Do I Need the GRE for Public Health Programs? How to Check Requirements

Whether you need the GRE for public health depends on the specific program, the degree level, and the school. Requirements vary widely. Some programs still require the GRE, many have made it optional, and others have permanently waived it. This article explains how to determine whether you need the GRE for public health, which programs are most likely to require it, how admissions committees use GRE scores, and practical next steps for applicants, including international students.

Quick answer

There is no single answer. Some Master of Public Health (MPH) and related public health programs require the GRE, many have made it optional, and some no longer accept it or have permanently waived it. PhD programs and quantitative concentrations such as biostatistics or epidemiology are more likely to require a GRE or expect strong quantitative evidence. Always check each program’s official admissions page and contact admissions if the policy is unclear.

Why policies differ across public health programs

Public health is interdisciplinary. Programs range from broad, practice-focused MPH degrees to research-intensive PhD and MS degrees in biostatistics, epidemiology, or environmental health. Admissions criteria reflect those differences.

• Professional practice programs. Generalist MPH programs that focus on community health, health policy, or public health practice often emphasize work experience, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts more than standardized tests.
• Quantitative and research programs. MS, PhD, and research-focused tracks that demand strong quantitative skills are more likely to require the GRE or expect compelling evidence of quantitative preparation.
• Program competitiveness and funding. Highly competitive programs or those that offer substantial funding may use GRE scores as one of several objective measures. Funding decisions for PhD students may place greater weight on GRE quantitative scores.

Trends since 2020

Many schools temporarily waived GRE requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate test center closures and health concerns. Some institutions have returned to requiring the GRE, some have kept it optional, and some have permanently dropped the requirement. Because policies continue to evolve, checking each program’s most recent admissions webpage is essential.

How to find out whether a specific public health program requires the GRE

Follow these steps to confirm requirements for your target programs.

1. Check the program admissions page. Look for sections titled “Admissions Requirements,” “Application Requirements,” or “How to Apply.”
2. Look for policy dates. Admissions pages often state whether a GRE requirement is permanent or a temporary waiver and include the date the policy was updated.
3. Search FAQs. Many schools add GRE-related questions to their admissions FAQs, such as whether waivers are available for applicants with professional experience or strong quantitative coursework.
4. Contact admissions or the program coordinator. If the website is unclear, email or call the admissions office or program coordinator. Ask whether GRE waivers exist, whether the GRE is considered for merit funding, and whether alternatives are accepted.
5. Check departmental versus school-level policies. A public health school may set a general policy, but individual departments or concentrations can have their own requirements.

Which programs are most likely to require the GRE

Use this general guideline when evaluating programs.

• Likely to require: PhD programs in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and other research-focused tracks. Programs that offer research assistantships or significant funding may use GRE scores for admissions decisions.
• Possibly require or recommend: MS programs in biostatistics or data science tracks, and some competitive MPH programs with heavy quantitative components. Some programs accept GMAT as an alternative for quantitative evaluation.
• Less likely to require: Generalist MPH programs in health policy, community health, global health, and public health practice. Many of these programs now make the GRE optional or waive it for applicants with relevant experience or strong grades.

Special considerations for international applicants

International applicants should pay particular attention to GRE policies for several reasons.

• Objective assessment. Programs may value GRE results as an objective comparison for applicants from different grading systems and universities.
• Funding and scholarships. For doctoral admissions and some funded master’s programs, GRE scores can be an important factor in funding decisions.
• English proficiency. Some programs still expect TOEFL or IELTS for nonnative English speakers even if they waive the GRE. Verify both requirements.

Does the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test apply to public health?

The GRE General Test is the exam relevant to most public health applications. GRE Subject Tests exist for specific disciplines such as biology or psychology, and they are rarely required for public health programs. Check the program’s admissions page to confirm whether a Subject Test is requested, but in most cases you will only need to consider the GRE General Test.

How programs use GRE scores in admissions decisions

Admissions committees do not use GRE scores in isolation. Scores are one component among transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, work experience, and fit with faculty. Typical uses include:

• Screening. Some programs use minimum GRE thresholds to screen large applicant pools.
• Comparative evidence. Scores provide a common metric for comparing applicants from different academic systems.
• Supplemental information. A strong GRE score may strengthen an application with weaker quantitative coursework. A weak score may prompt committees to scrutinize other parts of the application more closely.

If a program says the GRE is optional: should you submit scores?

