University of Pennsylvania- Master of Public Health (MPH) program

About this program

The Coverdell Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program provides students with unique, interdisciplinary training. Students will get broad public health training, while also expanding their global health skills and experiences. Fellows receive funding that can be used toward travel experiences where they can put their public health skills to work. Students in this program have incredible access to faculty who are leaders nationally and internationally. We believe your Peace Corps experience will only enhance your time in the MPH program!

• Year partnership began: None
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 1-2

Application requirements

All applications are submitted through SOPHAS (sophas.org). Applications require official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, resume, and a personal statement outlining previous experiences and why a Master of Public Health degree is the best next step. Full admission guidelines are outlined on our website here.

Admissions process

Applicants can select “Returned Peace Corps Volunteer” option in SOPHAS application. If accepted to the MPH program, applicants will be considered for the Coverdell Fellowship.

Degrees awarded

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $None

Cost savings details

50% tuition waiver plus some additional support for travel.

Internship

All students in the MPH program are required to complete at least 125 hours of hands-on, public health work in the field. These opportunities vary greatly and are agreed-upon by the student and the fieldwork coordinator. Students in the program are able to work locally in Philadelphia with a community-based organization or the Department of Public Health, for example, or they can go to another state or country. Our program is incredibly flexible and happy to work with students to ensure they find a placement that fits their interests and satisfies all requirements.

Other opportunities

Jobs for alumni

We have had alumni go to international organizations, such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative and International Rescue Committee. We have also had alumni who work in the academic setting, coordinating research projects in the Perelman School of Medicine.

Nontraditional options

The majority of our classes are offered in the evening and meet once per week for three hours.