MPH Admissions

California State University Admissions Requirements from Divison of Grad Studies

Minimum requirements for admission to graduate study in the California State University are in accordance with Title 5, Division 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. To meet minimum eligibility standards for graduate study at San Francisco State, an applicant must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the appropriate campus authority. Internationally Educated Students can view requirements by county.
2. Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
3. Have a 3.0 GPA in their earned undergraduate degree or in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units completed, or have earned a post-baccalareate degree.
4. Meet additional academic program requirements (see below).
5. F-1 and Internationally Educated Students must meet minimum English Proficiency Test Requirements.

Department of Public Health Program Additional Requirements

1. Work Experience

A minimum of 3,700 total hours (equivalent to two years full-time work) of post-high school health-related work experience, paid or volunteer, part-time or full-time; applications strengthened by public health/health equity positions, particularly post-baccalaureate and leadership roles, and by additional years of public health/health equity work experience beyond the minimum required.

2. Prerequisite/Foundations

A completed college course in each of these four areas (see link below for more information):

• Statistics or calculus*
• Composition
• Social Science
• Cultural, Ethnic, or Social Diversity (CESD) 

​*NOTE: The statistics/calculus course must have been completed with a grade of B- or higher, and within six years of the MPH program application year (For Fall 2024 Admission - May/June 2018). If this is not the case for an applicant, the application will still be reviewed, and if the applicant is recommended for admission, a condition of admission will be a refresher statistics course completed with a grade of B- or higher before MPH program fall semester commencement.

3. Writing Sample

A college/post-college professional or academic writing sample will be required for your application submission. This writing sample should demonstrate graduate writing preparedness and ability, applying research, writing and analytical skills. Applicants that have taken the GRE General Test are encouraged to submit their score. This can be submitted as an alternative or in addition to the required writing sample. The Analytical Writing Section of the GRE General Test is reviewed and Graduate-level proficiency in written English is usually demonstrated by a score of 4.0 or higher.

4. Statement of Purpose

To write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), review the website for your intended program of study for any department specific instructions or prompts, many departments provide detailed instructions.  Your Statement of Purpose is an important essay required by San Francisco State Graduate Programs.

Tips:

• Introduce yourself to the intended graduate program and to highlight academic experiences that prepare you for the program (e.g., coursework, research, internships, presentations).
• Discuss your motivation or passion for pursuing graduate study.
• Explain your research interests, disciplinary subfields, and areas of specialization.
• Outline your professional objectives and how the program aligns with your goals.
• Demonstrate how your experiences and interests align with the program's resources and characteristics.
• Mention specific faculty members you want to work with and how their interests match yours.
• Discuss your personal background and how it shapes your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
• Include educational, familial, cultural, economic, and social experiences that have influenced you.

4. Letters of Recommendation 

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. Please follow all instructions and prompts indicated in the Cal State Apply application portal to manage the submission of recommendation letters by the appropriate deadlines. Letters should be from academic and/or professional reference providers who can address your academic and professional promise. The letters do not have to be from faculty members at an academic institution, they can be from supervisors or professionals familiar with the candidate's work. However, if you have graduated within the last five years, at least one letter from a former professor is preferred. 

Click on the following link to view detailed information about all four of the prerequisite course requirements: