Boston University School of Public Health Select Scholars Program

The Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) Select Scholars program provides Drew University undergraduates the opportunity to explore different options available in the field of public health and to connect with BU mentors for academic and career advising. This partnership creates opportunities for outstanding Drew undergraduates to secure admission into the Boston University School of Public Health’s highly competitive masters programs in public health through the the Select Scholars Program (SSP). The Select Scholars Program is available for the following BU Master’s degree programs:

Master of Public Health (MPH): A 48-credit practice-based degree that provides a strong foundation in public health through an integrated core curriculum (available online and on campus) and sequenced training in specialty areas through interdisciplinary certificates.

Master of Science (MS) in Population Health Research: A 34-credit research degree that is completed through a combination of online and on campus coursework. Students have the choice to specialize in a particular aspect of population health research or to design a customized program based on their career goals. Formal specialization options include climate and health, epidemiology, global health, and translation and implementation science 

Master of Science (MS) in Applied Biostatistics: A 34-credit program that provides students with comprehensive training in biostatistical methods, and real-world experience through mentored rotations and internships.

Select Scholars Program Benefits:

• Scholarships – Accepted Scholars receive a scholarship to support 25 percent of their graduate tuition. 

• GRE test scores are not required for admissions consideration. 

• Access to a dedicated admissions representative – Partner institutions will be assigned a BUSPH admissions representative who will visit campus at least twice a year and help steward students through the application process. 

• Graduate school preparation – Access to a series of webinars to help Scholars determine the best master’s degree for their intended career trajectory, prepare them for graduate-level coursework, introduce the different elements of graduate financial aid, and provide guidance on the many opportunities available to public health professionals.  

• Personalized degree consultations – Scholars will have access to personalized consultations to help them determine the best master’s degree for their intended career trajectory. Scholars will be linked to the relevant faculty program director, who will serve as their key faculty contact throughout their graduate experience. 

• Travel funding – Access to travel awards to support Scholars attending an accepted student events on campus. 

• Early completion of program requirements – Scholars have the opportunity to complete graduate program requirements before leaving their undergraduate institutions, such as the online course, Foundations of Public Health. 

Eligibility and Application Criteria:

Applicants to the SSP will be in good academic standing in their fourth year with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2, with the most competitive applicants having a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students apply for admission to BUSPH through the Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) and the application includes:

• A completed approval form signed by the faculty advisor at Drew University,

• An official transcript from Drew University,

• Three letters of recommendation, including two from faculty members at Drew University specifically addressing student’s capacity to do graduate work, 

• A current resume, and 

• A personal statement outlining why the student wishes to pursue graduate education in public health and their goals for the program.

The application is due before January 17 of the student’s fourth year.

For more information on registering for coursework or on the program, contact the Director of Public Health, Dr. Christina McKittrick.