your application before your recommenders submit their letters. You will be able to return to the online application to check whether letters have been submitted.
Tips:
1. Do not wait until late in the application cycle to designate recommenders!
- Choose your recommenders early in, or prior to, the application cycle. Reach out to references on your own to request permission to list them on your application to ensure they have adequate time to submit your recommendation.
- Prepare your recommenders. Inform them about the process and that they will be completing the recommendation electronically. We recommend getting their preferred email address and asking that they monitor that inbox (including junk or spam folders) for your recommendation request. It will come from support@sophas.myliaison.com.
- Add references to your application early once the application opens. This courteous gesture will give them adequate time to write and submit your letters and troubleshoot if they have any technical issues. Do not wait until close to the due date, when many references are occupied with end of quarter/semester responsibilities or Thanksgiving time off.
These letters will be seen by all programs you apply to through SOPHAS, both in and outside the UW. If you plan to apply to multiple programs, let your references know ahead of time to refrain from naming specific schools or programs in their letters.
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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.
Written Statements
Written Statements Required by the UW School of Public Health
Your responses to this section’s prompts will automatically transfer to any additional UW MPH programs you apply to during the same application cycle. So we suggest you write these essays generally so they’re appropriate for multiple programs.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Attestation
By proceeding forward, I attest that the contents of my supplemental writings, objectives and any additional essays thereafter are original and composed by me in its entirety. I certify that I have had no assistance from other individuals beyond providing feedback on my drafts, and that I have not used an artificial intelligence (AI) essay generator (e.g.ChatGPT) or other online source for the content. Please confirm with your full name below.
Personal History Statement
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. This statement may include information about who you are as a person; your family or 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
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 the values listed on our website.
Written Statements Required by the COPHP MPH Program
Your responses in this section will only be seen by reviewers of this specific MPH program. They will not be viewable by reviewers of other programs you apply to.
Application ID
Applicants are required to submit an application through the University of Washington (UW) Graduate School. To link your UW and SOPHAS applications, your 9-digit Application ID, unique to the Health Systems and Population Health: Community-Oriented Public Health Practice program, will need to be entered below. (Please note that each UW SPH application you choose to submit requires its own UW application and will provide its own unique ID number to include in your SOPHAS application.)
If you have not already done so, please start your UW application by clicking the “Create an Account Profile” on this page: Apply Grad . On the “Program Selection” page, select: “Graduate” and and select the program: “Health Systems and Population Health: (MPH- Community-Oriented Public Health Practice)” from the dropdown menu. Complete the required prompts on this page then select “Save and Continue.” Once you’ve completed this page your application ID specific to COPHP can be found in the top right corner of your application.*
Enter your 9-digit Application ID below. The Application ID is available in the upper-right hand corner of your UW Graduate School application.
Statement of Purpose
Limit: 3,000 characters max
Your Statement of Purpose is intended to give you the opportunity to describe your education, prior work/volunteer experience, and/or professional career goals. Your Statement needs to include:
- Why you are interested in public health and your career goals
- Your reasons for pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, and why you are interested in attending the University of Washington School of Public Health
- What aspects of this program specifically attract you to this program, such as its problem-based learning pedagogy, focus on public health practice, and multiple service-learning opportunities?
- The skills you hope to gain by obtaining an MPH
Please respond to all bullet points.
Time Management
Limit: 1,000 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. Dedication of approximately 20-30 hours per week for academic work is expected of all COPHP students. Please detail your strategies for effectively balancing the demands of a full time graduate program with your working, life, and other commitments.
Concurrent Degree
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.
Note: COPHP only accepts concurrent degrees with MUP and MSW. Those interested in pursuing concurrent degrees are strongly encouraged to reach out to (uwcophp@uw.edu) to discuss course plans, fee structures, and degree timelines.
Academic Preparation
Limit: 1,000 characters max
Describe your preparation for the writing and quantitative demands of the program. Please also address any academic challenges you have experienced (ie. GPA below 3.0 or failed courses) needing additional context.
