USC Master of Public Health (MPH) Application Guide

USC Master of Public Health (MPH) Program Overview

The Master of Public Health (MPH) at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) is a nationally respected graduate program built to prepare future public health professionals with the tools, experiences, and perspectives they need to create healthier communities. The program balances academic depth with applied learning, making it an ideal choice for students who want to understand and address today’s most urgent public health issues.

Students complete a robust core curriculum that includes foundational training in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management, environmental health sciences, and social and behavioral health sciences. These core areas form the basis of public health practice and allow students to understand the social, economic, and environmental factors that impact health outcomes.

A signature component of the program is its 260-hour practicum, a supervised hands-on experience that bridges academic learning and real-world practice. This requirement allows students to work with local health departments, nonprofit organizations, global health agencies, or research institutions. Through this immersive training, students apply their classroom knowledge in real health settings—developing policy briefs, supporting outreach initiatives, contributing to epidemiological studies, or evaluating health interventions.

Students also complete a Capstone Project in their final term, in which they are challenged to synthesize their knowledge, address a real-world public health issue, and propose evidence-based solutions. This culminating experience ensures that graduates leave USC with not only strong theoretical training but also the ability to translate that knowledge into meaningful impact.

USC MPH Specialized Concentrations

USC’s MPH program offers four academic tracks that allow students to specialize based on their interests and career aspirations:

• Biostatistics-Epidemiology: For students interested in data-driven public health research, this track provides training in advanced statistical methods, study design, and epidemiological modeling.
• Community Health Promotion: Designed for future educators and community leaders, this concentration focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that promote health behavior change.
• Global Health: Students learn to analyze health issues that cross borders, address disparities in underserved regions, and work within global institutions and partnerships.
• Health Services and Policy: This concentration is ideal for students who want to shape healthcare systems and public health policy. It focuses on system design, health financing, and policy evaluation.

Each track includes targeted electives and field placement options, giving students an opportunity to focus their academic efforts on specific challenges in public health.

USC MPH Admissions Criteria

To apply to the USC MPH program, candidates must meet the following admissions requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• No GRE is required, allowing applicants to focus on more meaningful parts of their application.
• Submission of official transcripts, a resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement detailing their motivation, career goals, and interest in public health.

USC looks for applicants who are not only academically qualified but also bring a demonstrated passion for improving population health. Volunteer experience, research, leadership, and community service all help to strengthen an application.

USC MPH Interview Process

Although not all applicants are interviewed, the admissions committee may invite select candidates to participate in an interview. This is an opportunity for the school to gain a deeper understanding of your motivations, professional background, and overall fit with the program.

During the interview, you may be asked to reflect on the following:

• What has inspired your interest in public health?
• Why is the USC MPH the right fit for you?
• What kind of impact do you hope to make after graduating?

Applicants should be prepared to speak clearly and confidently about their career goals, past experiences, and how their values align with USC’s mission of advancing health equity and innovation in public health.

USC MPH Application Deadlines

The USC MPH program offers multiple intakes, providing flexibility for students who may be balancing work or other responsibilities:

• Fall Admission
  • Priority Deadline: December 1
  • Final Deadline: April 1
• Spring Admission: October 1
• Summer Admission: March 1

Applying early is recommended, especially for applicants seeking financial aid or scholarship consideration. Early submission also gives more time for planning and course selection.

How Myls Interview Can Help Strengthen Your USC MPH Application

Preparing a compelling application—and standing out during the interview—requires more than academic readiness. You need to show your passion, clearly communicate your purpose, and demonstrate that you’re a good match for the program. That’s where Myls Interview can give you a distinct advantage.

Mock Interviews

Myls Interview offers customized mock interviews based on USC’s format. You’ll practice answering common and program-specific questions in a timed environment. This simulation helps you get comfortable under pressure and fine-tune your delivery for clarity and confidence.

Personalized Assessment Reports

After each mock interview, Myls Interivew provides a detailed report evaluating your strengths and areas to improve. These insights focus on your tone, structure, vocabulary, and how well your answers connect to the MPH program’s values and goals.

Vocabulary Coaching and Communication Skills

Public health is full of complex language, and how you express yourself matters. Myls Interview helps you build a clear, professional vocabulary so that your answers are impactful and easy to understand. You’ll learn how to confidently speak about social determinants of health, policy, health equity, and more.

Program Relevancy Analysis

Using real USC program descriptions and mission statements, Myls Interview helps you adjust your responses to directly reflect what USC is looking for in candidates. You’ll learn how to naturally incorporate the language of community impact, health justice, and leadership into your personal story.

Answer Review and Feedback

Written and spoken responses are reviewed by experts who help refine your messaging. Whether you’re drafting a personal statement or preparing your final video interview, Myls Interview ensures every word adds value and showcases your potential.

By working with Myls Interview, you’ll walk into your USC MPH interview with purpose, preparation, and poise—ready to present your best self and leave a strong impression.

🚀 Ready to take the next step? Prepare for your USC MPH application with Myls Interview and build the confidence and skills you need to succeed. Sign up today!