MPH Admissions

Important dates and deadlines for Fall 2027 are listed below.

  • August 1, 2026 - Date to begin (or view) the Cal State Apply application
  • October 1, 2026 - Date to begin to submit applications. Refer to instructions and checklist below.
  • April 1, 2027 - International Application Deadline
  • June 1, 2027 - Domestic Application Deadline

Review program prerequisites, requirements and how to apply below. In addition, please review the Fall 2027 MPH Admissions Information Packet.

Program Prerequisites:

  • Baccalaureate degree with overall minimum GPA of 3.0 in last 60 semester or quarter units.
  • Strong writing skills and evidence of quantitative ability.
  • Multicultural experience, including diversity.
  • Clear commitment to public health as demonstrated through work or volunteer experiences.
  • Clear understanding of public health and community health education.
  • 2 years post-baccalaureate public health related experience preferred.
  • Application Submission
    • Submit a Cal State Apply application with required program materials. See Checklist below for details.
    • The program runs on a rolling admissions process. The sooner your application is fully complete, the sooner it can be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
    • The program admits students in the Fall only. Spring admissions is not available.

Fall 2027 Checklist:

Step 1: Applying to SJSU (on Cal State Apply), including submitting Program Materials

  1. Review SJSU/Cal State Apply deadlines
    • SJSU deadlines differ from the MPH program deadlines
    • SJSU Domestic deadline is June 1, 2027* (Document deadline is June 20, 2027). *Due to enrollment capacity, we highly recommend submitting 4 weeks in advance.
    • SJSU International deadline is April 1, 2027 (Document deadline is April 20, 2027)
  2. Review SJSU's Graduate Admissions Requirements and Want to Apply
  3. Pay Cal State Apply application fee
  4. Fill out the application accordingly. Including submitting required program materials. 
    • Resume/CV
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Letter of Recommendation
  5. Submit Official Transcripts
    • Refer to SJSU's Graduate Admissions website on how to submit transcripts and other required documents based on your International or Domestic status.
    • Once your MySJSU account is activated, please review your MySJSU To-Do List 
  6. Link to Cal State Apply Application

Required Program Material 

  1.  Resume/CV
    • We use the resume to provide an up-to-date overview of your work and volunteer experience and educational history.
    • We expect the 1-2 page document to be professional in design, quality, and content.
  2. Statement of Purpose
    • A concise 1-2 page essay that helps us learn more about you and understand why you are seeking the MPH degree and educational experience. We are particularly interested in why you are interested in our community health education program and how getting an MPH builds on your career so far and will help you achieve your future professional goals.
    • When you are writing, please address the following:
      • What led you to public health?
      • How in your past and/or current work/volunteering you have engaged with diverse cultures and/or communities, using specific examples.
      • Why you want to pursue a masters degree in public health (particularly in our program, an MPH in Community Health Education)?
      • How receiving an MPH from our program will help you achieve your professional goals?
      • What strengths/qualities you will bring to the SJSU MPH program and the SJSU Spartan community?
  3. Letters of Recommendation
    • We require at least 2 letters of recommendation, with a third optional.
    • You will provide the names and contact information of the people who will provide your letters of recommendation and they will receive information on how to submit the letter of recommendation to your application packet. Letters of recommendation are expected to be submitted on agency letterhead.

Step 2: Submit University Required Documents and Check Your MySJSU Portal for Application Updates

  1. After submitting your online Cal State Apply application, you will receive an application confirmation number that you will need to access your San José State University application information.
  2. Submit all required university application materials to be considered for graduate admissions.
    • This may include: English Language Proficiency Exam, International Evaluation, Official Transcripts, etc.
      • SJSU’s ETS institution code for TOEFL is 4687 – indicating Public Health (0610) for the department.
  3. The San José State University Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations (GAPE) Office will review your application and required documents. Once the GAPE Office determines admission eligibility, your application will be routed to the MPH program for a final admission consideration.
  4. Continue to monitor your MySJSU portal to ensure you have not missed any steps or required documentation and view any MySJSU messages and your Admission Status.

If you have additional questions or concerns, email master-public-health@sjsu.edu