Frequently Asked Questions
For Prospective Students
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When are classes held?
All classes are held in the evening, three or four days per week
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Does the program offer a hybrid online option?
The program does not offer a hybrid option—all classes are in-person only.
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Is the program accepting international students?
Currently the MPH program is not able to accept applications from international students. However, we are working with UCR’s International Students and Scholars Office to assess the feasibility of admission of international students.
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Does the program accept undocumented students?
Undocumented students are welcome to apply to the MPH Program. They are considered domestic and pay the domestic application fee.
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Is the MPH a STEM-designated degree?
The UCR MPH is not a STEM-designated degree.
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Should I apply if my GPA is below 3.0?
We will consider applications from individuals with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 on a case-by-case basis. Our holistic admissions process considers the following criteria:
- Academic performance as reflected in the applicant’s GPA, relevant coursework, Resume/CV, and GRE (optional).
- Commitment to serving Inland Southern California and/or other medically
underserved areas and to promoting health equity. as reflected in the applicant’s personal statement, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and/or resume/CV. - Insight on and/or experience in working with communities as reflected in the
applicant’s personal statement, letters of recommendation, and/or resume/CV. - Interest in and career goals related to public health as reflected in work, volunteer, and life experiences described in the application, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and/or resume/CV.
The Admissions Committee will carefully evaluate each applicant’s academic abilities and their potential contributions to the public health workforce, particularly in improving the health of individuals in underserved communities.
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If I’ve been out of school for a number of years, can I request a letter of support from a professional reference?
We recommend that you have at least one letter of recommendation from an academic and at least two from individuals who can evaluate your professional experience. For students who completed their bachelor’s or equivalent degree several years ago, MPH program staff can work with applicants to identify appropriate letters of recommendation based on their educational background and work experience.
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Will there be an interview portion in the admissions process?
The program does not require an interview.
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What is the cost of the program?
Please visit the MPH Program Costs page for the most current information related to tuition and fees.
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What funding or financial aid is available?
- You may qualify for scholarships offered by outside organizations (please see
Fellowship Opportunities Outside of UCR at https://graduate.ucr.edu/funding - You may have opportunities to serve as a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) (see https://graduate.ucr.edu/funding).
- You may have opportunities to serve as a teaching assistant in other degree programs at UCR (see https://graduate.ucr.edu/funding).
- If you are currently employed, your employer may offer a partial tuition reimbursement program.
- UCR offers a tuition discount for certain current employees (see #11, below).
UCR’s Office of Financial Aid (2106 Student Services Building, Riverside, CA 92521, (951) 827-3878) assists students in determining how to handle educational expenses they cannot afford from personal resources. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application to be considered for need-based aid.
For veterans and their families, please see eligibility requirements at CalVet: CalVet Veteran Services Education Benefits.
- You may qualify for scholarships offered by outside organizations (please see
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Do UCR employees qualify for any tuition discounts?
As part of UC benefits, regular-status employees who meet the admission requirements of the university are eligible for a two-thirds reduction of both the systemwide tuition and student services fee when enrolled in regular session courses of up to nine units or three courses per quarter or semester, whichever provides the greater benefit. For more information, please reference the University of California, Riverside − Local Procedure 51: Reduced Fee Enrollment.
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Is the program accredited?
Accreditation was received retroactively to AY 2024-25.
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Are there designated slots for UCR students?
The program does not reserve slots for UCR students.
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Does the program have dual degree options?
The program does not offer any dual degree options at this time.
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Does the program support students with disabilities?
Yes! UCR offers a variety of support services for students with disabilities. These include the Academic Resources Center and the Student Disability Resource Center. Students are encouraged to seek these resources early in their academic journey to better understand and accommodate their needs.
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When will students be notified of acceptance?
Students will be notified of acceptance in Spring, late March through early April.