The Master of Public Health (MPH) Program

Program Overview

The Bloomberg Fellows Program is a groundbreaking initiative to provide world-class public health training to individuals engaged with organizations tackling critical challenges facing the United States.

When fully implemented, each year, 50 fellows will receive full-tuition scholarships to attain the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School’s Master of Public Health (MPH), the most well-known and respected public health degree in the world.

Following graduation, Bloomberg Fellows will work for at least one year for such organizations, putting their new skills to use. These individuals and organizations will then join a growing network of scholarship, education and practice devoted to using the tools of public health to address the problems of the twenty-first century.

Both the part-time and full-time MPH programs are available to Bloomberg Fellows. The fellowship provides a stipend to both part time and full-time fellows in the MPH program. The full-time program, based in Baltimore, takes 11 months to complete from late June to late May. The part-time program includes a combination of online and in-person learning and typically takes two to three years to complete, during which time the student will work full-time at a partner organization, paid by the organization.

Read the FAQ

Become a Fellow

How to Apply to the Bloomberg Fellows Program

1

Step 1: Apply to the MPH or DrPH program through the Schools of Public Health Application Services (SOPHAS) system.

2

Step 2: Complete and submit the Bloomberg Fellows Program Applicant and Collaborating Organization forms.

Applications for 2025 open this summer!

Meet the 2023 Bloomberg Fellows

 

Networks to facilitate research and action

Bloomberg Fellows will have a unique alumni experience. As alumni, they will join and help to lead problem-solving networks that bring together expert faculty and public and private organizations from across the country. As they grow over time, these networks will increase in importance and impact.

Problem-focused networks: In each of the five focus areas, anchor faculty will develop a network involving Bloomberg Fellows, alumni and organizations to understand and overcome common challenges, establish collaborative research projects and implement evidence-based policies and programs. Each of these networks will maintain an online platform for information sharing and collaboration.

Cross-cutting networks: In addition, the Bloomberg American Health Initiative will host an annual summit involving Bloomberg Fellows, faculty, alumni, home organizations, and others. Each summit will present the latest available data on preeminent health challenges facing the United States and publish a set of high-profile recommendations for progress. The summits will provide an opportunity to forge connections across focus areas. Learn more about the Bloomberg American Health Summit.

Applications for 2025 open this summer!

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I'm motivated by a sense of gratitude to the people who have tried to make Baltimore a better place in the past—and a sense of hope that there are plenty of Baltimoreans still working hard to secure justice, health, and happiness for themselves and their neighbors.

Eli Pousson

Director of Preservation & Outreach at Baltimore Heritage

For me, public health is learning how to share the power to shape narrative. It is using all the tools available—epidemiology, prevention, education, community engagement—to co-create a culture that promotes equity, justice, and resiliency.

Thaddeus Pham

Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator, Hawaii Department of Health’s Harm Reduction Services Branch

I’m most driven by social injustice. For me, public health has always been about equity in health.

Mara Aussendorf

Research Coordinator, Public Health Management Corporation

What drives me is knowing that violence is absolutely preventable and that every single person deserves healthy relationships. And knowing that prevention is possible is what lead me to public health.

Caitlin Burke

Prevention Coordinator at Women Helping Women

MPH Program Fellows

Focus Area
Area of Focus
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Violence

Lynnsey O'Rourke

Washington, DC

Lynnsey O’Rourke is a Hotline Supervisor at the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHT

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Lynnsey O'Rourke

Adolescent Health

Emily Witkowski

Maplewood, NJ

Emily is the Teen Librarian at the Maplewood Memorial Library.

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Emily Witkowski

Adolescent Health

Christa Seymour

Rochester, MN

Christa is a Public Health Nurse at Olmsted County Public Health, located i

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Christa Seymour

Addiction & Overdose

Samantha Santamaria

Los Angeles, CA

Samantha is a Clinical Specialist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) I

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Samantha Santamaria

Food Systems for Health

Phebe Gibson

Oakland, CA

Phebe is a Senior Policy Analyst at ChangeLab Solutions.

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Phebe Gibson

Addiction & Overdose

Nathan Kittle

Auburn, WA

Since 2016 Nathan served as a faculty physician at The Wright Center National Family Me

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Nathan Kittle

Food Systems for Health

Mila Neyra

New York, NY

Mila moved with her family to the United States from Peru when she was in middle school

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Mila Neyra

Environmental Challenges

Kelli McIntyre

Philadelphia, PA

Kelli has used a background in athletic training and corporate wellness programs to inf

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Kelli McIntyre

Adolescent Health

Matthew Chin

New York, NY

Matthew is a Research and Evaluation Associate for the Charles B.

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Matthew Chin

Violence

Molly Deane

Los Angeles, CA

Molly is faculty within the Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at Harbor-UCLA Me

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Molly Deane

Food Systems for Health

Susan E. Kornacki

Bethesda, MD

Susan is co-chair of the Environmental Impact Working group for the Montgomery County F

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Susan E. Kornacki

Violence

Malcolm Cunningham

Toledo, OH

The City of Toledo coordinates, plans, and manages public safety forces, pu

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Malcolm Cunningham

Adolescent Health

Nicholas Pisca

Los Angeles, CA

Nicholas is a Research Analyst for the division of Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Heal

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Nicholas Pisca

Environmental Challenges

Emily McGee

Washington, DC

Emily is an architect and healthcare designer working at the intersec

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Emily McGee

Addiction & Overdose

Dionna King

New York, NY

Dionna King is the Program Manager for Vital Strategies Overdose Prevention Program.

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Dionna King

Violence

Josh Peterson

Minneapolis, MN

As a Senior Public Health Specialist for the Minneapolis Health Department, Josh works

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Josh Peterson

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both full-time and part-time MPH applicants qualify to be Bloomberg Fellows?

Yes. Both part-time and full-time MPH applicants are eligible. Please note if you are interested in either the part-time or full-time MPH Program, the Bloomberg Fellows Program requires all Fellows to begin the program in June only.

When can I apply, and when is the deadline for the application for the MPH Program?

The application for the 2023 class opened in August 2022. All fellowship applications must be submitted online through the fellowship website no later than the final deadline, Dec. 1, 2022. This includes submitting all required admissions materials for the DrPH program through SOPHAS. No late fellowship applications will not be accepted.

How do I apply to the fellowship program?

It is the applicant’s responsibility to carefully read the instructions about applying to the fellowship program and the MPH program. The fellowship program application instructions are provided on the Initiative website, which will lead applicants to Submittable, the fellowship application submission platform. Please note that applicants must apply to both the fellowship program and the MPH program. Admissions requirements and application instructions for the MPH program are found on the MPH program website and questions may be submitted either by phone 410-955-1291 or email bsph.admission [at] jhu.edu (bsph[dot]admission[at]jhu[dot]edu). MPH applications are submitted through SOPHAS, the JHSPH application processing system. Questions related to SOPHAS can be directed to the JHSPH Admissions Office via email JHSPHadmiss [at] jhu.edu (JHSPHadmiss[at]jhu[dot]edu) or phone 410-955-3543

When will applicants be notified about their MPH application?

Applicants will hear about their admission decision to the MPH program on a rolling basis. For more information about MPH admissions notification, please contact the MPH program at bsph.admission [at] jhu.edu (bsph[dot]admission[at]jhu[dot]edu).

When will applicants be notified about their fellowship application?

Those applicants who are admitted to the MPH program will be notified of their fellowship application decision during the month of March via email. Questions about the fellowship application should be directed to Faria Zaman at fzaman2 [at] jhu.edu (zaman2[at]jhu[dot]edu).

Do MPH applicants have to take the GRE?

Please direct all MPH admissions related questions including standardized testing questions to the MPH Program Office. They can be reached via email at bsph.admission [at] jhu.edu (bsph[dot]admission[at]jhu[dot]edu) or by phone at (410) 955-1291.

What are acceptable quantitative and verbal GRE scores for the MPH program?

Please contact the MPH program for guidance about GRE scores and other admissions questions via email at bsph.admission [at] jhu.edu (bsph[dot]admission[at]jhu[dot]edu) or by phone at (410) 955-1291.

Do I need to apply to the fellowship and the MPH program?

Yes, applicants must complete both the Bloomberg American Health Initiative fellowship application and the JHSPH MPH SOPHAS application. However, these are separate application processes. Fellowship applications are submitted via the Initiative’s website and Submittable and the MPH applications are submitted via SOPHAS. It is the applicant’s responsibility to carefully read both the fellowship website and the MPH program website instructions to understand and follow the application steps and processes for both the fellowship and the MPH programs.

