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Master of Public Health in Public Health Genetics - Application and Materials

SOPHAS Application and Fee Waiver

The application opens annually on September 1.

  • Start your SOPHAS application and create a login ID and password.
  • Complete the sections for:
    • Personal Information
    • Academic History
    • Supporting Information
  • To apply for the MPH in Public Health Genetics, on the “Add Program” page in the “University of Washington School of Public Health” section, click the “+” icon in the “Add” column affiliated with the MPH (Degree) and MPH-Genetics (Program Name).
  • Complete the sections for:
    • Questions
    • Documents
  • When all sections are complete, pay the fee and submit the application.
    • The application fee is $150 for the first program and an additional $60 for each additional program. To request a fee waiver, click your name in the upper right corner of the application, then select Fee Waiver Form.
    • Additional information is available here: SOPHAS Fees and Fee Waivers – Liaison (liaisonedu.com)

Application Materials

The materials below are submitted or reported electronically through SOPHAS. Information and materials reported in the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Information sections are shared amongst all SOPHAS applications. Only materials submitted through the Program Materials section are unique to the UW MPH in Public Health Genetics program.

Note: The SOPHAS and UW Graduate School applications can be submitted in either order, but preferably on the same day. Both must be submitted by their respective deadlines.

Transcript and Degree Information

Applicants will provide information about their high school attendance, college attendance and degrees they’ve earned, and college transcript information. Official transcripts from each collegiate level institution are also required.

In the “Transcript Entry” section, applicants are required to enter all coursework as it is listed on their college level transcripts. This process takes a significant amount of time and applicants should plan to enter this information as early as possible.

Note: Applicants admitted to the program who accept the offer of admission will be required to submit official transcripts to the UW Graduate School. Specific instructions will be provided in admissions materials.

Standardized Tests

Applicants can self-report standardized test information. IPHG does not consider GRE scores, so the only relevant section is the TOEFL. Non-native English speakers using the TOEFL to fulfill the requirements can self-report scores here. Official TOEFL scores will need to be reported to the University of Washington by using ETS report code 4854.

Recommendations

Enter the names and contact information for three recommenders into SOPHAS. These individuals will be sent an email prompt with instructions for submitting their recommendation online.

Please provide a combination of academic and professional letters of recommendation. The most effective and impactful recommendations come from individuals who know you well and who are able to provide insight into your academic competence, ability to engage in graduate study, potential for future success in the public health genetics field, or work experience and professional demeanor. Please refrain from requesting recommendations from family members, clergy, or friends.

When entering recommender information, it is the applicant’s responsibility to enter a deadline for the recommender. Since recommendations are shared amongst all SOPHAS applications, applicants should base the deadline they set for their recommenders on the earliest deadline of the programs they are applying to.

Instructions to recommenders: Please comment on applicant’s professionalism, communication skills (both verbal and written), and likeliness to succeed in a graduate program; along with other comments you would like the admissions committee to consider. No specific format is required.

CV/Resume

Upload a PDF of your résumé or curriculum vitae. Your submission should include the following information, as applicable:

  • Academic history (including institution, degree, dates of attendance)
  • Professional experience (including employer, position/title, full-time/part-time status, and dates of employment)
  • Volunteer experience (including organization, role, total number of hours, and dates of participation)
  • Genetics related experience
  • Research experience
  • Involvement with community, and/or diversity-related activities
  • Honors, awards, publications, and presentations

Personal History Statement

The Personal History Statement is meant to give you the opportunity to provide a narrative about your lived experiences, obstacles you may have overcome, and how these have guided you towards public health. This statement should not be the same as your Statement of Purpose. Your Personal History Statement can include information about who you are as a person; your family or cultural background; socioeconomic conditions; and experiences growing up, including successes, challenges, and moments of learning and growth. This question is not intended to ask you to share personal information you are not comfortable providing.

Maximum word limit: 500.

Equity, Justice, and Anti-Racism Statement

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are core values of the UW School of Public Health. We are committed to a future that is free of health inequities and promotes the highest level of wellness of the communities we serve. We strive to cultivate a public health workforce that embodies humility, respect, and leadership. We further seek to create a community that is inclusive of underrepresented populations and in service to underserved communities. The School is committed to becoming anti-racist and adopting anti-racism principles in the classroom and it our work. Completion of this MPH application attests that you, as an applicant, are informed of these commitments and expectations of students who attend the UW School of Public Health. (You can review additional details provided on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion web page.) Describe how you might contribute to these efforts, and/or learn and grow in the areas of EDI and anti-racism, during your time at the UW SPH, and in your public health work post-graduation.

Maximum word limit: 350.

UW Application Information

Part of the SOPHAS application is providing the UW Graduate School Application AppID for the same program application.

Non-Native English Speaker Information/English Language Proficiency Requirements

Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of citizenship) must demonstrate proficiency with the English language. (See UW Memo 8 for Graduate School policies.)

Non-native English speakers will indicate how they will fulfill the requirement in the SOPHAS application and in UW Graduate School Application. English language proficiency documentation can be submitted to SOPHAS and must be submitted to UW Graduate School Application.

Options for demonstrating proficiency are as follows:

Note: If submitting test scores, applicants should note that using Duolingo to fulfill the English Language Proficiency requirements does not qualify for on campus employment as a teaching assistant (TA). Applicants should only submit Duolingo if they have no access to the TOEFL or IELTS and are strongly encouraged to contact our office prior to applying.

Additional information:

  • If fulfilling the requirement via U.S. Degree or a degree from a specific country in Memo 8, no additional documentation is required as we’ll use transcripts submitted with the application to verify that the requirement has been fulfilled.
  • If using a medium of instruction document, we will accept a notation directly on the transcript or a separate document issued by the institution. If submitting a separate document, upload it into the Medium of Instruction document section.
  • For additional questions or assistance with reporting official test scores, please review the UW Graduate School Admissions FAQ.

Personal Statement

The Program Personal Statement should include a description of your past experiences and your educational and professional background, including your interest and experience in genetics; the program's core knowledge areas of most interest to you; and your educational objectives and career goals. The admissions committee will use your essay to evaluate your writing, thinking, and editing skills, as well as to understand your academic priorities and your ability to think across disciplines.

Please respond in 3500 characters (~500 words) or less.

Extenuating Circumstances (optional)

If there are extenuating circumstances, not addressed in other sections of your application, related to your academic transcript, resume, or other facets of your application that you would like the admissions committee to consider, please describe them and focus on any implications for your future studies in our program.

Please limit your response to 200 words.

Medium of Instruction document (optional/if applicable)

Non-native English speakers who are submitting a document verifying medium of instruction for their bachelor’s degree (separate from their transcript) can use this section to submit it.