A Guide for College Advisors
How to Guide Students into Public Health Graduate Programs
For college advisors
A guide for advisors: public health graduate programs at Tulane
Public health is one of the most versatile graduate fields available to your students - and one of the most underreferred. Graduate programs in public health are open to students from nearly any undergraduate background. Pre-health students, social science majors, data-minded STEM graduates, policy-interested humanities students - all of them have a path here.
This guide is for you. Whether you work in academic advising, pre-health advising, or career services, you will find here everything you need to understand public health as a graduate field, identify which of your students might thrive in it, and connect them with the right programs at Tulane's Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Tulane WSPH offers 33 graduate programs across 7 departments, on campus in New Orleans and online.
“Public health is a rewarding field that not only broadens your understanding of health and society but also shows you how you can make a meaningful impact. It encourages you to think critically, consider different perspectives, and apply what you learn in ways that can improve communities and people's lives.”
- Ellie Farrell, MPH in Biostatistics
Your students could be next. Meet the people who were once sitting where they are now.
What is public health - and why does it matter for your students?
Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving the health of entire populations. Where medicine focuses on the individual patient, public health focuses on the conditions that make people sick or keep them well - the water they drink, the neighborhoods they live in, the policies that shape their access to care.
It operates at every scale, from local health departments to federal agencies, international NGOs, and corporate health divisions. And it draws on nearly every discipline - epidemiology, economics, law, data science, environmental science, behavioral psychology.
For your students, that breadth matters. A political science major can work in health policy. A biology major who doesn't want medical school has a clear path through epidemiology or biostatistics. A business student fits naturally in health administration. Public health is one of the few graduate fields where varied backgrounds are an asset, not a weakness.
The field is also growing - driven by pandemic preparedness, climate-related health impacts, aging populations, and lasting health inequities. Students who graduate with public health credentials are entering a job market that needs them.
The most common entry point into the field. A professional degree for students who want to work in public health - in government, nonprofits, healthcare systems, or global health organizations.
A research-focused degree for students who want to go deeper into a specific area - epidemiology, biostatistics, or environmental health. A good fit for students thinking about a PhD, or who want research-based careers.
For students interested in the management and operations side of healthcare. Hospitals, health systems, insurance organizations, and public agencies all need people with this training. A natural fit for business-minded students who want to work in health.
An advanced practice degree for public health professionals moving into leadership.
For students who want to become researchers or faculty.
Our departments
Tulane WSPH is organized into 7 departments, each with its own research focus, faculty, and graduate programs. This is where students find their specific area within public health.
Biostatistics and Data Science
The quantitative backbone of public health. Students learn to collect, analyze, and interpret health data to inform research and policy. A strong fit for math, statistics, and data-oriented students.
Environmental Health Sciences
How the environment - air, water, chemicals, climate - affects human health. Students work at the intersection of science, policy, and community health. Good fit for environmental science, chemistry, and biology students.
Epidemiology
The study of how disease spreads and what shapes health outcomes across populations. A core public health discipline and a natural path for analytical students interested in research or public health practice.
Health Policy and Management
Where public health meets government, business, and law. Students study health systems, policy, administration, and economics. Home to both the MPH in Health Policy and the MHA.
International Health and Sustainable Development
Global health challenges, development, and sustainability. Students focus on health in low- and middle-income countries, humanitarian settings, and cross-border health issues.
Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences
How behavior, culture, and social conditions shape health. Students examine the upstream factors that drive health disparities and design interventions at the community and population level.
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
One of the few departments of its kind in the country. Students study infectious and parasitic diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and global infectious disease control.
Not sure where you fit?
Take our quiz to find out which public health field matches your interests, skills, and goals.
Which students are a good fit?
One of the most common misconceptions about public health graduate programs is that they are only for students with a science or health background. They are not. Public health is one of the few graduate fields that actively benefits from students with varied backgrounds - and at Tulane WSPH, that diversity is built into how we teach.
Here is a practical guide to help you identify which of your students might be a strong fit.
Pre-health students
Students heading toward medicine, nursing, dentistry, or pharmacy are natural candidates for an MPH - either as a standalone degree or as part of a dual degree program. Public health broadens their perspective from individual patient care to population-level impact, and an MPH from a top-ranked school strengthens a medical school or residency application.
