Important Dates for Online Degrees
What To Expect When Applying
The online Master of Public Health program admits students for Fall term only. Applications for online master's degree will open in early September for the following Fall term.
Throughout the application window, our staff will hold virtual information sessions and provide additional details via email to help guide prospective students through the application process. Prospective students are encouraged to sign up for our interest list to be sure they are receiving important news and information about their program of interest and key events.
The admissions committee will begin reviewing applications after the priority deadline. Admissions decisions will be sent out as decisions are made to ensure students are given their answers in a timely manner. Applicants can typically expect to receive their admission decision within two months. Applications are accepted up to the final deadline date.
Timeline For Applicants
The table below outlines the key dates and timeframes that will be relevant to prospective online master’s students planning to apply for admission to the program.
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early September | Application Opens | Applicants are able to begin work on their application. Go to the MPH application |
| Early Oct | Discovery Series Event | Prospective students are invited to this virtual event series to learn more about their chosen programs of interest and get application advice. |
| Feb 15 | Priority Application Deadline | The admissions committee reviews all applications for admission and scholarships at this time. Submit your application by this date for first consideration for scholarships and faster admissions decisions. No extra steps are required for scholarship consideration. Review application requirements. |
| March 31 | FAFSA Deadline | The deadline to submit the FAFSA application in order for students to be considered for all available forms of federal aid. Suggested for U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. |
| April 15 | Admitted Student Decision Deadline | Students who have been admitted will need to confirm their decision to matriculate or withdraw. (Students who received their admissions offer around or after this date will have a later decision deadline.) |
| May 15 | Final Application Deadline | Last day to apply to the upcoming Fall cohort. All supplemental materials must be received by this date. |
| Early June | Onboarding Activities Begin | SPH Orientation Canvas Page and Online MPH Program Handbook are shared with incoming students. These are the two main resources for onboarding and orientation to the school / program. These resources introduce new students to the program tools, resources, and structure; it is the central orientation experience for online students. |
| Late June | Late Application Deadline | Applications submitted after May 15 can be considered for late admissions. Admission decisions will be expedited, but you may need to quickly finalize your decision and complete preparatory steps to start in the fall. Applicants should be sure to connect with the Online MPH program staff if they plan to apply late. |
| Late August | Classes Begin! | Enrolled students begin courses online. |
Academic Calendar for Online Degrees
The Office of the Registrar maintains the university’s official academic calendar. Due to the accelerated nature of the online graduate degree programs, they follow a modified calendar. As a prospective online student, it may be helpful to your planning to review this calendar.
The calendar does observe university-wide holidays such as Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. Class will not be held on days when the university is officially closed (e.g., Thanksgiving, Labor Day). The main differences to be aware of for online degree students are as follows:
- University breaks, such as the Fall Study Break or Mid-Winter Vacation (aka spring break), are not recognized.
- Online students attend classes through the end of term and do not have designated “study days” nor “examination days”.
Please note that the official schedule for each semester is to be found on Wolverine Access for currently enrolled students. It will be published leading up to that term's backpack and registration period (as indicated on the Office of the Registrar's registration deadlines calendar).