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At UNC-Chapel Hill, applicants interested in graduate programs apply and are admitted through The UNC Graduate School rather than to specific departments or schools. The UNC Graduate School charges its own application fee.

Our admissions committees review each application using some or all of the following criteria: academics (academic performance and test scores), work experience, research experience, letters of recommendation and personal statement.

Answer questions requested in the program’s personal statement prompt. Clearly define your career goals. Demonstrate that you understand what the program offers and demands. Provide details of any experience relevant to your program of interest. Highlight strengths and experiences that extend beyond your grades and test scores. If you can identify weaknesses in your application, admissions committee members likely will be able to identify them, too. Address weaknesses directly by explaining extenuating circumstances as appropriate or providing evidence that your skill levels are reflected more accurately by some other assessment. These details may be included in your statement of interest.

You should submit a mix of academic and professional recommendation letters. Recommendations should come from professional or academic sources best qualified to evaluate the applicant’s potential as a graduate student. Avoid soliciting letters from family friends, other students or employees you supervise.

The UNC Graduate School notifies students of their admissions decisions and the timeline varies between each program.

All prospective students, including those with previous college credits in related degree programs, must complete an application as a new student. Individual departments may or may not accept credits earned at another institution. Such decisions typically are based on a review of course syllabi by the program director.

Master’s students may transfer up to 30 percent of the credits required for a degree. Credit transfers must be approved by the UNC program in which you are enrolled and by the UNC Graduate School.

Yes, the Online Master of Public Health program has a different application portal.

Prospective graduate students for the Online MPH can also request information using the online form or learn more about the program by visiting the program website.