Undergraduate Admissions

Pursue a Healthier, More Equitable World

The University of Michigan School of Public Health offers two upper-level undergraduate degree programs, with students completing their junior and senior years at the School of Public Health.

Whether you are a high schooler who is already planning to major in public health at the University of Michigan, a U-M student planning to enroll, or a transfer student from another institution, we have a path to Michigan Public Health for you.

I’m a high school student applying to the University of Michigan

We’re thrilled that you’ve already identified your passion for public health. When you apply to the University of Michigan, you can indicate your interest in majoring in public health as an upperclassman by selecting “School of Public Health” in the preferred admissions of the Common Application. As long as you complete the basic admissions requirements during your first two years as a University of Michigan student, you are guaranteed admission to the public health major. While there are still a few requirements to complete, this route simplifies the admissions process for students who already know they want to pursue public health.

Preferred Admissions

I’m a current student at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

If you’re a current student at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and have heard about the excellent courses, access to faculty, and student community when you major in public health, you can start planning to apply as a “cross-campus transfer”. Most students apply during their sophomore year, after they have completed the prerequisite courses and have a minimum of 48 transferable credits.

Cross-Campus Transfer Admissions

I’m transferring from another institution

If you’re a student at another four-year institution or community college, the University of Michigan School of Public Health would be thrilled to have you join our pursuit for a healthier, more equitable world. You can apply as an “external transfer” as long as you complete the prerequisite courses and will have approximately 48 transferable credits before beginning the program.

*International applicants applying as external transfers must complete two consecutive academic years at a U.S. institution before matriculating into the program.

External Transfer Admissions

How we make admissions decisions

Because the world needs public health now more than ever, we’re expanding our bachelor’s degree program. We are seeking a wide variety of applicants who are interested in studying public health. We invite you to think of your application as a way for us to get to know you, what the field of public health means to you, and why the public health major is right for you given your interests, goals, and experiences. We practice holistic admissions, meaning that the admissions committee reviews and weights all of the components of the application equally.

Since our admissions committee does not begin reviewing applications until after the deadline, there is no real advantage to completing your application early. However, we do not encourage students to wait until the last minute, as you might experience technical issues with your application. Submitting prior to the deadline ensures that you will have time to troubleshoot and get in touch with our program staff if you need it. 

Do you want to hear about the application and admissions process first hand? Schedule a time to connect with an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador!

Prerequisites

All students complete six prerequisite courses as part of their public health degree. While you do not need to finish these courses before applying, we encourage students to take some of them in advance to support a smoother transition into the program. We advise students interested in earning a public health degree to take PUBHLTH 200 and STATS 250 as early in their academic career as possible.

Admitted students missing prerequisites will complete them in their first or second semester of the program. 

Learn more about prerequisites

Prospective Student Events

Learn more about the undergraduate public health program and requirements for admission at an upcoming prospective student event. 

Event Date & Time Registration Location
Prospective Undergraduate Info Session September 3 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET Register here M1020 SPH II
Undergraduate Virtual Q&A ( Webinar ) September 18 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET Register here Online in Zoom
Public Health on the Diag! September 30 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm ET Register here U-M Central Campus Diag

Questions?

For more information about the undergraduate programs, admissions process, or to request an appointment, contact our admissions and advising team at [email protected].

Join our interest list to receive personalized information about our programs. We’ll send you application tips, scholarship and financial aid information, deadline reminders, and opportunities to connect with our faculty, staff, and current students.

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