Relevant programs: MPH in Epidemiology, MPH in Health Policy, MD/MPH dual degree
STEM students
Biology, chemistry, environmental science, and data science students have strong technical foundations that translate directly into public health research. These students often don't know that their skills are in high demand in epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health.
Relevant programs: MS in Epidemiology, MS in Biostatistics, MPH in Epidemiology, MPH in Environmental Health Sciences
Social science and humanities students
Sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology, and even history or communications students bring perspectives that public health needs - community, culture, behavior, policy, and communication. These students are often surprised to learn there is a graduate degree that values what they studied.
Relevant programs: MPH in Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences
Business and management students
Students with a background in business, economics, or management who want to work in healthcare have a direct path through the MHA. Healthcare is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors of the economy - and it needs administrators who understand both the business and the public health dimensions of the work.
Relevant programs: MHA, MPH in Health Policy and Management
Students with international interests
Students who have studied abroad, speak multiple languages, or are drawn to global development and humanitarian work often find a natural home in public health. Tulane's location, history, and tropical medicine expertise make it a particularly strong fit for this profile.
Relevant programs: MPH in International Health and Sustainable Development, MS in Tropical Medicine, DrPH in International Health and Sustainable Development
Students who don't fit a neat category
Some of your strongest referrals will be students who are simply motivated by equity, community, or wanting to make things better - and who haven't found a graduate field that feels right yet. Public health is often that field.
Relevant programs: MPH in any department, MS in Health Security
“Public health is incredibly broad, which can be both exciting and overwhelming at times. My advice is to stay curious and open to exploring different areas because you might be surprised by what resonates with you. Build relationships, ask questions, and seek out opportunities that align with your values. Your perspective matters, and there's room for everyone in this field.”
- Chloe Garrett, MPH in Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences
Your students could be next. Meet the people who were once sitting where they are now.
GPA and prerequisites
WSPH does not require a science background for most programs. There are no hard science prerequisites for the MPH or MHA. For MS programs, some quantitative background is helpful but not always required - students should check with the specific department.
On GPA: academic achievement matters, but there is no universal minimum for master's programs. Students who are concerned about their GPA should reach out to admissions directly - context and trajectory matter.
No GRE is required for any WSPH program.
Public health career outcomes
A public health degree opens doors across sectors - government agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, research institutions, global health organizations, and private industry. Students often underestimate how broad the job market is, and how well it pays.
Here is a snapshot of where public health graduates work and what they earn, based on May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Common job titles
- Epidemiologist
- Health services manager / healthcare administrator
- Public health analyst
- Health policy advisor
- Biostatistician
- Environmental health scientist
- Global health program officer
- Community health director
- Infectious disease researcher
- Health communications specialist
Where graduates work
- Federal agencies: CDC, NIH, FEMA, USAID
- State and local health departments
- Hospitals and health systems
- International NGOs and global health organizations
- Academic research centers
- Consulting firms and private sector health companies
- Military and veterans health
A city unlike any other
New Orleans is not just where we are located - it is part of how we teach. The city's history, its communities, and its public health landscape give students a level of real-world context that is hard to find anywhere else. That context translates directly into careers with Louisiana Department of Health, Ochsner Health, Tulane Medical Center, and a growing ecosystem of public health organizations across the Gulf South.
Salary and growth by career path
| Career | Median salary (May 2024) | Projected growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and health services managers | $117,960 | 23% |
| Epidemiologists | $83,980 | 16% |
| Statisticians and biostatisticians | $104,350 | 8% |
| Health education specialists | $63,000 | 4% |
| Community health workers | $51,030 | 11% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2024. All growth rates are faster than the average for all occupations (4%).
Why Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine at Tulane University?
There are over 200 accredited schools and programs of public health in the United States. Here is what sets Tulane WSPH apart.
-
1st
We were the first school of public health in the country (est. 1912)
-
10%
We are ranked in the top 10% of public health schools in U.S News
-
99%
of graduates are working within a year of graduating
America's first school of public health
Founded in 1912, Tulane WSPH is the oldest school of public health in the country. That history is not just a talking point - it reflects over a century of research, faculty expertise, and alumni who have shaped the field globally.
