FAQ

The MPH Online program offers three tracks: Accelerated (17 months), Full-Time (21 months), and Part-Time (24 months).

The Accelerated Track for the MPH Online is a fast-paced and extremely rigorous program designed for select students who can devote upwards of 60 hours each week to coursework. The Accelerated Track covers the same coursework and requirements as the Full- and Part-Time tracks in just four terms. There are additional applicant requirements for acceptance to the accelerated track: a writing sample and a statement documenting that the applicant has the necessary support and the time commitment required to successfully complete this program track.

Public Health in community health science covers a broad range of concentrations and careers. Because of this, your interest and background will have a large influence on what it looks like for each candidate. However, community health is defined as: “The health status, behaviors, and socio-ecological conditions of a defined group of people”. (McKenzie, Pinger, & Kotecki, 2012).

Yes, but it is not recommended for Accelerated Track students due to the rigor and time required for the program at that pace.

Yes, while having an aligned background can be beneficial, it is not required. The most important requirement is ensuring your career goals align with this field.

No. The On-Campus MPH program is structured differently than the MPH Online program. While they are parallel pathways, a student cannot transfer from one to the other.

While the Baylor program can be completed in 17 months utilizing the Accelerated Track, we strongly advise against attempting to complete this program during your gap year. There are factors outside our or your control that may impact the pace of the program.

Baylor offers career and job placement support through the Baylor Career Center. Through the experience and connections developed during the MPH Online Capstone, you will also develop relationships and contacts in your field. 

Yes! You will receive the same Baylor University degree as the on-campus MPH program.

This is allowed, but you must complete the program within five years. Your Baylor MPH Student Success Manager will work through the process with you.

The Baylor MPH Online is flexible and will work with you to overcome circumstances beyond your control. This will be addressed individually by working with your student success manager and your capstone chair. 

Immersion Weekend will occur during Term Week 5 for all students enrolled in PUBH 5121, which is typically the third term in the program. Students receive advance notice about when Immersion Weekend will occur so they can plan their travel accordingly.

Visit our Admissions webpage to see the full list of application requirements.

No, all bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited institutions are accepted.

“You are not competing with your peers; you are competing with yourself.” 

Each Baylor MPH Online applicant is reviewed independently (not in comparison to other applicants) for their educational background, professional/work experience, service, and overall preparedness and likelihood to succeed in our rigorous program. We do not have a limit or quota for each cohort, nor do we take the top range of applicants; instead, we analyze each applicant individually to determine if they are the correct fit for the program.

Students cannot be dually enrolled in the MPH Online program and another Baylor University program. It is expected that students not be enrolled in any additional program outside Baylor University while enrolled in the MPH Online program. Applicants who are finishing a program at another institution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for approval.

Transfer credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for elective credits only. We do not allow core credits to be transferred in from other institutions. The limit is 9 credits hours for transfer credits.

No, Baylor University requires WES-ICAP evaluations. WES-ICAP is a course-by-course evaluation that determines if your degree is equivalent to a four-year, regionally-accredited Bachelor’s degree within the United States. It is a lengthy process and is completed by World Education Services. Please complete this process as soon as possible to allow time to complete prior to admissions deadlines.

If you attended a university outside of the United States and the degree was not taught or awarded in English (regardless if you are fluent or not), you must have a TOEFL exam score.

We do not accept MCAT scores, but GRE scores can improve the strength of your application.

Yes, but Baylor graduate policies require students with a GPA less than 3.0 be admitted on a probationary status.  Your Baylor student support manager will provide you with more information about those requirements. It may also be beneficial to include an addendum with your application detailing why your GPA is lower.

The Baylor MPH Online application requires academic or professional references. That can include a colleague or mentor and is not required to be a supervisor. A pastor would be a personal reference and would not qualify.  We are looking for someone who can speak to your academic and/or professional skills as they apply to the program.

Yes, but we require all application materials, including letters of recommendation, be written in English.

While individual feedback is not provided, you can reach out to the Baylor program’s graduate admissions manager at MPHOnlineAdmissions@baylor.edu for more information. 

If you are denied, you are eligible to reapply to the MPH Online program.

If you are dismissed from Baylor’s MPH Online program, you are not eligible to reapply to the same program. Applications to other programs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The determination will be made based on several factors.

No. Because the Baylor program is designed to be completed virtually, it does not meet the requirements for student VISA status.

Yes, but we require all application materials, including letters of recommendation, be written in English.

No, Baylor University requires WES-ICAP evaluations. WES-ICAP is a course-by-course evaluation that determines if your degree is equivalent to a four-year, regionally-accredited Bachelor’s degree within the United States. It is a lengthy process and is completed by World Education Services. Please complete this process as soon as possible to allow time to complete prior to admissions deadlines.

If you attended a university outside of the United States and the degree was not taught or awarded in English [regardless if you are fluent or not], you must have a TOEFL exam score.

Students living outside of the United States can still complete their capstone requirements, including the required internship hours (at least 150 hours) working on a public/community health project with a reputable organization. The Baylor MPH Onlineteam provides support with internship placement for virtual options (with U.S.-based organizations) or students can self-identify a local organization in the country they reside in and work with program leadership and their instructor to ensure the organization is a good fit.

Yes. All students enrolled in Baylor’s MPH Online program will be required to attend immersion weekend in person at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. You will work closely with your Student Support Manager to ensure adequate planning time. Students receive advance notice about when immersion weekend will occur so they can plan their travel accordingly. International students will need a VISA and it is up to the student to secure any needed travel documents in advance of traveling for Immersion.