The MPH Application
The MCH Program is designed primarily for individuals with clinical or public health experience who seek graduate level training in order to assume increased responsibility for program management, policy formulation, assessment, evaluation, and research focused on underserved maternal and child populations in the United States (US).
Applicants come from a variety of disciplines related to maternal and child health, including pediatrics, obstetrics, family medicine, dentistry, psychology, behavioral sciences, nursing, nutrition, and social work. At least two years of relevant professional experience in US public health services are required. Most applicants have, on average, six years of experience.
Applicants to the MCH Program must apply to either the Department of Epidemiology or the Department of Health Services, both in the School of Public Health.
Applications are reviewed in January for admission to the program the following summer or autumn quarter. Winter and spring quarter entry is not available due to the sequence of courses.
Students who are accepted into the program may choose to enter summer quarter and take Biostatistics 511, thereby reducing the following autumn quarter course load.
Application deadlines
Department of Epidemiology
December 1st
Department of Health Services
January 15th
Interview with MCH faculty member
An in-person or telephone interview with one MCH Program faculty member is highly recommended. Please contact the faculty member directly. Interviews must be completed by mid-December.
Application Instructions
To apply to the MCH Program, please follow the instructions listed at the Department of Epidemiology or the Department of Health Services, and specify the MCH Program as the track to which you are applying.
All applicants are required to apply using the University of Washington's Graduate School online application. Applicants may also apply using the SOPHAS; however, that application is not necessary nor sufficient for application to the the department and the MCH Program.
Please note that in addition to the materials required by the department, the MCH Program requires a supplemental statement of purpose. This 1-page document should answer the following questions:
- Why are you interested in maternal and child health? What issues, individuals, or communities in the US do you want to work with?
- What has been your experience gathering and using information to develop or evaluate programs or policies that affect mothers, children, or families?
- What leadership roles have you assumed in your educational or job setting(s)? Give examples of how your professionalism and skills in communicating, critical thinking, and decision-making helped you contribute to improving maternal and child health.
- How do you envision your professional role in US maternal and child public health five years after graduating?
