MPH Application and Admission

The UNM College of Population Health MPH Program considers each applicant through a holistic lens, taking into considerations both academic and experiential qualities. Carefully review the admission and application requirements prior to applying.

*You are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor (COPHadvising@unm.edu) prior to submitting your application to ensure it is complete. 

Admission Requirements: 

1. BS, BA, or equivalent from an accredited U.S. institution or a recognized foreign institution. 
2. GPA of at least 3.0 is required in undergraduate upper-level courses (300 and 400 level), or 9 credit hours with a GPA of 3.0 or better in public health related graduate courses. 
3. Undergraduate basics statistics course or graduate-level basic statistics course with a 3.0 GPA or higher must have been completed within the previous seven (7) years, unless you have an MD or a PhD. 
4. Graduate test scores not required (GRE, MCAT, GMAT).

SOPHAS Application Requirements: 

• All transcripts (domestic and international) must be submitted through the SOPHAS application system. 
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Services (WES). 
• Ensure that your Statement of Purpose and Objectives is complete. Two (2) to three (3) pages are required.
• Include your updated CV or resume.
• We encourage you to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. Two (2) are required. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by an educational and/or professional contact who knows you and your experiences.
• Submit a complete application in the SOPHAS system. 

Applications that are incomplete and have not been verified through the SOPHAS system by the January 4 deadline will not be reviewed or considered for admission.

*The MPH Program has a two-step admission application process.* 

Step 1: Apply through SOPHAS to be accepted to MPH.

Step 2: Apply to be accepted to UNM. 

Do not submit a UNM Graduate Application until you have received a letter of acceptance from the program.

Application Information

The College of Population Health uses The Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS).
Interested applicants need to complete their application via SOPHAS. The next application cycle opens in mid-August 2026. The deadline to submit your SOPHAS application is January 4, 2027

SOPHAS Application

SOPHAS is a third-party platform. UNM cannot assist with troubleshooting or provide updates on your SOPHAS materials.

Submit a SOPHAS Application

Verification of SOPHAS application: 

Applicants should check their SOPHAS notifications and application statuses frequently. You’ll receive important notifications and critical alerts throughout the process. Applicants are responsible for monitoring these notifications and taking any required actions.

Once all your required application materials are received by SOPHAS, your application status changes to 'Complete,' and it is placed in line for verification. SOPHAS averages 2-4 weeks for verifying submitted applications. Once your application is verified, you will receive a notification, and your application status will be updated to 'Verified'.

*NOTE: The departmental admissions committee will not begin reviewing any application until it has reached Verified status. All applications must be in verified status by the application deadline.

Click here to learn how to view SOPHAS application status.

SOPHAS Transcripts Information:

All degree and non-degree transcripts must be submitted through the SOPHAS system for your application to be considered. If SOPHAS identifies any missing transcripts, the applicant will be placed in Undelivered status and notified accordingly. It is essential that the admissions committee has access to all academic transcripts to conduct a comprehensive review.

US and English-Canadian Transcripts

Foreign and French-Canadian Transcripts

Sending Official Transcripts to SOPHAS

Study Abroad or Overseas US Transcripts