Public Health (MPH) Application Instructions

MPH Eligibility and Prerequisite Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Baccalaureate Degree

A completed bachelor's or graduate degree from an institution that is accredited by one of the regional accrediting organizations (e.g. Higher Learning Commission).

Grade Point Average

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or higher on a 4.0 scale. If the applicant's GPA is less than 3.0, official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required.

Prerequisites

Specific prerequisite courses are required for the MPH program; review the next section for details.

Prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of C or above (pass/fail or S/U grading is not acceptable), with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

The following college-level prerequisite courses must be completed (with grades posted) at the time of application to the MPH program:

  • Statistics (3-4 semester credits)
    • Course content should include: reliability, validity, experimental control and design, statistical inference and comparison of group means, correlation and regression.
    • St. Kate’s equivalent: ECON 1080, ECON 1090, HLTH 1090, PSYC 1090, STAT 1090
  • Health-related science course (4 semester credits)
    • This must be a lab-based course, generally offered through Biology or Chemistry departments, related to biological impacts on human health and disease.
    • Best examples from St. Kate's include the following courses: BIOL 1120, BIOL 1710, BIOL 2400, BIOL 2410, CHEM 1110. Others will be reviewed upon application for admission.

We strongly recommend that the courses are completed within 10 years of beginning the MPH program.

Applicants must achieve a grade of C or higher in each required prerequisite course, with a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or above; AP credits do not fulfill prerequisite requirements. Only one prerequisite course may be repeated one time; this includes withdrawals (older courses may be repeated if originally taken over the time limit with a grade of C or better).

**COVID-19 Exception: We strongly recommend that prerequisite courses (especially the health-related science course) be completed for a letter grade.  However, in light of many institutions mandating all Spring 2020 courses be Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (or Pass/Fail) or are allowing students the choice, we will accept a Satisfactory or Pass designation for any prerequisite course completed in the Spring 2020 term only.

Use the online Transfer Evaluation System (TES) resource to determine if a specific course you have taken (or plan to take) will fulfill an MPH in Global Health prerequisite requirement. All St. Catherine course equivalencies listed in TES are fully verified by our Registrar's Office.

How to use TES:

  1. Make note of the St. Catherine department abbreviation
    (BIOL, CHEM, MATH, etc.) and course numbers for the "St. Kate's equivalent" course list.
  2. Connect to TES
  3. Identify the institution from which you have completed courses (or plan to complete courses). You may search for institutions using the “Find Transfer College by Name” search box, or use the alphabetical index provided.
  4. Enter the course code for one of our MPH in Global Health prerequisites (e.g., MATH 1080). Select “Home Course” and click on Search. This will identify any courses from the institution that are equivalent to the St. Catherine prerequisite course. You could also enter the code for the other institution’s course, and select “Transfer Course” and Search. This will identify any St. Catherine courses that might be equivalent to the other institution’s course.

If you have searched via TES and can’t find a specific school or course listing, contact your admission counselor for assistance. Please include the institution, course name and number, and course description in your email.

How do I apply?

If you are seeking to lead and influence in the field of global public health, St. Catherine University invites you to apply for admission to the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health program.

Please read the application instructions below before completing the online application at the bottom of this page.

Deadlines

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2021 consideration.

Entry-Level

The priority deadline for entry-level applicants has been extended to April 15 (11:59 p,m, EST) for fall enrollment. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. First priority for admission and for scholarship awards will be given to those who submit applications along with all required materials by April 15.

Final application deadline is July 15. All application materials MUST be submitted by that deadline for fall consideration.

We strongly encourage candidates to complete the application process at least one month prior to the deadline to ensure that all materials are received.

3+2 Dual Degree

3+2 dual degree applicants have a hard deadline and must apply by January 15 for fall enrollment. Please reach out to your academic advisor in the fall prior to confirm eligibility.

Entry-Level Applicants

Entry-level applicants are individuals who have completed/will complete a bachelor’s degree from another institution and are applying as first-year graduate students. All entry-level applications are processed through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). There is no supplemental application that needs to be submitted to St. Kate's; only the SOPHAS application will be reviewed.

Personal Statement

The personal statement should be 800-1000 words in length using 12-point font and double spacing. The admission committee considers both the quality of content and written communication skills. The personal statement should address the following:

  • How did you become interested in public health in general and global health specifically?
  • What areas of public health are you most interested in? For example, is there a specific population or health topic that interests you most?
  • How will an MPH in Global Health help you meet your career goals?
  • Why is St. Kate’s MPH in Global Health the best fit for you?

