How to Apply
How do I apply to a program at the Gillings School of Global Public Health?
Find the right degree program for you with the Gillings Program Search (GPS) tool.
Each program has a different set of criteria, application expectations and application deadlines.
If you’re interested in the online MPH degree program, request information for MPH@UNC.
Fill out the Prospective Student Inquiry Form to request more information about a particular program or degree.
The application process involves a few basic steps.
- Choose the appropriate application steps for the program of your choice. You can find tailored information and application instructions for each program using the Gillings Program Search (GPS). Simply choose a program on the GPS, and then select the “Application Details” of that program.
- The online MPH program (MPH@UNC) does not use SOPHAS for applications. If you are interested in MPH@UNC, find your application details at Applying to MPH@UNC.
- Apply to your program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Answers
Does the online Master of Public Health program (MPH@UNC) have a different application? Where can I find more information about the online MPH program?
Yes, the online Master of Public Health program (MPH@UNC) has a different application portal. Visit the sign-up page to apply.
Prospective graduate students for MPH@UNC can also request information using the online form or learn more about the program by visiting the program website.
I am submitting my application to a Gillings School graduate program through SOPHAS. Why am I also expected to apply directly to UNC-Chapel Hill and pay another fee?
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.
Can you give me an idea of general criteria used to review applications to the Gillings School’s graduate programs?
Use the GPS to find specific details on each program’s criteria and expectations for applicants. 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
- Personal statement
Prospective graduate students also should review The Graduate School’s admissions criteria.
What should I include in my 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.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
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.
When will I hear that I’ve been admitted to the program?
The UNC Graduate School notifies students of their admissions decisions and the timeline varies between each program. Please contact your student services manager for more information about your program.
I’m interested in transferring from another institution to one of your programs. Is that feasible? And if so, how?
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.
Do your programs accept transfer credits?
Master’s students may transfer up to 20 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.
Still have questions?
Contact the student services staff member who supports your program of interest.
Department Information
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Apply to Biostatistics
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Uniquely situated in a school of public health, our interdisciplinary programs in air quality and atmospheric processes, human exposure and health effects, and sustainable water resources draw from faculty expertise in the physical and life sciences, engineering and policy.
Apply to Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Dr. Ralph Baric works with a student in his research laboratory.
Renowned faculty members provide students with training in effective research practices and methods. We also work with our students to apply their epidemiology research to a variety of health problems here in North Carolina and across the world.
Apply to Epidemiology
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Our faculty members include experts from behavioral science, communications, health education, international health, medicine, medical sociology and social psychology.
Apply to Health Behavior
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Department faculty members are committed to ensuring that all people, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity or economic resources, have access to high-quality health-care services.
Apply to Health Policy and Management
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We are dedicated to improving the health of women, children and families — in North Carolina and around the world. Our teaching program provides students with broad exposure to maternal and child health population needs and priorities, as well as the skills to become tomorrow’s public health leaders.
Apply to Maternal and Child Health
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We have created an innovative program that capitalizes on both these schools’ historical approaches to health, giving our department an unusual breadth of scientific and policy approaches — spanning from cell to society, moving from discovery to delivery.
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Dr. Rohit Ramaswamy assists a student in one of his global health courses.
Building upon varied professional experience, students learn collaboratively to assess community health needs, develop innovative policies and programs and assure that new systems are maintained and improved.