Important Dates for Online Degrees

What To Expect When Applying

The online Master of Public Health program admits students for Fall term only. Applications for online master's degree will open in early September for the following Fall term. Applications must be submitted via the online centralized application service SOPHAS (Schools of Public Health Application Services).

Throughout the application window, our staff will hold virtual information sessions and provide additional details via email to help guide prospective students through the application process. Prospective students are encouraged to sign up for our interest list to be sure they are receiving important news and information about their program of interest and key events. 

The admissions committee will begin reviewing applications after the priority application deadline. Admissions decisions will be sent out as decisions are made to ensure students are given their answers in a timely manner. Applicants can typically expect to receive their admission decision within two months. Applications are accepted up to the final deadline date.

Important Dates to Remember

FAFSA Deadline - March 31

The deadline to submit the FAFSA application in order for students to be considered for all available forms of federal aid. Suggested for U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens.

Admitted Student Decision Deadline - April 15

Students who have been admitted will need to confirm their decision to matriculate or withdraw. (Students who received their admissions offer around or after this date will have a later decision deadline.)

Start of Classes - August 30

The Online MPH fall term begins in late August. Before classes start, we'll have an Onboarding period beginning in early June through the start of classes.  During this time, the School of Public Health Orientation Canvas Page and Online MPH Program Handbook are shared with incoming students. These are the two main resources for onboarding and orientation to the school / program. These resources introduce new students to the program tools, resources, and structure; it is the central orientation experience for online students. 

Application Deadlines

Priority Application Deadline - February 15

The admissions committee reviews all applications for admission and scholarships at this time. Submit your application by this date for first consideration for scholarships and faster admissions decisions. No extra steps are required for scholarship consideration. Review application requirements.

Standard Application Deadline - May 15

This is the final date to apply for the upcoming Fall cohort. Ensure that all supplemental materials are submitted by this deadline to be considered for regular admission. Scholarship funding may be competitive for applicants by this time.

Late Application Deadline - June 30

Applications submitted after May 15 can be considered for late admissions.

If you’re applying after May 15, you’re considered a late applicant — and we assume you’re serious about enrolling. Because onboarding is already in motion by the time you apply, we handle things a little differently between May 15 and June 30 to help you catch up and start strong.

That means your application, admission decision, and next steps will all happen on a compressed timeline.

Part 1: Before You Apply as a Late Applicant

First Step: Connect with Us

Before you apply, connect with us.

  • Set up a brief meeting with the Program Manager (preferred), or send an email to let us know you’re applying late.
  • We’ll walk you through the process, deadlines, and expectations so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
  • This early check-in helps prevent delays and ensures you're prepared to say “yes” quickly if admitted.

Know Your Funding Plan

Before you apply, you should have a clear sense of how you’ll finance your degree.

  • Submit the FAFSA as early as possible to qualify for federal loans — you can do this even before you apply to the program.
  • Institutional scholarships are typically awarded during the February 15 and May 15 deadlines. At this stage, scholarship funding is rarely available — federal loans are likely your main source of aid.
  • Fall tuition is due August 31. Payment plans (optional) open June 30 — the earlier you enroll, the more time you’ll have to spread payments.

Final Deadline for Fall Admission

To be considered for Fall 2025 admission, your application must meet all of the following criteria by June 30, 2025:

  • It has been submitted in SOPHAS
  • All required materials (transcripts, letters, etc.) have been received
  • SOPHAS has completed the verification process

There is no flexibility after this date. If anything is incomplete or verification isn’t finished by June 30, you’ll need to apply for Fall 2026.

Part 2: If You're Admitted — Here's What Happens Next

Admission isn’t guaranteed, but if you are accepted, things move fast. That’s why we encourage you to meet with us before applying — so you can fully understand the program, assess your fit, and be ready to build momentum right away. This section gives you a clear view of what’s ahead if you're offered admission, so you can plan accordingly.

Say Yes & Matriculate

We assume you're applying late because you're ready to join us.

You can take a day or two to decide, but we expect you to be prepared to accept your offer quickly.
Prompt action keeps you on track for registration, orientation, and financial steps.

Onboarding & Orientation

You’re joining while onboarding is already in progress — and that’s okay. We recommend focusing on the following resources which will be provided to you:

  • SPH Orientation on Canvas
  • Online MPH Handbook on Canvas

These self-paced tools walk you through what you need to know.

Part 3. Starting the Fall Term

Whether you applied late or early, the lead-up to the first day can feel like a lot — and that’s completely normal. This section outlines what you’ll need to do before fall classes begin, along with a few reminders to help you stay grounded. No one gets it all done in a day, and we’re here to support you as you settle in and find your rhythm.

Your Setup Checklist

Before fall term begins on August 25, make sure to:

  • Log in to Canvas, email, and Wolverine Access
  • Register for fall classes (see Handbook for guidance)
  • Check Canvas for syllabi and materials starting August 18
  • Join Slack and ask to be added to any channels or lists you’re missing

Need help? Reach out to the Program Manager or check the Handbook for instructions and contacts. 

Feeling Behind? That’s Normal.

Many students feel this way — even those who applied months ago.

  • Set realistic expectations and move at the pace that works for you.
  • Ask questions early and often.
  • You’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

Academic Calendar for Online Degrees

The Office of the Registrar maintains the university’s official academic calendar. Due to the accelerated nature of the online graduate degree programs, they follow a modified calendar. As a prospective online student, it may be helpful to your planning to review this calendar.

The calendar does observe university-wide holidays such as Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. Class will not be held on days when the university is officially closed (e.g., Thanksgiving, Labor Day). The main differences to be aware of for online degree students are as follows:

  • University breaks, such as the Fall Study Break or Mid-Winter Vacation (aka spring break), are not recognized.
  • Online students attend classes through the end of term and do not have designated “study days” nor “examination days”. 

Please note that the official schedule for each semester is to be found on Wolverine Access for currently enrolled students. It will be published leading up to that term's backpack and registration period (as indicated on the Office of the Registrar's registration deadlines calendar).