BSPH Admissions

Application Deadline

Applications are due the second Tuesday in January. Application instructions can be found here.

Undergraduate students at UNC Chapel Hill typically apply to the HPM major in the middle of their second year. We generally only consider applications from first year students who are planning to graduate from UNC in three years. The HPM major is a cohort-based program with a structured curriculum that is designed to be completed in two years. We do not offer the option to spread out the HPM major course requirements over three years.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems with the online BSPH application, please contact: UNCSlateSupport@unc.edu

Admission Criteria

Pre-requisite Coursework

Admissions FAQ

• When can I apply?

  Undergraduate students at UNC Chapel Hill typically apply to the HPM major in the middle of their second year (i.e. sophomore year). Applications open in September and are due the 2nd Tuesday of January.

• Can I apply during my first year at UNC if I have completed the prerequisites?

  We generally only consider applications from first year students who are planning to graduate from UNC in three years. The HPM major is a cohort-based program with a structured curriculum that is designed to be completed in two years. We do not offer the option to spread out the HPM major course requirements over three years.

• Do I have to have all my pre-requisites complete before I apply?

  No. We encourage applicants to complete as many prerequisites as possible before applying, but it is OK to have one in progress during the spring of your second year (i.e. sophomore year). If you have two or more prerequisites in progress at the time of your application, the admissions committee may hold your application until spring grades are available.

• Do you accept AP/BE/transfer credit for prerequisites?

  Yes. Your UNC transcript must reflect the AP/BE/transfer credit.

• Do you limit the number of prerequisites I can fulfill through AP/BE/transfer credit?

  No. You may fulfill one or more prerequisites with AP/BE/transfer credit.

• Who should I ask to write my two required letters of recommendation?

  Ask individuals who know you well – or who are willing to get to know you well. At least one of your letters should be from someone qualified to evaluate your academic qualifications. This will most likely be an instructor for a course you took at UNC. It could also be a graduate student teaching assistant or lab instructor or high school teacher if you feel they know you best. Your second letter may also be academic or from someone who knows you in a more professional capacity, such as a work or volunteer supervisor or mentor. Be sure letters are submitted by the deadline.

• What are you looking for in the letters of recommendation?

  We are looking for insights into your academic performance, experiences, interests, career goals, and/or strengths, such as communication skills, analytical skills, teamwork, and professionalism.

• Can I submit more than the two required letters of recommendation?

  No. The admissions committee will only consider two letters of recommendation.

• You’ve noted demonstrated interest in health policy, health management and/or public health is an important admission criterion. How can I show this interest? What are ways I can gain experience and get involved before applying?

  -The admissions committee isn’t looking for one specific type of experience. We want you to explore areas that are of interest to you! Typically, students demonstrate interest in the field through campus involvement, volunteer and work activities, and/or lived experience.

  -Here are some ideas to help you learn more about the field and get involved before applying:

       -Take a public health related course
       -Get involved in public health related activities
       -Explore public health resources

• What is required for the personal statement?

  -The admissions committee is looking for strong written communication skills and a clear description of why you want to study HPM. We want to get to know you! Here are the prompts for the personal statement (1,000 words or less):

  1. Why are you interested in this major/field of public health (including specific track, if applicable)? We are especially interested in learning about any personal experiences and/or activities (e.g., volunteer, paid, extra-curricular, courses, projects, research, etc.) that motivated you to apply.

  2. What do you hope to gain from this major and how will this major help prepare you for your longer-term academic and career goals?
• I understand that HPM requires an interview. Do you interview everyone who applies?

  No. The admissions committee typically selects ~60 applicants to move forward to the interview phase of the admissions process. If you are not selected for an interview, you will be notified.

• What should I expect from the interview process?

  Interviews are approximately 30 minutes with a member of the admissions committee. The interview allows us to get to know you better, including your interests and goals, your understanding of the HPM major, and your desire and ability to work well on teams.

• When will I receive my admission decision?

  Final admission decisions will be sent by the end of February.