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. 

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 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.

Timeline For Fall 2023 Applicants

The table below outlines the key dates and timeframes that will be relevant to prospective online master’s students planning to apply for admission to the Fall 2023 cohort.

Date Event Notes
Early September Application Opens Applicants are able to begin work on their application. Go to the MPH application
Oct 26 Discovery Series  Prospective students are invited to this virtual event series to learn more about their chosen programs of interest and get application advice.
Feb 1 Priority Application Deadline The online master’s program admissions committee begin reviewing applications after this date.
Feb 1 Scholarship Review Begins In coordination with application review, the program will give scholarship consideration to all applicants based on their submitted application materials. 
Mid-Late March Admissions Decisions Go Out Admissions decisions will continue to be sent to applicants in the order applications were received until all those submitted by the 5/15 deadline have been reviewed.
Late March Admitted Student Day #1 A virtual welcome gathering where students can meet with program staff and peers. Ask questions, connect with our community, and get support in making your enrollment decision. (For early cycle admits)
March 31 FAFSA Deadline 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.
April 15 Admitted Student Decision Deadline 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.)
May 15 Final Application Deadline Last day to apply to the Fall 2022 cohort. All supplemental materials must be to be received by this date.
Early June Onboarding Course Begins The "Onboarding and Advising Course" on Coursera begins. This course introduces new students to the program tools, resources, and structure; it is the central orientation experience for online students.
June 30 Late Application Deadline Applicants who submit after May 15 can be considered for the late application deadline. We are happy to accept late applications from applicants who are eager to start this program in the upcoming term and will be glad to expedite your admissions decision. If you are offered admission, you may be asked to consider your decision in a shorter timeframe than earlier applicants and should expect to complete matriculation and onboarding processes immediately to ensure you’re prepared for the fall start of the program.
Early July Admitted Student Day #2 A virtual welcome gathering where students can meet with program staff and peers. Ask questions, connect with our community, and get support in making your enrollment decision. (For late cycle admits)
July 15 Final Admitted Student Decision Deadline Students who have been admitted will need to confirm their decision to enroll or withdraw.
Late August Classes Begin! Enrolled students begin courses online.

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. The main differences to be aware of 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”. 

2022-2023 Academic Calendar for Online Degrees

  • Start of Fall Classes: Monday, August 29, 2022
  • Labor Day (no classes): Monday, September 5, 2022
  • Thanksgiving Recess (no classes): November 24 - November 27, 2022
  • End of Fall Classes: Friday, December 16, 2022
  • Winter Break: December 17, 2022 - January 1, 2023
  • Start of Winter Classes: Monday, January 2, 2023
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no classes): Monday, January 16, 2023
  • End of Winter Classes: Friday, April 21, 2023
  • Start of Spring/Summer Classes: Monday, May 1, 2023
  • Memorial Day (no classes): Monday, May 29, 2023
  • Independence Day (no classes): Monday, July 4, 2023
  • End of Spring/Summer Classes: Friday, August 18, 2023


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).