Preferred Admissions

The University of Michigan School of Public Health offers Preferred Admission to select first-year applicants. Preferred Admission allows students who are admitted to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) an expedited path and guaranteed place in one of the School of Public Health's bachelor's degree programs, provided they meet the required academic standards during their first two years at U-M.

Students admitted through Preferred Admission begin their studies in LSA, where they can take a broad range of courses and the School of Public Health prerequisite courses. After successfully completing the public health prerequisite requirements, they transition to the School of Public Health for their junior and senior years.

How do I apply for preferred admission?

First-year applicants to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) may indicate their interest in the School of Public Health by selecting "School of Public Health" in the Preferred Admission section of the Common App.

Applicants are able to join the Preferred Admission pathway after they have been admitted to LSA. Please note that Preferred Admission is not available to students applying through Early Decision.

Preferred Admission Requirements

Students electing Preferred Admission are guaranteed admission to the School of Public Health's bachelor's degree program, provided they:

  • Have completed PUBHLTH 200, STATS 250, a course which fulfills the First Year Writing Requirement, with a C- or better.
    • Students must complete the other three prerequisite courses before graduation to earn their degree.  
  • Have completed 48 credits (4 semesters of full-time status) prior to officially joining the School of Public Health.
  • Have enrolled full-time (12+ credits) in the fall and winter semesters of their first year.
  • Earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher.

Transferring as a Preferred Admission Student

During the fall semester of their sophomore year, Preferred Admission students will complete a brief confirmation form indicating whether they plan to pursue the BA in Community and Global Public Health or the BS in Public Health Sciences.

At the end of the fall semester, the School of Public Health will verify that students have completed the required prerequisites and earned the minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students who meet all requirements will officially transfer to the School of Public Health and begin their chosen degree program as juniors.

What are the benefits of Preferred Admission?

Preferred Admission gives students the opportunity to plan confidently for their future while becoming part of the School of Public Health community early in their undergraduate experience. Benefits include:

  • Guaranteed admission to one of the School of Public Health bachelor's degree programs, provided all Preferred Admission requirements are met.
  • Dedicated academic advising. Preferred Admission students have access to a public health academic advisor who can help them monitor their progress toward prerequisite requirements, answer questions about the program, and provide guidance on academic planning during their first two years at U-M.
  • Early connection to the Michigan Public Health community. Students are invited to Preferred Admission cohort gatherings and selected public health events, providing opportunities to build relationships with peers, faculty, staff, and current students.
  • A simplified transition to the School of Public Health. Preferred Admission students do not complete the standard cross-campus transfer application. Instead, they submit a brief confirmation form and are automatically admitted after meeting the required academic standards.

Is Preferred Admission binding?

No. Preferred Admission is not a binding commitment. We recognize that students' academic interests and career goals evolve as they begin taking classes and progress in their studies. Students who seek Preferred Admission are under no obligation to enroll in the School of Public Health should their academic goals or career plans shift. Accepting Preferred Admission simply reserves a place in the program, should a student choose to meet the requirements and continue on the public health pathway.

Visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions Preferred Admission Programs website to learn about PA options in other schools and colleges.