Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health is the only United States public health school that accepts students from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Our success inaccepting students from all over the world is due to our strong partnerships with universities and research organizations in over 20 countries.
Columbia University Mailman School Of Public Health’s (CUSP) acceptance rate for new students has increased from 78% to 91%. This is thanks in part to the school’s innovative admissions program, which offers a variety of scholarships and opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions. With an intake of more than 2,000 students this fall, CUSP is one of the most selective universities in New York City.
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health is one of the most selective schools in the United States. And with a successful acceptance rate, it’s no wonder. The school has a strong tradition of producing world-class public health researchers. In addition to its research program, the school offers a number of popular undergraduate and graduate programs that attract top talent.
About Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
The DeLamar Institute of Public Health at Columbia University was founded in 1922 with a mandate to “study and [teach] the origins and cause of human disease and the prevention thereof.”
In the early 1980s, the school noticed the challenging landscape of public health and adjusted its focus to curtail those challenges. This was achieved through the provision of increased access to healthcare for all and also commitment its to research.
In 1998, the School was renamed to honor Joseph L. Mailman, a prominent businessman dedicated to issues of health and education, whose foundation offered a transformational $33 million gift. Soon thereafter, the Mailman School became a Faculty of Public Health, one of the four Faculties in Columbia’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
Today, the Mailman School of Public Health is widely recognized as an international thought leader addressing critical public health issues ranging from rising infectious diseases and urban health imbalances to the implications of health policy decisions. The Mailman School is devoted to creating knowledge, translating science for impact, and educating the next generation of public health leaders.
According to the university, its mission is to educate the next generation of public health leaders, conduct groundbreaking discoveries, and deliver solutions to protect and improve the health of people everywhere.
Why Should I Study In Mailman School of Public Health?
With a commitment to excellence, the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has been a global leader in advancing education, research, and practice to prevent disease and disability and improve the health of entire populations. Their vision is to create a healthy and just world for everyone.
The university focuses on educating the next generation of public health leaders, conducting groundbreaking discovery, and delivering solutions to protect and improve health of people everywhere.
Mailman’s world-class educational programs integrate an innovative skills-based curriculum, research collaborations, and hands-on field experience to prepare students for leadership roles in a range of industries and sectors or research and academia.
Their amazing faculty work across disciplines – biology, sociology, statistics, history, a policy that takes public health from theory to practice through innovative research and programs.
Columbia University provides boundless opportunities for personal and professional growth. They work with diverse populations throughout the City’s five boroughs and in their local Washington Heights neighborhood on complex health issues, including HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and care; smoking cessation initiatives; and programs to stem the growing asthma epidemic in our urban environment.
The most important difference? Our community. Inclusive, collaborative, diverse, our culture is essential to our work, to our students’ experience and to where they go from here.
Is Mailman School of Public Health Accredited?
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that accredits schools of public health. CEPH’s mission assures “quality in public health education and training to achieve excellence in practice, research, and service, through collaboration with organization and community partners.”
As a member of the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health, the Mailman School of Public Health was re-accredited in 2010 and has begun the next process for reaccreditation.
The management programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
What Is Mailman School of Public Health’s Acceptance Rate?
Mailman School of Public Health’s acceptance rate is 55%. This signifies that admission into the school of public health is highly competitive.
Therefore, if you must be admitted into Mailman, you need to exert a commendable level of academic excellence and desire to study in such an environment. Let’s take a look at the programs offered at Mailman School of Public Health.
What Are The Programs Offered At Mailman School of Public Health?
The academic departments and educational programs at Mailman School of Public Health integrate innovative skills based on curriculum, research collaborations, and practical field experience to prepare students for leadership roles.
Academic Departments in Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Biostatistics
Biostatistics develops the theoretical and statistical methods used to analyze complex survey data and support evidence-based decision-making in public health and biomedical disciplines.
The Biostatistics department at Mailman offers an MPH, MS, DrPH, or PhD in biostatistical research pertaining to clinical trials, brain imaging, cancer, mental health, and more.
The Department of Biostatistics ensures that reliable evidence supports public health findings. By adding a dose of realism and skepticism to the search for the truth, biostatistics enables decisions in the face of uncertainty.
With an aim to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and public health through theoretical results and applied statistical methods, the department collaborates with scientists to design informative experiments and analyze their statistical data to obtain valid findings and educate the students.
Department of Environmental Health Sciences
The department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health conducts research in education to understand, prevent, and mitigate the impact of environmental exposures and climate change on human health.