Are prerequisites required for the MPH?

The MPH program requires specific prerequisites depending on an applicant’s background. Please note, for those applicants who are admitted to the MPH program and offered the fellowship, they must first complete all necessary prerequisites prior to starting the program in June. For more information about prerequisites, please contact the MPH program at bsph.admission [at] jhu.edu (bsph[dot]admission[at]jhu[dot]edu).

What is SOPHAS and who should I contact to answer SOPHAS related questions?

 

SOPHAS is the application processing system that the JHSPH utilizes for all of its program applications. For questions related to SOPHAS, please contact JHSPHadmissions [at] jhu.edu (JHSPHadmissions[at]jhu[dot]edu).

Do Bloomberg Fellows take a leave of absence from their employers/collaborating organizations to participate in the fellowship as a full-time student? What about part-time students?

Fellows in the full-time MPH Program track take a leave of absence from their collaborating organizations. Fellows in the part-time MPH program are expected to continue their existing work arrangements with their collaborating organization. These arrangements are made between the Fellow and the collaborating organization.

For Bloomberg Fellows, do the MPH capstone project and practicum have to be completed with their collaborating organizations?

Yes, Bloomberg Fellows must work with their respective collaborating organization to identify an appropriate practicum and capstone project that benefits both the fellow and the collaborating organization.

How often does the Fellow have to leave work to participate in obligations of the fellowship?

All fellows are required to attend a two-week orientation in June, which includes the MPH orientation, the fellowship orientation, and onsite coursework. All fellows are expected to participate in the annual Bloomberg American Health Summit, which is held during November or December. Fellows are also given opportunities to attend in-person training, and other events throughout the year, and these opportunities are announced in advance to allow for adequate planning. It will be up to the collaborating organization and the Fellow to determine the process for taking time away from work to attend events. Please note that during the changing and evolving COVID-19 pandemic, these events may be subject to change from in-person to virtual events.

Is there a fellowship orientation?

Yes, the Bloomberg Fellows program has an annual orientation for all newly selected fellows. The orientation is required of all new fellows and it is an all-day event, which takes place in Baltimore in early June during the same two-week period of the MPH orientation and courses. Please note that during the changing and evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the fellowship orientation may be subject to change from in-person to a virtual event and Bloomberg Fellows would be required to participate.

Will my fellowship application be accepted if I submit my application late after the final deadline of Dec. 1, 2022?

No, late fellowship applications will not be accepted. All fellowship applications must be submitted online through the fellowship website no later than the final deadline, Dec. 1, 2022. This includes submitting all required admissions materials for the MPH program through SOPHAS.

Is email submission of fellowship applications acceptable?

No, email submissions of applications are not acceptable. All fellowship application forms must be submitted through the fellowship website.

Is it possible to start the MPH program as a Bloomberg Fellow anytime?

No, all selected Bloomberg Fellows must begin the program in June only. When applying to the MPH program, applicants should indicate June as the matriculation date.

Can I revise/update my fellowship application after I’ve submitted it?

No, once fellowship applications have been submitted, revisions and/or changes to applications are not accepted.

If I am selected as a fellow, will the fellowship program accept late submissions of the onboarding documents (Letter of Commitment and Grant Agreement)?

No, the fellowship program expects selected fellows and collaborating organizations to submit the Letter of Commitment and the Grant Agreement at or before the deadline. Delays may result in withdrawal of the fellowship offer.

What can I use my fellowship stipend for?

The fellowship stipend is provided to offset the costs of travel, books, and other fellowship related expenses for Bloomberg fellows. Please note the stipend is provided to Bloomberg Fellows in the MPH Program only.

What is included in the scholarship for Bloomberg Fellows?

The scholarship covers all tuition and fees and includes a stipend of approximately $10,000 to defray a portion of living expenses and travel.

What are the key requirements for the MPH program?

To be considered for a Bloomberg Fellowship, applicants must apply and be accepted into the MPH program. Detailed information about admission requirements can be found here.

Who pays the student during the Service Obligation – the Fellowship or the collaborating organization?

The collaborating organization pays the student during the year of service.

What are the key requirements for Bloomberg Fellows during and after the academic year?