If you are an applicant who does not meet one or more of the following requirements, please include an explanation of factors that affected previous academic performance, as well as your plan to ensure academic success in a graduate program. This statement should be limited to 400 words and is in addition to the personal statement described above.

  • Cumulative GPA
  • Prerequisite GPA
  • Completion of prerequisite courses

MPH in Global Health Mission Scholarship

This is an optional topic — it is not required as part of the application process for admission into the graduate program. PLEASE NOTE: current undergraduate students applying for the dual degree are not eligible. Only entry-level applicants who wish to be considered for this scholarship should address the topic below (one page, included as a separate topic in the personal statement).

The vision for the Master of Public Health in Global Health program is a world where underserved communities, locally and abroad, have achieved health equity. Our mission is to: 1) diversify the public health workforce 2) prepare students to engage and collaborate with communities both locally and abroad, and 3) advance health equity. The University awards scholarships to new students who are committed to advancing this mission. To aid the committee in determining your eligibility for MPH in Global Health Mission Scholarships, please comment on how you have applied these principles in your own work and life in the past, or your goals for applying them in the future.

Recommendations

Two recommendations should be completed by individuals who can attest to the intellectual ability, professional competence and leadership ability of the applicant. Only professional or academic references will be considered; personal references are not acceptable.

Transcripts

All transcripts must be submitted to SOPHAS. Please submit from every post-secondary institution attended, even if courses are recorded on another transcript and regardless of the number of credits earned.

GRE Scores

If your cumulative GPA is below a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be submitted directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to SOPHAS. The test date must be within five calendar years prior to the term of intended enrollment.

Applicants who do not meet the academic performance requirement (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) may be asked to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The test date must be within five calendar years prior to the term of intended enrollment. Please use the MPH Program code 4976 to submit scores to SOPHAS.

Test scores are not required for applicants who have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, or who have completed a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

TOEFL Scores

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 80 on the iBT. This requirement is waived for students who have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree in the United States. Candidates must report official TOEFL scores in SOPHAS. If admitted into the MPH program, official test scores must also be submitted to St. Catherine University directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Credential Evaluation

Applicants with a college or university degree completed outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services (WES). All costs related to document evaluation are the applicant’s responsibility. Official evaluation results must be reported in SOPHAS. If admitted into the MPH program, an official evaluation must also be submitted to St. Catherine University directly from WES.

3+2 Dual Degree

St. Catherine University offers a fast track, "3+2" dual degree option for a limited number of St. Kate's students enrolled as bachelor's degree-seeking students in the following majors: Communication Studies, Economics, Exercise and Sport Science, Nutrition, Psychology, Public Health, Women in International Development, and Women's Studies. Qualifying students will complete their undergraduate majors in three years. In their fourth year -- while still enrolled at the undergraduate level -- students will begin taking MPH courses while completing remaining undergraduate courses. Dual degree applicants must meet all admission requirements listed on this page. Interested students should consult with their advisors early, and should apply for admission in the fall of their junior year. Dual degree applicants will use the St. Catherine online application form.

Personal Statement

The personal statement should be 800-1000 words in length using 12-point font and double spacing. The admission committee considers both the quality of content and written communication skills. The personal statement should address the following:

  • How did you become interested in public health in general and global health specifically?
  • What areas of public health are you most interested in? For example, is there a specific population or health topic that interests you most?
  • How will an MPH in Global Health help you meet your career goals?
  • Why is St. Kate’s MPH in Global Health the best fit for you?

If you are an applicant who does not meet one or more of the following requirements, please include an explanation of factors that affected previous academic performance, as well as your plan to ensure academic success in a graduate program. This statement should be limited to 400 words and is in addition to the personal statement described above.

  • Cumulative GPA
  • Prerequisite GPA
  • Completion of prerequisite courses

MPH in Global Health Mission Scholarship

This is an optional topic — it is not required as part of the application process for admission into the graduate program. PLEASE NOTE: current undergraduate students applying for the dual degree are not eligible. Only entry-level applicants who wish to be considered for this scholarship should address the topic below (one page, included as a separate topic in the personal statement).

The vision for the Master of Public Health in Global Health program is a world where underserved communities, locally and abroad, have achieved health equity. Our mission is to: 1) diversify the public health workforce 2) prepare students to engage and collaborate with communities both locally and abroad, and 3) advance health equity. The University awards scholarships to new students who are committed to advancing this mission. To aid the committee in determining your eligibility for MPH in Global Health Mission Scholarships, please comment on how you have applied these principles in your own work and life in the past, or your goals for applying them in the future.