Tropical medicine - a national distinction
Very few schools of public health in the country offer graduate training in tropical medicine and infectious disease. At WSPH, it is a core department with dedicated faculty, research labs, and global partnerships. For students interested in global health, infectious disease, or emerging threats, this is a meaningful differentiator.
Learning in one of America's most distinctive cities
New Orleans is not just where we are located - it is part of how we teach. The city's history, its communities, and its public health landscape give students a level of real-world context that is hard to find anywhere else.
33 programs, 7 departments, two learning formats
Whether a student wants to specialize in biostatistics, health policy, maternal and child health, or disaster management, there is a program here. Most are available both on campus and online, giving students flexibility without sacrificing access to faculty or the New Orleans experience.
A tight-knit academic community
WSPH is a graduate-only school. Students are not competing for attention with undergraduates - they are part of a focused academic community with direct access to faculty, research opportunities, and a global alumni network spanning government, academia, NGOs, and the private sector.
Accreditation
Tulane WSPH is accredited by CEPH - the Council on Education for Public Health - the national accrediting body for schools and programs of public health. CEPH accreditation is the standard advisors and students should look for when evaluating any public health program.
“The best thing about being a student at WSPH has been the strong sense of community and support. From faculty who are genuinely invested in students' success to classmates who bring diverse perspectives and experiences, it's an environment that encourages growth, collaboration, and meaningful conversations. It truly feels like a place where everyone wants you to succeed.”
- Kwame Asamoah Senyah, MHA
Your students could be next. Meet the people who were once sitting where they are now.
Tulane WSPH is among the top 10% of public health schools in the country, recognized for the quality of its research, faculty, and graduate programs.
Admissions requirements and application process
Applying to a graduate public health program can feel like a lot - especially for students who are new to the process. Here is what advisors need to know to help students prepare.
Most programs offer three start terms - Fall, Spring, and Summer - giving students flexibility on when they begin. The PhD and DrPH IHSD track are Fall-only. The DrPH SBPS track also offers Spring entry.
How students apply
Most WSPH programs use SOPHAS - the centralized application system for schools of public health. Students create one account and can apply to multiple programs. The MHA and several online programs use a separate WSPH application form.
What every application needs
For all master's programs:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Personal statement addressing program fit, professional goals, and relevant experience
- Resume or CV
- Minimum 2 letters of recommendation (3 for doctoral programs)
For doctoral programs, the personal statement has a stronger research focus - students should address specific faculty members they want to work with and articulate a clear research interest.
No GRE required
The GRE is not required and will not be reviewed for any WSPH program. This is worth communicating clearly to students who may be hesitant to apply.
A note on GPA
There is no published minimum GPA for master's programs. Academic achievement matters, but context and trajectory are taken into account. Students who are concerned about their GPA should contact admissions directly before ruling themselves out.
Key deadlines
| Program | Priority deadline | Final deadline |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus MPH / MS | Spring Oct 1 Summer Feb 1 Fall Mar 1 | Spring Dec 1 Summer Mar 15 Fall Jun 15 |
| On-Campus MS Clinical Investigation | Spring Nov 1 Summer Mar 1 Fall Jun 1 | Spring Dec 1 Summer Apr 1 Fall Jul 1 |
| On-Campus PhD | - | Fall Dec 1 |
| Online MPH / MS | Spring Nov 1 Summer Mar 1 Fall Jun 1 | Spring Dec 1 Summer Apr 1 Fall Jul 1 |
| On-Campus MHA | Fall Jun 1 | Fall Jul 1 |
| Online MHA | Spring Nov 1 Summer Mar 1 Fall Jun 1 | Spring Dec 1 Summer Apr 1 Fall Jul 1 |
| Online DrPH - IHSD track | - | Fall Jan 15 |
| Online DrPH - SBPS track | - | Spring Jul 1 Fall Jan 15 |
Applications submitted by the priority deadline are automatically considered for funding - no separate scholarship application needed.
Online MHA - additional requirement
The online MHA requires a minimum of 2 years of health-related work experience and employer support for the program's experiential learning component. It is designed for working professionals - advisors should keep this in mind when referring recent graduates.