This department offers the following degree programs, Columbia MPH, Master of Science, Doctor of Public Health, Doctor of Philosophy.
Department of Epidemiology
The department of Epidemiology produces world-class science with real-world impact and training the next generation of leaders in research and practice.
The Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University is committed to producing world-class science with real-world impact while training the next generation of epidemiologists to improve the health and lives of communities around the world.
Housing over 150 faculty members, the department conducts scientific research in over 60 countries, publish close to 1,000 scholarly articles annually.
Our over 150 faculty members conduct scientific research in over 60 countries, publish nearly 1,000 scholarly articles each year, and provide expertise in the department’s various research.
The department offers an MPH, MS, DrPH and PhD programs.
Department of Health Policy and Management
Health Policy and Management blends research and education on the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policies and the administrative functioning of health systems and organizations.
The department is home to education, research, and service programs that provide students with the skills, networks, credentials, and practical experience to obtain professional positions in a complex and changing healthcare environment.
Additionally, the department trains the next generation of healthcare managers and policymakers using a combination of teaching methods.
The department offers MPH, MHA, and executive programs focusing on health policy, management, comparative effectiveness research, and global health.
Department of Population and Family Health
The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health explores the legal, policy, and human rights dimensions of health, particularly within communities in low-income, unstable, or inequitable environments around the globe.
The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health (HDPFH) addresses a wide range of challenges to health, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights, forced migration, child and adolescent health, environmental justice, and complex health systems.
The department offers an MPH, Master of Science and DrPH.
Department of Sociomedical Sciences
Sociomedical Sciences is dedicated to understanding and addressing the social, political, historical, Sociomedical, psychological, and economic forces that influence health outcomes.
Sociomedical Sciences is devoted to promoting equity and reducing health disparities.
Additionally, the faculty engages in action-oriented research that not only deepens critical scholarly perspectives in the social and behavioral sciences but also advances the practice of public health, empowers communities and informs public policy.
Sociomedical Sciences sets public health challenges in broad social, historical, and political contexts for students in MPH, MS, and doctoral programs.
Degrees Offered At Mailman School of Public Health
Here’s a rundown of degrees offered at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
Master of Public Health
The Mailman School of Public Health introduced a breakthrough MPH curriculum that set a new standard for public health education. The program provides the broad systemic understanding, critical thinking skills, and leadership training needed to tackle today’s complex public health challenges.
Master of Science
The MS curriculum focuses on specialized knowledge with an emphasis on interdisciplinary education. The Mailman School’s emphasis on interdisciplinary education ensures that students also gain a broad public health perspective that facilitates successful careers. Typical applicants are people with science backgrounds and/or experience in health, medicine, or science-related fields.
The Master of Science (MS) degree is offered by the departments of Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Sociomedical Sciences, and Population and Family Health.
Doctoral programs
The Mailman School’s doctoral degree programs provide great access to renowned researchers and thought leaders. Through their course of study, doctoral students obtain the tools they need to create knowledge in the field and advance the practice of public health.
The School offers two doctoral degrees, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). The two programs train candidates to create new knowledge and research, apply them to important public health issues, and identify and implement potential solutions. They differ only in emphasis:
- DrPH training places greater emphasis on the application of science to public health leadership, practice, and program development.
- PhD training places greater emphasis on creating new knowledge, with PhD recipients pursuing research and/or teaching as their career goal.
Master of Health Administration
The Department of Health Policy and Management (HPM) offers an MHA degree in full-time, part-time, and executive formats. These cohort-based programs integrate coursework in organizational leadership and management, health policy, and public health and health systems.
Students take traditional management coursework in the context of the healthcare system and learn advanced skills in finance, strategy, leadership and analytics. Each course contains healthcare examples and case studies, and faculty discuss the healthcare environment, language and policies in class.
Executive and Professional Education
Columbia Mailman executive and professional education programs allow students to increase their knowledge, increase their skills, or earn a graduate degree without impeding their career.
Executive (EXEC) Programs in Healthcare Management (MHA/MPH)
The Executive (EXEC) Programs in Healthcare Management (MHA/MPH) provide a unique interdisciplinary education across three areas of expertise: organizational leadership and management, health policy and public health, and health systems.
The executive programs are designed for healthcare professionals who come from an extraordinary range of career fields including government agencies, hospitals, consulting companies, pharmaceutical corporations, insurance companies, finance, foundations and other healthcare enterprises.
