Online MPH programs with no GRE requirements

Online MPH programs empower students to take control of their learning. Some universities offering these programs choose to evaluate a student’s capabilities through testing, which is why the GRE has become a significant component of the admissions process. However, certain programs take alternative factors into account and provide GRE waivers.

To make your journey a little easier, we have provided a list of schools that offer online MPH programs with no GRE requirement as well as those with GRE waivers:

The program cards and tables featured on this page were last updated in November 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

Types of Online MPH Program GRE Requirements

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is used by most universities that offer graduate-level programs to assess students’ abilities in verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning. The results of this examination can provide schools with a better idea of where students stand in terms of these standard educational skills.

The verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE are scored between 130–170 and the analytical writing section is scored between 0 and 6 in half-point increments, according to the Educational Testing Service’s GRE Guide to the Use of Scores (PDF, 2.3 MB). With verbal scores between 158-170, quantitative scores between 159-170, and a writing score of 4.5-6.0, students could be placed in a highly competitive place in admissions.

In terms of GRE requirements, online MPH programs typically fall into three categories:

  1. Universities that require GRE scores with no exceptions. These universities often state that students cannot enroll until test scores are received and do not offer substitutions or waivers during the process.
  2. Schools that offer GRE waivers, typically to students that have already completed a master’s or doctoral degree within the U.S. or that have a certain amount of work-related experience within the field.
  3. Universities that do not include the GRE requirement as part of their admissions criteria. Schools that do not require the GRE may have stricter requirements for undergraduate GPA, work experience, or recommendations.

Why consider an online MPH without the GRE requirement?

Students interested in expediting their entry into an online MPH program may benefit from no-GRE online MPH programs, with perks such as:

  • Less time spent on preparing the application
  • Saving money on prep classes, tutoring, and the exam
  • Reduced workload prior to the application

Online MPH programs with no GRE requirement

PublicHealthDegrees.org has compiled a list of online MPH programs without GRE requirements. The list includes details about the program, such as accreditation and completion time.

Temple University

College of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 3 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites (Nutrition only, other preferred but not required)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals
  • CV/resume
  • TOEFL, course evaluations (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Temple University

The University of New Mexico

College of Population Health

Master of Public Health

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Health Systems, Services and Policy, Community Health

Admission Requirements:

  • Course prerequisites
  • Bachelor’s degree (CEPH accredited, otherwise applicants will need to complete additional courses)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE Scores
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
  • TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from The University of New Mexico

University of South Florida

College of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Tampa, Florida

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42-44

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief and Security, Health, Safety, and the Environment, Infection Control, Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health Practice, Social Marketing

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of South Florida

University of Vermont

College of Medicine

Master of Public Health

Burlington, Vermont

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 1.5+ years

Credits: 42

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Vermont

Online MPH programs with GRE waivers

Depending on the university you select, you might encounter diverse methods for waiving the GRE. Beyond schools that exempt students from the GRE requirement, there are those that allow students to provide proof of undergraduate degree program completion as an alternative to testing. At some universities, students with high undergraduate GPA scores may be able to waive the testing requirement. Alternatively, some universities choose to accept other graduate-level tests, like the MCAT, LSAT, or GMAT, in place of the GRE. 

Explore the list below for universities providing waivers to eligible students.

Benedictine University

Master of Public Health

Lisle, Illinois

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 43

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Letter of intent
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Benedictine University

Des Moines University

Medicine and Health Sciences

Master of Public Health

Des Moines, Iowa

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • CV/resume
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Des Moines University

Frequently asked questions about GRE requirements of online MPH programs

What are the pros and cons of online MPH programs without GRE requirements?

The biggest advantages of applying to MPH programs that don’t require GRE test scores for admissions are that applicants don’t need to study or pay for the test and can submit their applications without having to wait for results. However, this doesn’t mean admission is easier. Students will need to demonstrate their competency and qualification in the other materials they submit, such as in their personal statement.

What are the best online MPH programs that don’t require GRE scores?

Determining which online MPH program is best is up to the student applying. To select the best fit for them, it’s important for applicants to thoroughly evaluate online MPH programs without the GRE requirement by considering factors such as the concentrations offered, student reviews of the online experience, and school rankings.

Should students take the GRE exam even though some MPH programs don’t require the GRE?

Students who don’t want to limit their MPH choices to no-GRE schools and have enough time for preparation may choose to take the test to demonstrate their competence. However, if the deadlines are close, applicants might concentrate on preparing and refining other application materials and forego testing.

Can students submit GRE scores after the application deadline?

It depends on the school, but generally applications won’t be reviewed until they are complete with materials such as transcripts, recommendations, and personal statements.

Which GRE section is the most important for MPH applicants?

MPH programs entail a substantial quantitative workload, so the quantitative section of the GRE test may be considered most relevant. Effective communication, both verbally and in written form, along with critical thinking, is important in public health careers so approach testing with the mindset to excel to the best of your ability. Schools evaluate applicants in many areas, and standardized tests are just one aspect.

Last updated December 2023