MPH FAQs

If you have questions about pursuing your Master of Public Health (MPH) or if you want more information about the field in general, you've come to the right place.

We've compiled a list of the Master of Public Health FAQs many students have as they consider pursuing this degree program at Kent State. Click on any of the questions below to get helpful information about degree options, the public health industry, the application process and much more. Information about completing your MPH Online is available for the Health Policy and Management and the Social and Behavioral Science Concentrations by emailing publichealth@kent.edu. 

If you did not find the answer you needed in our MPH FAQs, please contact the College of Public Health by email at publichealth@kent.edu or by phone at 330-672-6500.

Domestic Students

Do I need the GRE to apply to the Master of Public Health or the Master of Science degrees in the College of Public Health?

The College of Public Health does not require students to take the GRE for the Master of Public Health (MPH) or the Master of Science (MS) applications. The GRE is a requirement for the PhD application.

What are the application requirements for the MPH or MS?

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
    • A total undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.000 on a 4.000 point scale. (A minimum 3.000 GPA is expected for graduate level coursework in the College of Public Health).
  • Goal or Personal Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Copy of official transcript from each institution in which 8 or more semester credit hours were attempted

May I have an application fee waiver?

Due to a large volume of applications, we are unfortunately not able to offer application fee waivers. 

If I email you my transcripts and resume, can you tell me if I have a chance of admission?

The College of Public Health is unable to review your documents and offer guidance or an admission decision without the student first going through official application and review processes. All students must apply, their documents uploaded to the application portal, and be reviewed by Admissions before the College can make an admission decision.

What is the status of my application?

For the most up to date information on your application status, please log in to your applicant portal and go to your status page. Please note that we are unable to accept document submissions via email. All application requirements and supporting documents must be uploaded through your applicant portal.  

It is the applicant’s responsibility to check their application status to ensure that we have received all documents. As a reminder, you are able to monitor the status of your application online.

Does the College of Public Health provide funding or graduate assistantships?

The Kent State University College of Public Health does not typically offer stipends or tuition support for MPH students. College-level funding is reserved for students in our doctoral program. Current MPH students are occasionally hired by faculty to work on research projects, but that is on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of faculty who have grant funds, and these opportunities may be most often available for students who are further along in their degree program. Students must arrive with the economic means to study here. Once a student has arrived at Kent State, there are student employment opportunities on campus in areas such as campus recreation, university libraries, residential services, and dining services. 

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding my student account?

Please contact One Stop for Student Services Hours of Operation & Contact Info:

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: First Floor, University Library, Kent Campus
Phone: 330-672-6000
Website: www.kent.edu/onestop

International Students

Do I need the GRE to apply to the Master of Public Health or the Master of Science degrees in the College of Public Health?

The College of Public Health does not require international students to take the GRE for the Master of Public Health (MPH) or the Master of Science (MS) applications. The GRE is a requirement for the PhD application.

What are the application requirements for the MPH or MS?

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
    • A total undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.000 on a 4.000 point scale. (A minimum 3.000 GPA is expected for graduate level coursework in the College of Public Health).
  • Goal or Personal Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Copy of official transcript from each institution in which 8 or more semester credit hours were attempted
  • College Graduation Diploma must be certified English translation and original language.
  • International applicants must meet other minimum requirements, such as visa eligibility and documentation of financial resources.
  • To see if you are eligible for a English language proficiency test waiver, please visit https://www.kent.edu/admissions/waive-english-language-requirement
  • Unless they meet specific exceptions, all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency by earning one of the following:
      • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score - paper-based version
      • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT - Internet-based version
      • Minimum 77 MELAB score
      • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
      • Minimum 58 PTE score
      • Minimum 110 DET (Duolingo English Test)

Please, carefully read CPH MPH and MS Admission Requirements: https://catalog.kent.edu/colleges/ph/public-health-mph/#programinfotext

Please, carefully review the Graduate Admission Policies: https://catalog.kent.edu/admission-information/#text

May I have an application fee waiver?

Due to a large volume of applications, we are unfortunately not able to offer application fee waivers. 

If I email you my transcripts and resume, can you tell me if I have a chance of admission?

The College is unable to review your documents and offer guidance or an admission decision without the student first going through official application and review processes. All students must apply, their documents uploaded to the application portal, and be reviewed by Admissions before the college can make an admission decision.

May I scan my academic credentials if it is an international school?

Make sure you provide final and official documents after arrival.

For admission purposes, we accept scanned documents of academic credentials if it is an international school. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcript and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester. Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD and prevent student from registering for second semester of courses.

A temporary hold will be considered for one time only. It is your responsibility to check your FlashLine account and auto-generated email for any possible hold from International Admission Office.

What is the status of my application?

For the most up to date information on your application status, please log in to your applicant portal and go to your status page. Please note that we are unable to accept document submissions via email. All application requirements and supporting documents must be uploaded through your applicant portal.  

It is the applicant’s responsibility to check their application status to ensure that we have received all documents. As a reminder, you are able to monitor the status of your application online.

How long does it take to review an international application?

The College of Public Health faculty and staff cannot answer questions regarding how long it will take to process an international application, immigration documents, the i-20, visas, financial aid, and billing/invoicing issues.

I have a question about my i-20 form?

Please contact the International Student and Scholar Services Office at i20@kent.edu.

I have been admitted to the College of Public Health and have questions regarding my immigration documents.

Please contact the International Student and Scholar Services Office at isss@kent.edu.

Where do I find scholarship and financial aid resources for International students?

Scholarships are free aid that can help you pay for your degree, especially if you have a strong academic background. If you’re interested in pursuing international student scholarships offered at Kent State, our Office of Global Education is here to help. 

International Student Financial Aid Resources:

Does the College of Public Health provide funding or graduate assistantships?

The Kent State University College of Public Health does not typically offer stipends or tuition support for MPH students. College-level funding is reserved for students in our doctoral program. Current MPH students are occasionally hired by faculty to work on research projects, but that is on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of faculty who have grant funds, and these opportunities may be most often available for students who are further along in their degree program. Students must arrive with the economic means to study here. Once a student has arrived at Kent State, there are student employment opportunities on campus for international students in areas such as campus recreation, university libraries, residential services, and dining services. 

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding my student account?

Please contact One Stop for Student Services Hours of Operation & Contact Info:

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: First Floor, University Library, Kent Campus
Phone: 330-672-6000
Website: www.kent.edu/onestop

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