The Executive MS in Epidemiology
Columbia’s Executive Master of Science in Epidemiology is a rigorous research degree program designed to provide working health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to engage in population health research.
Students gain a command of major concepts and techniques in epidemiology and a solid foundation in biostatistics with a focus on applied skills, including advanced modeling using SAS software.
Part-time Management MHA
The Part-Time Management Program (PTM) is a 28-month evening program geared toward candidates who are working and have at least one year of experience in a health-related industry. Courses integrate professional experience into the classroom, and provide the knowledge and skills needed for advancement in health services management and planning.
Dual Degrees
As part of Columbia University, the Mailman School puts the extraordinary resources of a world-renowned institution at your fingertips. The School fosters a multidisciplinary approach to public health through dual-degree master’s programs offered in conjunction with other Columbia graduate schools. These programs provide Columbia MPH students with an opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and perspectives in fields beyond public health.
The School currently offers ten dual-degree programs with the following Columbia affiliates:
- DDS/MPH (College of Dental Medicine)
- JD/MPH (School of Law)
- MA/MPH (The Jewish Theological Seminary)
- MBA/MPH (School of Business)
- MIA/MPH; MPA/MPH (School of International and Public Affairs)
- MD/MPH (College of Physicians and Surgeons)
- MS in Bioethics/MPH (School of Professional Studies)
- MSOT/MPH (Division of Occupational Therapy)
- MSSW/MPH (School of Social Work)
- MSUP/MPH (Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation)
What Are The Admission Requirements To Study In Mailman School of Public Health?
Applicants to MPH, MS, PhD and DrPH will apply using SOPHAS. Applicants to the Executive MHA/MPH, Full-Time and Part-Time MHA programs can submit a HAMPCAS application instead.
All applications must be sent directly to SOPHAS or HAMPCAS before the scheduled application deadline.
Applicants are to tender the following documents in order to be considered for admission:
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants will need to submit letters of recommendation from three (3) individuals. Letters should address your academic and research abilities, including your capacity to work independently and your ability to comprehend, digest, and assimilate new knowledge.
Standardized Test Scores
Standardized test scores for applications to the 2021-2022 academic year are optional for all master’s degree programs. For doctoral programs, please confirm requirements by checking the individual department page for detailed information on the application and/or department requirements.
However, evidence of quantitative and analytical ability. To show this ability, candidates must complete all questions under the Quantitative & Analytical Assessment section within the application.
If you plan on submitting your test scores, please use the codes below.
- GRE: have ETS send scores to SOPHAS using code 2159, HAMCAPS using code 0047
- MCAT: have AAMC send scores to SOPHAS using code “SOPHAS” be sure to include your AAMC ID#
- Other test scores GMAT, LSAT, or DAT send official scores directly to the Mailman School of Public Health
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
You need to submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words. Your statement should answer the following questions:
- Why are you applying to the Mailman School of Public Health?
- What interests you about the department and degree you are applying to at the Mailman School of Public Health?
- How do you hope to use your education from the Mailman School of Public Health to achieve your long-term career goals?
CV or Resume
Please send an up-to-date CV/resume that includes:
- Educational degrees
- Employment
- Experiences (especially those related to public health)
- Professional skills and accomplishments
- Volunteer activities
- Awards
Transcripts (Domestic & English Canada)
If you studied in the U.S., or English speaking Canada, an official transcript from institutions attended must be sent directly to SOPHAS.
What Are The Application Requirements For International Students?
Applicants who have completed their studies outside of the U.S. and English Canada must request a WES course-by-course evaluation and have it sent directly to SOPHAS or HAMPCAS.
- Refer to the SOPHAS or HAMPCAS sections on connecting evaluations to your application.
Also, you need to satisfy the following;
English proficiency: TOEFL OR IELTS SCORES
Candidates who obtained their bachelor’s degree in a country where the primary language of instruction was not English must submit either of the following:
- TOEFL: Required score minimum is 100 (or 600 paper based). Scores must be sent directly from ETS. SOPHAS applicants use Institutional Code. HAMPCAS applicants use Institution Code #B589.
- IELTS: Required scores minimum is 7.5. If submitting IELTS, please have them sent directly to our Office of Admissions.
