The residential Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree curriculum develops research and analytical skills of early and midcareer public health and healthcare researchers who aspire to careers in health systems & services research, analysis, and evaluation in the public and private sector.

Overview. The MSPH is a professional degree designed to prepare students for careers in health policy analysis, planning, development, evaluation, and advocacy at local, state, federal, and international levels as well as in the private sector. The MSPH degree is particularly appropriate for individuals interested in pursuing careers in public policy, public advocacy organizations, consulting research organizations, federal and state government entities, public health departments, non-governmental organizations, and international health organizations. Students obtain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system, policy analysis, and analytic methods. See the MSPH Plan of Study.

Growth. The MSPH program support students in their academic and professional development through a series of professional development courses, faculty mentorship, student organizations and interactions with renowned research faculty in the Gillings School of Global Public Health.

Value. The MSPH program at Gillings provides superior value. UNC continues to keep in state and out of state tuition rates modest and graduate students from outside North Carolina have an opportunity to qualify for in state tuition during their second year. The University, school and department also provide a variety of merit and need based awards. Approximately 75% of students in the program receive some type of financial award during their first year. Additionally, second year students are eligible for teaching assistantships.

Results. 100% of MSPH graduates have secured full-time employment in the field within 3 months of graduation. Graduates from the MSPH program have secured positions in the following organizations. Students in the MSPH program may also apply to continue studies in the PhD program. See our Job Placement page for additional information on placement outcomes.

Dual degree options.  Many MSPH students also pursue dual degrees. A MSPH/MBA is available in partnership with the Kenan-Flagler School of Business and an MSPH/MSIS dual degree is available in partnership with the top ranked UNC School of Information and Library Science. More information on dual degree options is available on our Dual Degrees page.

Competency Model. In addition to the MPH foundational competencies, MSPH degree specific competencies include:

• Examine past, current, and emerging issues related to the organization, financing, and management of health delivery in the US (HPM department-wide competency).
• Apply the appropriate health services research methods to analyze and inform key health services or health policy questions.
• Conduct and interpret advanced statistical methods.
• Use micro-economic theory to understand consumer and provider behavior in healthcare markets.
• Apply decision science and economic evaluation methods to effectively measure, model, and summarize health outcomes and their value to stakeholders.
• Design and implement a study using the appropriate research design and analytic methods.
• Use research evidence to identify implications for health policy or management.

Tuition and Fees

The latest information on costs for the Master’s programs can be found by visiting the most current Tuition and Fee Rates document, found under the “Charges for Attendance (Tuition and Fee Rates)” heading on the University Cashier’s web site. Scroll down to the Health Affairs/School of Public Health section of the document.

Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.

HPM Fees – in addition to university fees

Internship Fee – $450.00
Professional Training I Fee – $550.00
Professional Training II and III Fees – $500.00 each

Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.

Need financial assistance? See our Financial Aid Information.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for all programs can be found here.

NOTE: Your application must be complete and include all required materials. Applications typically become available for the coming academic year in September.

Master’s Programs Admission Requirements

Before applying, please see our Which Master’s Degree is Right for You? page to ensure your eligibility for your program of choice. If you have questions, contact HPM Student Services.

PLEASE NOTE: Residential candidates are required to travel to Chapel Hill for an in-person interview. Phone/Skype interviews may be arranged for applicants who are currently located out of the country.

Minimum requirements necessary for application to Residential Master’s Programs:

• An undergraduate degree with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (4.0 grading scale)
• Relevant health care work experience
• Applicants are advised to prepare in microeconomics and statistics.

Required Application Materials

For MHA and MSPH:

• Completion of online Graduate School application. Start your application by creating an account and following the instructions. Applications for the next academic year are available in August. A current email address is a required field on the application since all correspondence is conducted by email. If you have problems with the online form, contact the Graduate School.
• Nonrefundable application fee. In some instances the application fee may be waived; please see the Graduate School’s Application Fee Waiver page if you have questions or need more information on eligibility.
• Transcripts (complete, not selected courses). One unofficial transcript from each university attended must be uploaded within the application. If offered admission, one paper official transcript for each university attended will be required. If you have questions or need more information about preparing transcripts, please see the Graduate School’s transcript information here.
• The email address of three recommenders is required within the application for electronic submission and delivery.
• Submission of GRE scores is not required.
• Personal Statement:
  Please upload a two page (double spaced) statement addressing the following:
  • How will this degree program at UNC-CH contribute to your projected career?
  • What is your experience working in teams and what can you contribute to a team?
  • How will your lived experiences and strengths contribute to a positive learning environment?
  • Please provide any additional information that will help us to evaluate your application.

International Applicants

In addition to the materials listed above, international applicants must submit the following:

• TOEFL or IELTS score (no more than 2 years old). UNC is institution #5816. For more information about these tests, see the Graduate School’s TOEFL and IELTS instruction page.

Applicants are advised to prepare in microeconomics and statistics.

Dual and Concurrent Degree Applicants

Students must apply separately and be accepted by each program of interest. See more information about dual degrees.

Application Status

You may monitor the status of your application by logging into your account and following the instructions.

Mailing Addresses

Department of Health Policy and Management
Student Services Office
University of North Carolina
120 Rosenau Hall
#CB 7411
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7411

Graduate School
UNC Graduate School
200 Bynum Hall
CB #4010
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-4010

Additional Helpful Links

Prospective Student Information

Residency Requirements and Information

Contact Information

Office of Student Affairs
Contact your academic coordinator.

See our Frequently Asked Questions about the Master’s Program.