Public Health

Graduate - Frequently Asked Questions

What Graduate Degrees Are Offered?

The Department of Public Health (PH) offers the following degree programs:

· A Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Community Health Education

· A Master of Education (EdM) with a concentration in School Health Education

· A Master of Science in Epidemiology (MSEpi)

· A Master of Science in Environmental Health (MSEH)

· A Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Studies with concentrations available in Public Health or Therapeutic Recreation.

What Are the Entrance Standards?

The candidate for a master's or a doctoral degree must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education, and an overall grade point average of at least 3.0. The department takes a portfolio approach to admission, looking at standardized test scores (GRE for all degree programs or MATS for EdM program only), grade point average, evidence of writing skill, personal statement, and previous experience.

For specific degree program admissions requirements please look up the appropriate degree program online at http://www.temple.edu/publichealth/students.htm.

When do I apply?

For the MPH degree, applications are reviewed two times per year. US Citizens & Permanent Residents: application deadlines for admission are October 15 and February 15 of each year. International Applicants: application deadlines for admission are August 1 and December 15 of each year.

Applications for the EdM and MSEH degree programs are reviewed on a continuous basis.

The MSEpi is our newest offering. For application deadlines for this program you must contact Dr. Deborah Nelson, the Epidemiology program director. She can be reached by phone at 215-204-9659 or by email at dnelson@temple.edu.

Doctoral students are admitted only for the Fall. US Citizens & Permanent Residents: application deadline for admission is January 15 of each year. International Applicants: application deadline for admission is December 15 of each year.

For more information, applicants should contact the Admissions Coordinator by phone at (215) 204-8726 or by email at publichealth@temple.edu.
What Are the Public Health Master's Programs?

For specific Master’s program information please see the following websites:

MPH: http://www.temple.edu/publichealth/grad_master_ph.htm

EdM: http://www.temple.edu/publichealth/master_ed.htm

MSEH: http://www.temple.edu/publichealth/grad_ms_env.htm

MSEpi: http://www.temple.edu/publichealth/grad_epidemiology.htm

Where Do Temple Public Health Graduates Work?

Temple graduates work as faculty members in departments of health education, and other related fields where the applied social-behavioral sciences are central to the preparation of students (e.g., nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, etc.).Public health graduates work in public health departments, voluntary health agencies, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, clinics, schools, and worksites. Students in school health find employment is a variety of school related agencies providing health education programs.

The department assists with disseminating information about job opportunities, but does not actively place graduates with specific jobs.
Is Fieldwork Required for Public Health Students?

Each professional program (with the exception of Ph.D.) requires practical fieldwork experiences that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real health issues. This opportunity also offers professional contacts for students seeking jobs after graduation. In addition, students have hands-on access to a full spectrum of technology resources. This "learn by doing" approach is central to Temple University's mission. Recent fieldwork sites have included the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Health Promotion Council, Family Planning Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Anti-Drug Anti-Violence Network, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Main Line Health Systems, Inc., the School District of Philadelphia, Fox Chase Cancer Center, the Montgomery County Health Department and the Maternity Care Coalition.
What is the Focus of the Health Studies Doctoral Programs?

For specific program information please see the following website:

PhD: http://www.temple.edu/publichealth/phd.htm

Is Financial Support Available?

University, Federal and State aid in the form of scholarships, grants and loans is awarded on academic promise or need, as calculated by Student Financial Services. For more information on types of University, Federal and State aid available, please visit the Student Financial Services website.

Candidates in the PhD or MPH programs may be nominated by the department for University, Russell Conwell, Presidential, and Future Faculty fellowships, which provide a 12-month stipend and full tuition remission for a maximum of two years.

The department also offers teaching assistantships to a limited number of graduate students. A graduate teaching assistant is required to teach or assist in teaching 20 hours per week in return for tuition remission and a stipend of $13,992.

Additional departmental assistantships may be available as needed for research or clerical assistance.

For an Assistantship Application please contact the Admissions Coordinator by phone at 215-204-8726 or by email at publichealth@temple.edu.
What are the housing options for Temple Students?

Our students live on and off-campus. Many make their own arrangements but you may check with Temple's Office of University Housing. You may want to look at www.apartmentfinders.com for Philadelphia to see availability and cost of housing. Additionally, the local newspaper, The Inquirer is available online.

Where Can I Get Information About Services for International Students?

For more information about student visas and other documentation, English language studies, and orientation for international students studying at Temple visit the Office of International Services website.

For information on admissions criteria for International Students see http://www.temple.edu/grad/admissions/international.htm.

How Do I Apply?

You can complete an application online or download an application from the internet. There is a $50 application fee required for each program you apply to.

If you require more information on the application process you may contact the Admissions Coordinator at:

Department of Public Health
Temple University
1700 N. Broad Street, Suite 304
Philadelphia, PA 19122 (062-56)
Phone: (215) 204-8726
Fax: (215) 204-1854

Email: publichealth@temple.edu