Find answers to frequently asked questions about the HSPop Master of Science program below.
Admissions
Admission application deadlines and details can be found on the HSPop MS admissions page.
How do applicants apply?
HSPop MS applicants need to apply through the UW Graduate School online applicant system as directed on our admissions page.
Does the program accept transfer credits?
The HSPop MS program may accept a limited number of transfer credits that have not been applied to a previous graduate degree. It is also possible to waive out of certain courses or replace them with advanced courses because of previous experience. Waiving out of courses cannot be guaranteed beforehand, and arrangements are coordinated once the student is enrolled in the program.
Do applicants need to submit official transcripts?
No. Applicants upload a PDF of their unofficial transcripts in their application.
Official transcripts will be only requested when an offer of admission is made.
What is the process and deadline for submitting GRE scores?
Submission of GRE scores is optional for students who feel that their scores are a better representation of their current academic preparedness for the program than their transcripts.
See the HSPop MS admissions webpage for details.
Can applicants defer their acceptance to next year?
No, our program does not offer admission deferrals to incoming students. If applicants receive an offer of admission and are unable to attend, they will need to reapply for a future term.
Please Note: Receiving an offer of admission one year does not guarantee admission in a later year, and we therefore encourage applicants to think carefully about their timing before submitting an application and/or before deciding whether to accept or decline an offer of admission.
Can graduate non-matriculated (GNM) students take HSPop MS courses?
It may be possible to take certain courses as a non-matriculated student. Read the information on GNM/NM registration and contact the student services counselor (hservmph@uw.edu) to discuss options.
Learn MoreVisiting
For information on visiting and/or sitting in on a class, view the HSPop MS contact page.
Program Information
More detailed information about the HSPop M.S. program is in the about and program experience section of our website.
What is the difference between the HSPop MPH and MS programs?
The HSPop Master of Science is pursued by those who are more research-oriented. They typically have research experience and often have advanced degrees, such as an MD. They also might be clinical fellows. The MS program offers two tracks: Generalist track and a Clinical and Translational Research track, which is available to students in certain fellowship programs.
Students in both programs are mentored by many of the same faculty. The MPH program is more cohort-oriented and for students who are interested in both/either public health practice or research. Unlike the MS degree, the MPH requires the practicum project and has more course requirements.
Since the MS program has less foundational public health course requirements, it allows more time to pursue advanced research courses.
Can students complete the HSPop MS program part-time?
The HSPop MS program is intended to be a full-time, two-year program. While it is sometimes possible to extend this period because of unforeseeable circumstances, most students complete the degree in two years.
Cost and Financial Support
Please find costs and financial support information on the HSPop MS cost and aid page.
International and Undocumented Applicants
We welcome applications from international and/or undocumented applicants. Learn more about the details and requirements on the UW Department of Health Systems and Population Health (HSPop) website.