Consider submitting GRE scores when any of the following apply.

• Your score is clearly competitive for the program. A strong score can enhance an application.
• Your academic record lacks quantitative coursework and you want objective evidence of quantitative ability.
• You are an international applicant and believe a GRE score will help demonstrate readiness compared with other applicants.

If your score is below the program’s typical range or you have strong academic credentials and professional experience, you may opt not to submit. Admissions offices sometimes evaluate optional GRE submissions favorably if the score strengthens the application.

Alternatives and evidence that can replace the GRE

Programs that waive the GRE often look for alternative evidence of preparation and potential. Useful alternatives include:

• Strong undergraduate or graduate transcripts, especially in quantitative coursework such as calculus, statistics, or data analysis.
• Relevant work experience in public health, epidemiology, data analysis, or related fields.
• Letters of recommendation that comment on quantitative skills, research ability, or readiness for graduate study.
• Research experience, publications, or presentations for research-focused degrees.
• Alternative tests in rare cases. Some programs accept the GMAT or other standardized tests. Confirm with the program before assuming an alternative is acceptable.

Practical timeline and next steps if you may need the GRE

1. List target programs. Make a spreadsheet with application deadlines, GRE policy for each program, and contact info for admissions.
2. Decide whether to take the GRE. If any of your target programs require it or you think a score could strengthen your application, plan to take the test.
3. Create a study plan. Allow at least 6 to 12 weeks of focused preparation for first-time test takers. More time may be needed to reach competitive quantitative performance, especially for biostatistics or data-focused programs.
4. Register on time. GRE scores are valid for five years, which gives scheduling flexibility. Use ETS ScoreSelect to send scores selectively if you plan to retake the test.
5. Submit score reports before deadlines. Plan testing dates so official ETS reports reach schools by their application deadlines. Many programs accept self-reported scores initially but require official reports for admitted students.

Guidance on score expectations without inventing specific numbers

Programs vary in what they consider competitive. Quantitative programs expect stronger quantitative evidence than generalist programs. If you are targeting research-focused or highly ranked programs in biostatistics or epidemiology, prioritize demonstrating strong quantitative skills through coursework, test scores, or research experience. For generalist MPH programs, relevant experience, strong recommendations, and clear statements of purpose often matter more than a high GRE score.

Common misunderstandings about GRE requirements

• “If GRE is optional, nobody looks at it”. Optional GRE policies mean you are not required to submit scores. Admissions committees still evaluate submitted scores and will consider them as additional information.
• “All public health schools have stopped requiring the GRE”. That is not true. Policies differ by school and program. Some still require the GRE.
• “A high GRE guarantees admission”. GRE scores are only one component. Strong overall preparation, fit, and application materials remain essential.

Frequently asked questions

Is the GRE required for an MPH?

Depends on the school and concentration. Many MPH programs do not require the GRE, or they have made it optional. Some competitive or quantitative MPH tracks still expect GRE scores. Check each program’s admissions page.

Do PhD programs in public health require the GRE?

PhD programs are more likely to require the GRE, particularly for quantitative fields. Even when not required, strong quantitative evidence is typically necessary for admission and funding.

Do I need a GRE Subject Test for public health?

No, GRE Subject Tests are rarely required for public health programs. The GRE General Test is the relevant exam if a standardized test is requested.

Are GRE waivers common?

Many programs offer waivers based on experience, prior degrees, or strong academic records. Waiver policies vary by program and application year, so verify with each school.

How long are GRE scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.

Can I submit GRE scores after applying?

Most programs prefer scores before the application deadline. If you plan to take the GRE after applying, contact the admissions office to confirm whether late score reports will be accepted for the current cycle.

Action checklist

• Make a list of target programs and their GRE policies.
• Contact admissions for clarification when policies are unclear.
• If any program requires the GRE or you think it strengthens your application, schedule test dates and prepare with a structured study plan.
• Gather alternative evidence of quantitative readiness if you will not submit GRE scores.
• Plan score submissions so official reports arrive before application deadlines.

Final thoughts

There is no universal GRE rule for public health. Policies depend on program type, degree level, and institutional decisions. Research-focused and quantitative programs are more likely to require the GRE. Generalist MPH programs often make it optional or waive it, especially when applicants have strong academic records or relevant experience. Confirm requirements directly on program websites, reach out to admissions for clarification, and choose whether to take the GRE based on the programs you plan to apply to and how a score will complement the rest of your application.