How Can I Apply For Admission At Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
Step by step application process at Columbia Mailman School of Pulic Health:
How Much Does It Cost To Study In Mailman School of Public Health? Mailman School of Public Health Tuition
When making your financial plans, it is necessary to consider tuition and fees. The following are the average mailman school of public health tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year.
| Program | Program Points | Tuition Per Semester | Tuition Per Credit |
| Master of Health Administration (MHA) | |||
| Executive MHA | 0-12 | $13,266 | $1,774 |
| Master of Health Administration (MHA), Full Time | 0-18 | $19,894 | $1,774 |
| Master of Health Administration (MHA), Full Time (F/T Exemption) | 0-11 | $9,948 | n/a |
| – Master of Health Administration (MHA), Part Time Management MHA | $1,774 | ||
| Master of Public Health (MPH) |
|||
| Master of Public Health (MPH), Accelerated | 0-21 | $30,438 | $1,774 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH), Executive MPH | 0-12 | $13,266 | $1,774 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH), Full Time | 0-18 | $19,894 | $1,774 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH), Full Time (F/T Exemption) | 0-11 | $9,948 | n/a |
| Master of Public Health (MPH), Global Health Certificate – Continuing Students | 0-21 | $19,032 | $1,774 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH), Global Health Certificate – New Students | 0-21 | $19,894 | $1,774 |
| – Master of Public Health (MPH), MPH Duals | 12-21 | $28,980 | $1,774 |
| – Master of Public Health (MPH), MPH (Pre- FY 2013 | $1,774 | ||
| – Master of Public Health (MPH), Part Time | $1,774 | ||
| MPH/MHA (Extended Residency) | 0-12 | $5,320 | $1,774 |
| MS, Executive MS, DrPH, PHCTRS | $1,774 |
Available Scholarships At Columbia University Mailman School Of Public Health
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health offers a number of financial aid options for both graduate and undergraduate students, including grants and scholarships, loans, outside awards from employers or professional organizations, and a Work-Study program that is partially funded by the U.S. government.
Mailman School of Public Health awards Scholarships, fellowships, and grants are awarded based on need or merit. Amounts and availability vary by school. Some scholarships below require a FAFSA, you may submit your FAFSA here (the school code is 002707)
Here’s a list of scholarships offered by Columbia Ubniversity Mailman School of Public Health.
Interschool Fellowships
Interschool fellowships are need-based institutional awards—ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 annually—that are not restrained to students in one Columbia school or college. For information on the Interschool Fellowships offered, please email sphfinaid@columbia.edu.
Institutional Fellowships
Institutional Fellowships are determined by a scholarship committee during the admissions application process. There is no separate application required to be considered.
The Allan Rosenfield Scholars Fund
This need-based scholarship, created in 2004, is granted annually to outstanding students pursuing a doctoral degree or performing post-doctoral research in public health.
Community Scholars
This is a merit and/or need-based scholarship awarded annually to full-time MPH students in the department of Sociomedical Sciences. Selection for the scholarship is highly competitive and based on a review of all admission materials.
Doris Duke Fellowships For The Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago invite individuals who are interested in a career in child abuse and neglect prevention to apply for these fellowships. For more details, please visit here.
Dorothy Edith Veith-Dipaolo Memorial Scholarship
This annual scholarship supports one nurse pursuing a master’s degree in public health. The scholarship was established in 2004 by Nicholas DiPaolo in memory of his late wife, Dorothy Edith Veith-DiPaolo, a nurse who obtained her master’s degree in public health from Columbia School of Public Health in 1980.
Dorothea Dix Public Psychiatry Fund
This fund supports one student annually. This fund gives preference to current or former post-doctoral psychiatry fellows from NYSPI/Columbia.
Dr. E.M. Bluestone Scholarship
This award benefits students in the Master of Healthcare Administration program who are intelligent and show financial need.
Elizabeth Milbank Anderson Fellowship
This award provides fellowships to PhD students studying in the Mailman School’s Center for the History and Ethics of Public Health.
Columbia Mailman Scholarship in Public Health
This award provides need-based financial aid for Mailman School students who have demomstrated a level of leadership throughout their academic and professional career. It is funded by students, alumni, and friends of the Mailman School.
This fund requires participation in specific events throughout the academic year such as new student orientation, admitted students day, student panels, open houses, etc.
Rudin Scholars in Public Health
This renewable scholarship, established by the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, provides financial aid for Master of Public Health students each year. Recipients represent diverse backgrounds, experiences, and career goals; have financial need, and have demonstrated academic excellence. They share a common aspiration of improving population health in New York City, around the country, and throughout the world.
Conclusion
I hope this article answers all you questions relating to Columbia public health masters.