HSEED Award and Ortega Fund Application (optional)
Limit: 2,500 characters max
Please describe your academic achievements, leadership qualities, and dedication to equity and excellence. Award recipients will be notified prior to start of program.
About the awards
HSEED Award
The Health Systems Excellence, Equity and Distinction (HSEED) Award offers up to $5,000 to one incoming student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership qualities, and commitment to equity.
The Sigolene Ortega Fund for Social Justice in Public Health
The Sigolene 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.
Eligibility criteria:
- 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
Those applying to the HSEED Award will automatically be considered for the Sigolene Ortega Fund. Your submission will be used for both awards, you are not required to submit a second essay.
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.
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.
SOPHAS Application Sections and Materials
- Complete General Sections
- Personal Information
- Profile and demographic information
- Academic History
- Enter high schools and colleges attended
- Transcripts
- Order official transcripts
- Transcript Entry: Manually enter coursework exactly as listed on transcripts; bypass information below.
- Standardized test scores
- GRE (optional)
- English Language Proficiency Score (if required)
- Supporting Information
- Personal Information
- Add the COPHP MPH program to your application:
Under ‘Program Materials,’ click ‘Add a Program’- On the ‘Add Programs’ page, locate the section titled “University of Washington School of Public Health”
- Click the + icon (left column) that corresponds with the Health Services Community-Oriented Public Health Practice
- Click ‘My Application’ (top left)
- Complete the Program Materials Section
- UW Graduate School application ID number
- Questions required by the UW School of Public Health
- Use of AI Attestation
- Personal History Statement
- Mission, Vision, and Values Statement
- Questions required by the COPHP MPH program
- Application ID
- Statement of Purpose
- Time Management
- Academic Preparation
- Concurrent Degree (optional)
- HSEED Award and Ortega Fund (optional)
- Documents (optional)
- Unofficial Transcripts (PDFs): This is only for applicants who are ONLY applying for the Health Services MPH, Community-Oriented Public Health Practice (COPHP) MPH, or Online MPH program who want to bypass manually entering all their coursework. Do NOT bypass manually entering all coursework if applying to ANY OTHER programs. See details below.
- Request a fee waiver OR pay the nonrefundable fee
- Requesting a waiver must be done BEFORE submitting an application. A limited number of fee waivers are provided to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Final Step: Submit the application
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
- Complete Sections
- Profile
- Select your program: Health Systems and Population Health (MPH – Community Oriented Public Health Practice)
- Review requirements and deadlines
- Report prior schools attended
- Upload unofficial transcripts (PDF)
- Enter SOPHAS application number
- Verify personal data
- Pay the nonrefundable fee OR request a waiver
- Requesting a waiver must be done BEFORE submitting an application AND at least seven days BEFORE the application deadline.
- Final Step: Submit the application
SOPHAS Manual Transcript Entry Bypass Option (Limited eligibility)
SOPHAS requires applicants to order official transcripts and manually enter all coursework exactly as it is listed on official college level transcripts.
Manual entry can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly. SOPHAS offers the alternative option to pay for professional transcript entry, (processing time ~ 10 days). If you use this service, you will still need to review and correct any errors.
Coursework Entry Bypass (Limited Eligibility
To ease the time required to manually enter all course work, our department has provided a bypass option for SELECT situations.
Use the bypass option only if you are applying exclusively to one or more of the following programs:
- UW Community-Oriented Public Health Practice (COPHP) MPH
- UW Online MPH
- UW 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 MPH programs, unless they explicitly state that they also allow a coursework entry bypass.
Each program sets its own application requirements. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm requirements for every program you apply to.
Bypass for Manual Transcript Entry
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, SOPHAS will contact you about your manual transcript entry being incomplete. Your application will remain in “undelivered” status, but our admissions committee will be able to see your materials and review your application.
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/