The HSPop Master of Public Health program attracts and welcomes scholars from diverse backgrounds who have a passion for public health practice and research.
HSPop MPH is one of three MPH degree programs offered by the UW Department of Health Systems and Population Health. Each MPH program has their own applications and admissions requirements.
Use this page as a guide to prepare your application materials.
All applications are reviewed as part of a holistic admissions process. The admissions committee will consider several factors including your interest in public health, academic background, letters of recommendation, professional experience, transcripts, career goals, and more.
Autumn 2026 Application Timeline
Application Opens: September 1, 2025
Original Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Earliest Admissions Decisions Shared with Applicants: Mid-February, 2026
Extended Application Deadline: June 1, 2026 – admissions decisions shared on a rolling basis
- Submit the SOPHAS application by 11:59pm Eastern Time / 8:59pm Pacific Time. SOPHAS takes a few days to go into “verified” status after submitting. This is fine as long as all materials are present and you submit by the deadline.
- Submit the UW Grad School application by 2:59am Eastern Time / 11:59pm Pacific Time
- Outside these time zones? Use this time zone converter
Autumn 2027: Application Timeline
Application Opens: September 1, 2026 – To ensure you’re completing the most up-to-date version of the application, do not add the program “to your cart” in either portal before this date
Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
Applicants Notified of Admissions Decisions: Mid-February, 2027
Deadline for Accepted Applicants to Accept Admission Offers: April 15, 2027
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Application Steps
To be considered, prospective students must apply through SOPHAS and the UW Graduate School application portals. We recommend beginning the application process early to ensure all requirements are completed on time.
Step One: Research the Program
Review Our Curriculum and Concentrations
Learn as much as you can about our focus, format, and program expectations to consider if the program is right for you.
All HSPop MPH students complete one of our three concentrations:
- Generalist
- Health Systems and Policy
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Though you may apply to as many UW MPH programs as you like within a single admissions cycle, please DO NOT apply to multiple concentrations listed above as they all belong to the same MPH program and our admissions committee can only review you as one applicant.
Review Eligibility Criteria
Minimum admission requirements:
Review the UW Graduate School’s minimum admissions requirements for the most up-to-date degree, GPA, and English proficiency criteria.
HSPop MPH uses a holistic admissions review process, where we weigh the whole applicant when deciding their readiness and fit for the program.
Applicants who meet the following qualifications tend to be more likely to receive offers, though these are not minimum requirements:
- High academic standing – Most accepted students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Degree in a field related to public health, health services, policy, or social and behavioral sciences
- Ability to demonstrate, through writing, a strong connection between past training progression, potential to succeed in the program, and rationale for how the program will contribute to their career development
- Strong service orientation – passion and aptitude for public health
- Awareness of health inequities, their manifestation, and their own role in the system
- Quantitative readiness – Biostatistics and epidemiology are core courses for MPH students. Some applicants take additional coursework in algebra or statistics to bolster their preparedness in this area.
International and/or Undocumented Applicants
We welcome international and/or undocumented applicants. To learn more about applying to the University of Washington and available financial options, visit our department’s student resources page.
Understand Concurrent Degree Options
Applicants interested in MPH concurrent degree programs should (in most cases) apply to the other program first. If accepted to the other program, students work with that program to determine the appropriate time to subsequently apply to the Health Services MPH program.
Concurrent degree options are available for Health Services MPH students with the following UW degrees:
- Master of Social Work (MSW) from UW School of Social Work
- Master of Urban Planning (MUP) from UW College of Built Environments
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) with UW School of Medicine
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) with UW Evans School of Public Policy & Governance
Attend an Information Session
We highly recommend prospective applicants attend one of our monthly information sessions on Zoom which include time for questions and answers at the end.
For many applicants, the online information session is the most efficient way to learn details about the program, research, admissions, etc. while also hearing questions they might not think to ask.
Questions? Contact Us or Book an Advising Appointment
For questions about the program and the application process, please email us (hservask@uw.edu).
Or to schedule a prospective student advising appointment over Zoom, use the link below.
Step Two: Prepare to Apply
Recommended timeline:
- Before the application opens/as early as possible: Get permission from references to list them on your application. Obtain unofficial transcripts and English language proficiency scores.
- Draft written materials, obtain unofficial transcripts, designate people to write letters of recommendation, and apply early for fee waivers.
General Application Materials
Application Fees & Waivers
SOPHAS Fee: $150 for the first program, $60 for each additional program
- Visit the SOPHAS fee waiver policy and instructions for eligibility and to learn how to request waivers
- 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 and can take 10 days to process! 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
- While your fee waiver request is pending, you will be unable to submit your application. To submit your application and forfeit your waiver request, return to the Fee Assistance Program section and click Cancel Request. Once you submit your application, you are ineligible to apply for another fee waiver.
UW Graduate School Application Fee: $90
- Request a waiver prior to submitting your application, and at least seven days before the application deadline to ensure UW staff has sufficient time to review your request and then go in and pay the fee for you. The fee cannot be reimbursed!
- If you requested an application fee waiver on time, do not pay for or submit your application until you receive approval or denial for the fee waiver.
There are two routes to obtain fee waivers, please check your eligibility in this order:
- UW Grad School Fee Waivers – Check whether you’re eligible for the UW Grad School application fee waiver BEFORE checking the HSPop dept waiver policy. If eligible, follow the instructions on the this link.
- HSPop Dept. Fee Waivers – Only request a waiver from HSPop if you do not qualify for the Grad School fee waiver. If eligible, follow the instructions on the above link.
Transcripts
SOPHAS and UW Graduate School Application
UW Graduate School Application:
- Upload a PDF of your unofficial transcripts from each college or university where you earned a degree or completed relevant coursework.