DrPH - additional requirement
The DrPH requires a minimum of 3 years of professional public health experience and an MPH or related master's degree. It is an advanced practice degree designed for mid-career professionals - not a direct path from undergrad. Advisors should direct students earlier in their careers toward the MPH first.
How advisors can support students through the process
Your role does not end at the referral. Here is how to set students up for success from the first conversation to the application.
Starting the conversation
Many students have never considered public health as a graduate path - not because they are not a fit, but because no one has brought it up. A few questions that can open the door:
- "Have you thought about the population-level side of health, not just clinical practice?"
- "You mentioned wanting to work on policy - have you looked at public health graduate programs?"
- "Your background in data would be really valuable in epidemiology or biostatistics - have you explored that?"
Addressing common hesitations
"I'm not a science person"
Most WSPH programs do not require a science background, and no GRE is required. Encourage them to reach out to admissions directly.
"I don't know what I want to do yet"
Public health is a broad field. The MPH is designed to give students both a foundation and a specialization - it is a good degree for students who are still figuring out their direction.
"I can't afford graduate school"
Applications submitted by the priority deadline are automatically considered for funding. Encourage students to apply early and contact admissions about scholarship opportunities.
"I don't have enough experience"
Most master's programs do not require work experience. The exception is the online MHA, which requires 2 years of health-related experience.
How to refer students to WSPH
- Direct students to sph.tulane.edu to explore programs
- Encourage them to attend a Talk to Us Tuesday session or a virtual info session - low-barrier, no commitment, direct access to admissions staff
- Connect them with the admissions team directly for program-specific questions
Resources available to advisors
- Program overviews and one-pagers - available on request
- Advisor resource kit - request via the form
- Advisor consultations - book a one-on-one call with our admissions team
Frequently asked questions for advisors
No. The GRE is not required and will not be reviewed for any WSPH program.
Can students apply to more than one program?
Yes. Through SOPHAS, students can apply to multiple WSPH programs in the same application cycle. They should be thoughtful about fit - each program has its own personal statement prompts and the application should reflect a genuine interest in that specific program.
Are there accelerated or dual degree options?
Yes. WSPH offers several dual degree programs including MD/MPH, JD/MPH, JD/MHA, MBA/MHA, and MSW/MPH. Students must apply and be admitted to the partnering program first before applying to WSPH.
There is also an Accelerated Master's Program for Tulane undergraduate students - advisors at other institutions should note this program is for Tulane students only.
Students who apply by the priority deadline are automatically considered for merit-based funding - no separate application needed. PhD students are considered for full funding as part of the standard admissions process. Additional scholarship and financial aid information is available on the tuition and aid page.
How long do programs take to complete?
Most master's programs take 1.5 to 2 years full-time. The MHA is a 22-month cohort program. For specific program lengths, see the program pages.
Can students start in Spring or Summer?
Yes - most master's programs offer Fall, Spring, and Summer entry. The on-campus MHA, PhD and DrPH IHSD are Fall-only. See the deadlines page for specific dates by program and term.
How do I request materials for my advising office?
Contact our admissions team directly. We can provide program overviews, one-pagers, and other resources to support your advising work.
Where can students learn more before applying?
WSPH offers several low-barrier ways for students to explore the school before committing to an application:
Talk to Us Tuesdays
Regular sessions with admissions staff for program-specific questions. No commitment - just a conversation.
Virtual info sessions
Broader overviews of WSPH programs and student life. Good for students who are still exploring options.
Public Health Discovery Seminar Series
Free virtual seminars featuring Tulane faculty and alumni sharing career paths and research. Open to all - a good option for students who are curious but not yet ready to apply.
Public health needs people who think broadly, work across disciplines, and are motivated by impact. Your students - whatever their major, whatever their career goal - may be closer to this field than they realize.
Tulane WSPH has been training public health leaders since 1912. With 33 graduate programs across 7 departments, on campus in New Orleans and online, we offer a path for nearly every student you work with.
We are here to support your advising work. Whether you have a specific student in mind or want to learn more about our programs, our admissions team is ready to help.