COVID-19 Impact Statement

This is an optional topic — if you feel as though your pathway to a graduate education was educationally, personally, or professionally impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, please describe the impact you experienced (one page included as a separate topic in the personal statement).  

Some impacts you may want to consider when responding include: 
Educational: Moving to online or distance coursework; effective interaction with your professors; moving to a Pass/Fail grading system;
Personal: Changes in your living situation; caring for yourself or a loved one who was directly impacted; seeking out new volunteer opportunities that arose from the crisis
Professional: Loss of a job or needing to seek new opportunities; other professional or financial barriers.

If you have already submitted the MPH application form, you may upload your personal statement via your Application Status page (instructions for accessing the status page were provided at the time you submitted the application). Please include your full name at the top of the statement.

If you wish to submit the personal statement prior to the MPH application, or if you are unable to upload the document to your Application Status page, you may send the statement as an attachment via email to graduateadmission@stkate.edu with “MPH Personal Statement” in the subject line.

Résumé

Submit a current résumé. Please differentiate between paid work experience and volunteer activities. Indicate whether the experience/activity was part-time or full-time in nature, specify the dates of employment/volunteering and list the responsibilities involved.

If you have already submitted the MPH application form, you may upload your résumé via your Application Status page (instructions for accessing the status page were provided at the time you submitted the application).

If you wish to submit the résumé prior to the MPH application, or if you are unable to upload the document to your Application Status page, you may send the résumé as an attachment via email to graduateadmission@stkate.edu with “MPH Résumé” in the subject line.

Recommendation Forms

Two recommendations are required for MPH applicants.

MPH recommendation forms must be completed by individuals who can attest to the intellectual ability, professional competence and leadership ability of the applicant. Only professional or academic references will be considered; personal references are not acceptable.

A link to the recommendation form will be sent when the Recommendations section of the MPH application form has been completed. Please alert your references in advance to expect an email from St. Catherine University. These are confidential recommendations submitted directly from the references to the Office of Graduate Admission; applicants who wish to view the recommendations are responsible for making the appropriate arrangements with their references.

Transcripts

Transcripts are required from each post-secondary institution attended (including PSEO coursework), even if courses are recorded on another transcript and regardless of the number of credits earned. For the initial review of your application, we will accept official transcripts sent directly from the institution or scanned copies of official or unofficial transcripts. All documents must be up-to-date and include your name, institution name, all courses taken with grades and degrees received (if applicable). Screenshots from your institution’s website or degree evaluations from your student portal will not be accepted. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded using your applicant status page (a link is sent once you’ve started an application) or sent as an attachment to graduateadmission@stkate.edu.  

Upon an offer of acceptance, applicants are required to submit official transcripts from any institution where prerequisite course(s) were completed, as well as baccalaureate and graduate (if applicable) degree granting institutions, before registration for courses is allowed. Paper transcripts must be mailed in a sealed envelope directly from the registrar of each institution to the Office of Graduate Admission at St. Catherine University. Transcripts that do not meet these criteria will be considered unofficial and will not be used to complete the applicant’s file. Electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to St. Catherine (graduateadmission@stkate.edu); electronic transcripts forwarded by the applicant will not be accepted.

GRE Scores

Applicants who do not meet the academic performance requirement (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) may be asked to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The test date must be within five calendar years prior to the term of intended enrollment. To have official scores submitted to St. Catherine University, applicants completing the GRE should use the institution code 6105.

Test scores are not required for applicants who have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, or who have completed a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 80 on the iBT, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5.

This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree in the United States.

Credential Evaluation

Applicants with a college or university degree completed outside of the United States must submit an official course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services (WES), as well as original transcripts and official translations of all documents not in English. All costs related to document translation and evaluation are the applicant’s responsibility.

Submitting Materials

Please submit application materials to the Office of Graduate Admission; review your graduate program application instructions for submitting educational documentation and test scores. The Admission Committee will not review your application until we have received all required documents.

St. Catherine University
Office of Graduate Admission 4027
2004 Randolph Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Email: graduateadmission@stkate.edu
Telephone: 651-690-6933

International Applicant Instructions

Please review the information below regarding other application materials that may be required for international applicants.

Deadlines

Earlier deadlines may apply for international applicants to ensure that all immigration requirements can be met in time for you to enroll in the desired term. Contact your admission counselor with questions.

International Student Forms

International applicants for graduate study must complete the International Information section of the MPH application form.

The U.S. government requires international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before the University can issue forms necessary to obtain a visa. International applicants must submit a Certification of Finances form.

Additional Documentation

Some international applicants may be required to submit additional documentation, such as a credential evaluation, language test scores, etc. Please review the application instructions for your graduate program for more information.