Accelerated MPH Degree Program

The Public Health Program offers an Accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree Program for exceptional Virginia Tech undergradutate students who wish to start taking graduate-level (MPH) coursework during their undergraduate senior year and then finish the MPH degree with just one additional year of study.

Program Overview

• Students will apply to the MPH program during the spring of their junior year (April 15) and be admitted to the Accelerated MPH in time to enroll in MPH courses beginning in the fall semester of their senior year.
  
• Students will take 12 MPH credits during their senior year that will count both for undergraduate and graduate credit. 
  
  • A minimum grade of B must be earned in each course to be counted. Courses must not be taken pass-fail if a graded option is available.

• Virginia Tech undergraduate students from any major may apply.
  
• Applicants must hold an undergraduate GPA of 3.3.  
• Students must complete PHS 2004 Introduction to Public Health, 3 credits, by the spring of their junior year. 

• Applicants must apply in spring (April 15) of their junior year.
• Applicants must submit the complete MPH application through the online Virginia Tech Graduate School admissions website.
  • Please note: application fees are non-refundable
  • The Virginia Tech Graduate School waives the application fee for prospective students who meet certain criteria. The waiver criteria can be found here. 
• Students will apply for the same year that the bachelor's degree is awarded. 
  • For example, if you graduate in spring 2026, you will select the application round: term Summer 2026.
• Application materials include: 
  • Personal statement
    
    • Your statement should be 800 words and address the following: 
      • 1) What interests and excites you about public health? 
      • 2) How have your life experiences related to public health? Don’t limit yourself to your resume. 
      • 3) Why did you choose the specific Virginia Tech MPH concentration(s)? 
      • 4) Why do you believe resiliency is an important attribute to have while participating in an educational program and for life after graduation? Provide examples of how you have exhibited resilience and what you learned.
  • Resume or CV
    
  • Transcripts, unofficial
  • 3 academic or professional letters of recommendation, to be completed in the online application, or mailed or emailed to the department.