UW will only request official transcripts when an offer of admission is made (international applicants) or accepted (domestic applicants).
SOPHAS Application:
- Order official transcripts from each collegiate level institution attended.
- Manual transcript entry – Enter all of the coursework you completed. Details can be found on the SOPHAS website.
- Upload a PDF of your unofficial transcripts from each college or university where you earned a degree or completed relevant coursework.
More information:
A transcript is considered official when it is sent directly from one academic institution to another.
A transcript is considered unofficial if you have access to it, even if it says “official” at the top. To obtain unofficial transcripts, download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies.
You may omit transcripts that are redundant or irrelevant to this degree, such as minor transcripts for coursework that is irrelevant to the program.
List of Coursework (Transcript Entry)
SOPHAS Application
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 can take a significant amount of time, and we recommend entering this information as early as possible.
GRE Scores (Optional)
SOPHAS Application
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)
SOPHAS and UW Graduate School Application
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. It can take several days or even weeks for some testing servicse to send scores. So do this early.
UW Institution Code: 4854
Letters of Recommendation (3)
SOPHAS Application
Requirements:
- Three (3) letters
- Often professors, academic advisors, supervisors, or mentors; recommenders should be familiar with your academic goals and potential for achieving those goals. In these letters, recommenders should address the general topic of your suitability for the program, as well as how they know you and for how long.
- The HSPop MPH program doesn’t require a specific number of academic vs professional references, though it’s ideal to have a mix of both.
- Note: It’s your responsibility to determine each programs specific requirements around roles and relationships. For example, the UW COPHP MPH program requires at least one academic reference who can specifically speak to your readiness for graduate school.
- We do not have the capacity to review more than three letters, though applicants are permitted to have multiple people from one university/organization sign the same letter and designate one person to submit it.
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.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
SOPHAS Application
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.
Application IDs
SOPHAS and UW Graduate School Application
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.
Written Statements
SOPHAS Application
Note, the UW SPH or the MPH program may make edits to these prompts as late as mid-summer before the application opens. If you prepare these statements before September, double check that your essays still align with the prompts. AI/language learning models should not be used to write application essays.
Essays Required by the UW School of Public Health
This section’s essays will automatically transfer to any additional UW MPH programs you apply to during the same application cycle.
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 should not be the same as your Statement of Purpose.
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.
This question is not intended to ask you to share personal information you are not comfortable providing.
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 our listed values.
Essays Required by the HSPop MPH Program
This section’s essays will not transfer to other MPH applications. They will only be seen by reviewers of this specific MPH program.
Statement of Purpose
Limit: 1,800 characters max (277-360 words)
Your Statement of Purpose is intended to give you the opportunity to describe your education, prior work/volunteer experience, and/or professional career goals and how the HSPop MPH program will help you meet them.
Academic Preparation (optional)
Limit: 1,000 characters max
Is there anything that is not obvious in your transcript or resume that you would like to share that would indicate preparation for the writing and quantitative demands of the program.
This section’s essays will automatically transfer to any additional UW MPH programs you apply to during the same application cycle.
Concurrent Degrees/Fellowships
Applicants who intend to pursue the MPH as a concurrent degree with another UW program, should indicate which UW program and their current status with respect to that program. (Please enter NA if not applicable)
Applicants currently with UW fellowship, should indicate which UW fellowship and their current status with respect to that program. (Please enter NA if not applicable)
HSEED Award (optional)
Limit: 1,800 characters max
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.
Before starting your application, learn about the HSEED Award and eligibility criteria. You will need to describe how you are eligible for the HSEED Award based on the eligibility criteria.
The recipient will be notified before Autumn quarter begins.
Step Three: Apply Online
Complete applications through both SOPHAS and the UW Graduate School application portals.
Please make sure your name, email address, and the program/concentration match on both 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. Review the UW School of Public Health Application FAQs for more details.
Ready to Apply for Autumn 2026?
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.
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 Health Systems and Population Health 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 your desired HSPop MPH concentration (Apply to only ONE of the following concentrations, ensure the program title matches on your UW Grad School application)
- Health Systems and Population Health-General
- Health Systems and Population Health-Health Systems and Policy
- Health Systems and Population Health-Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 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
- Personal History Statement
- Mission, vision, and values statement
- Questions required by the Health Systems and Population Health MPH program
- UW Graduate School Application ID
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic Preparation (optional)
- Concurrent/Dual Degrees (optional)
- Current Fellowships (optional)
- HSEED Award Application (optional)
- Documents
- Unofficial Transcripts (Upload PDFs):
- Request a fee waiver OR pay the nonrefundable fee
- Request a waiver BEFORE submitting your application. SOPHAS provides a limited number of fee waivers to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis and they do run out.
- Final Step: Submit the application
UW Graduate School Application Checklist
Create an account or sign into the UW Graduate School application system and follow the prompts for new or returning applicants.
Start UW Graduate School Application
UW Graduate School Application Sections and Materials
- Complete Sections
- Profile
- Select your graduate program and ONE concentration (Apply to only ONE of the following concentrations, ensure the program title matches your SOPHAS application)
- Health Systems and Population Health (MPH – General)
- Health Systems and Population Health (MPH – Health Systems and Policy)
- Health Systems and Population Health (MPH – Social and Behavioral Sciences)
- Review requirements and deadlines
- Report prior schools attended
- Unofficial transcripts (Upload PDFs)
- Enter SOPHAS application number
- Verify personal data
- Pay the nonrefundable application fee OR request a waiver
- Submit your waiver request at least seven days before the application deadline and before before submitting your application. The fee cannot be reimbursed.
- 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/