Why Study Public Health?

Curricular Sequence

Program Competencies

Public Health Hands on Experience

Admission

Brochure

Career Advising Program

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

(1) bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the MSCHE and licensed by the Board of Post-Secondary Institutions of PR; (2) a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale); (3) must be fluent in the Spanish language [speak, write and read]; and (4) must demonstrate reading comprehension in English.

Applicants with foreign academic credentials must provide a course-by-course original credential evaluation report showing the United States equivalency for academic credentials earned in other countries.  The credential evaluation report must be conducted from an agency member of one of the following two recognized associations in the United States: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) https://www.naces.org/members or Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) https://aice-eval.org

The following documents are required to begin the admission process:

  • Complete the online application  

  • Application Fee. Non-refundable payment of $100. Payment methods: credit card, certified check, or money order payable to San Juan Bautista School of Medicine.

  • Official Transcripts. One from each undergraduate and graduate college or university attended. Must be sent from the registrar or designated school records official directly to the SJBSM Admissions Office (e-transcripts are accepted and can be sent to (mphadmission@sanjuanbautista.edu). Official transcripts from the applicant, photocopies, or unofficial records will not be accepted.

  • Statement of Purpose. Must address the following questions: (1) What is your motivation to study and work in the field of public health? (2) Why do you want to study at the SJBSM? (3) How will your professional, academic, and personal experiences enable you to contribute to the SJBSM MPH program? (4) What are your career goals, and how do they relate to the public health field? (5) What are your research and community service interests, and how do they relate to the public health field? No more than 3 pages at 1.5 or double space, and 12pt and Times New Roman font.

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae. Include all previous and current work experience (if any), educational background, and any other relevant information (e.g., research experience, community service/volunteer activities, professional associations, awards, publications, licenses and certifications, computer and technology skills, languages proficiency, interests, etc.). Note: Experience is not required for admission; however, the admissions committee values professional and/or educational experience in public health or other health-related fields.

  • Letter of Recommendation. Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s development and performance at the academic and/or professional level, as well as any research experience and/or community service. If the applicant has been out of school for over five years, they may submit three letters from employers, research mentors, or volunteer/community service preceptors. Recommenders must provide information using the Letter of Recommendation Form. The recommenders themselves must submit letters; they cannot be completed or submitted by the applicant or another party on behalf of the recommender.  

  • Good Standing Certificate [Certificado de Antecedentes Penales], which can be requested online at the following link: https://servicios.pr.gov/