Master of Public Health & MBA Dual Degree: Admissions

Eligibility and Requirements

We know you're more than a test score or a grade. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach when considering applications, which means we look at who you are as a person and what you would bring to our program and campus community. While we encourage our applicants to meet the minimum criteria, the inability to meet one may be offset by strengths in other areas.

While we encourage our applicants to meet the minimum criteria, the inability to meet one may be offset by strengths in other areas. Generally, applicants must meet or exceed the criteria detailed below.

An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution in any field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

We review your field of study and cumulative GPA rather than the sole GPA from your degree-granting institution (if applicable).

Written communication skills

We evaluate your written communication skills via the statement of purpose and resume that you'll supply with your application.

Demonstrated capability, skills, and goals

We evaluate your capability, skills, and goals via the professional recommendations, resume, and statement of purpose that you'll supply with your application.

Application Deadlines

Priority Consideration Deadline

Apply by December 1

Final Consideration Deadline

Apply by February 1

Note: This dual degree program is not available to individuals who require a visa to study in the U.S. Because the program is jointly administered by two academic institutions, students cannot process a visa through both institutions at the same time.

Application Process

The time it takes to complete the application process mostly depends on how long it takes you to gather your materials. Completing your portion quickly will allow us to give you a decision sooner. The information below should help you with the application process, but please contact us if you have any questions.

We accept applications for fall admission only. The application deadline is February 1 for applicants. We strongly suggest that you submit your application well in advance. Admissions are competitive and made on a rolling basis.

Submit CSU Graduate School Application online
- Visit gradadmissions.colostate.edu/apply to start your application.
- Under "Select an application type," choose the term that you are applying to.
- Under "Program," choose Business Administration (M.B.A.) & Public Health (M.P.H.)–Dual Degree Program–Distance.
- Request/upload application materials directly to your online application and then submit.
  As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. You do not need to wait for recommendations, scores, or transcripts to move your application forward.

Official transcripts

Original and official transcripts must be received from each institution you attended, including the institution from which you received your degree. Institutions may mail or email transcripts directly to the address below. If you already have sealed, official copies of your transcripts, you may mail those directly to us. (Student copies are not accepted.)

Transcripts are required for study abroad if the courses, grades, and credits are not recorded on the transcript of the university that sponsored the study abroad.

Mail transcripts to:
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University, Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
gradadmissions@colostate.edu

Academic performance explanation if GPA is below 3.0

If your undergraduate or graduate* cumulative GPA is below 3.0, explain the circumstances relating to your past academic performance on your online application. Be sure to discuss our MBA Access pathway with your admissions counselor.

* A cumulative GPA is a calculation of the average of student’s grades for courses taken at all institutions attended.

Professional recommendations

Recommendations provide insight into your skills and expertise in the professional environment and areas where a graduate degree can help you improve. Three professional recommendations are required for your application to move forward and be reviewed. You will provide three recommenders' contact information in the online application. CSU will email them and provide a link to a secure form where they will submit a recommendation on your behalf.

A professional reference is typically a current or former employer, colleague, client, supervisor, or someone who has first-hand knowledge of your professional background. Please request that your recommender provide specific examples of past interactions with you.

Statement of purpose

Please write a Statement of Purpose approximately two-three pages (double-spaced) addressing the following topics:

Tell us what past experience(s) have contributed to your interest in a career that combines both public health and business skills. The type of experience is limitless and might include internships, jobs, class projects, travel abroad, trainings, observations, among others.

This dual degree is designed for students who aspire to lead in public health organizations, influence health outcomes through corporate strategy, or launch their own ventures. Describe the kind of impact you hope to make in your career. How will the combination of business acumen and public health knowledge help you realize your goals?

Current resume

Describe the responsibilities of your professional experience and what you accomplished while in those positions; show the length of time for each position (including the month and year). International applicants, please provide the city, state, and country for your employment and academic history. You will upload this document to your online application.

Pay the application fee
Use a credit card to pay your application fee ($60 for domestic applicants). Explore ways to skip the fee.
Submit the online applicant data sheet
Use your CSU ID number to complete and submit the College of Business applicant data sheet. After you submit your application online, you will receive a CSU ID number in approximately two to three days, unless you already have one (alumni and current students).
Check your status
We know you are eager to hear about your application status, so you can check it any time to make sure your application is complete or to keep an eye on updates. You will receive a confirmation email once your application is complete.
Schedule an Admissions Interview (invitation only)You will be invited to complete an admissions interview. Interviews are conducted by invitation only. You are selected based on the quality of the completed application. Interviews are conducted by members of the Program Admissions Committee, which includes representatives from both the MBA and MPH programs. Admission offers are extended only after the interview is completed and the full application has been received.
Accept your admissions
Confirm your decision to attend through your admissions application.