In general, the key requirements include (1) pursuing the MPH or DrPH degree in good faith; (2) participating in good faith in the chosen focus area during the program; (3) engaging with the collaborating organization during the period of study; and (4) working for at least one year with the collaborating organization in the chosen focus area (work must begin within 12 months following graduation). These requirements are outlined in the Grant Agreement that all Bloomberg Fellows sign upon acceptance to the program.

If an applicant applies to the MPH or DrPH program and the Bloomberg Fellows program and is accepted to the School but not the Bloomberg Fellows program, what happens?

In this circumstance, the applicant may choose to accept admission and matriculate as a student, but will be responsible for tuition and expenses just like other students. The applicant will be considered for other scholarships as part of the typical application process and review. Because many activities of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative activities are open to all students, the student can still be involved in the Initiative.

 

If I apply to the fellowship program as a matriculated student in the MPH program, will I be considered?

No, the fellowship program does not consider applicants who are already matriculated students in the MPH program.

Are there special opportunities available to Bloomberg Fellows during the program?

Yes, there are special enrichment opportunities for Fellows while at the School, including seminars, speakers, and other activities.

If I am offered the fellowship, can I defer the fellowship to the following year?

The Bloomberg Fellows program does not permit deferment of fellowship offers. A candidate can apply again the following year.

 

When do fellows begin the MPH or DrPH program?

All fellows must begin the MPH or DrPH program in June.

Can Bloomberg Fellows audit courses?

Bloomberg Fellows must take all courses for a letter grade unless a letter grade is not an option. Auditing courses are not permitted for courses taken to fulfill degree requirements.

Are fellows who are enrolled as part time students in the MPH program required to complete in person credits?

Yes, Bloomberg Fellows in the MPH program are required to complete at least 16 face-to-face credits as part of their fellowship requirements. We believe it’s important for Fellows to meet one another, the Initiative team, and faculty in person, and we provide a stipend to defray travel expenses and other costs associated with the valuable onsite courses and experiences in Baltimore.

Can fellowship applicants apply to both the DrPH and the MPH programs at the same time and be considered for both?

When applying to the fellowship, applicants must select either the MPH or DrPH program for which to apply. The Bloomberg Fellows program can only review and consider applications for either the MPH or the DrPH program, not both in a given application cycle.

What kind of organizations can qualify to be collaborating organizations?

Public or private organizations that wish to qualify as collaborating organizations must work on issues related to one of the five focus areas: (i) addiction and overdose; (ii) environmental challenges; (iii) obesity and the food system; (iv) risks to adolescent health; and (v) violence. These may be but are not required to be traditional public health organizations, such as health departments. For example, an organization that works on neighborhood development may have interest in training a staff member in the area of food systems. Similarly, organizations that seek to reduce levels of community violence may have interest in training a staff member in the area of violence prevention. The organization’s work in the chosen focus area must be based in

What are the responsibilities of collaborating organizations?

The prospective collaborating organization completes the collaborating organization application form and pledges to employ the applicant following graduation for at least one year. The organizations are also invited to participate in various activities with the School during the course of the Fellow’s studies. After graduation, the organization remains part of the Bloomberg Fellows network and can participate in a range of activities.

If I am a Bloomberg Fellow enrolled part-time in the MPH program, am I expected to continue working full time with my collaborating organization?

Yes, fellows enrolled as part time students are expected to continue working full time with their collaborating organization throughout the program and the Service Obligation.

Why does the collaborating organization have to fill out part of the application?

The Bloomberg Fellows program establishes a connection between the School, the Fellow, and the collaborating organization. The collaborating organization will be invited to participate in seminars, conferences, and other activities. We ask the collaborating organization to complete the application to ensure the organization is committed and supportive of this opportunity.

In addition, prior to admission, the collaborating organization will be asked to sign a letter of commitment to acknowledge the Fellow and pledge to employ the Fellow for at least one year following graduation.

 

Does an applicant have to be an employee of the collaborating organization at the time of the application?

Applicants must be employees of the collaborating organization at the time of application submission as well as during the full course of their studies. Applications must be received from both the perspective Fellow and organization.

 

If I change my collaborating organization after I accept the fellowship offer prior to starting the program or during the onboarding process, what will happen to my fellowship?

Fellowship applications are reviewed and selected based on both the applicant and the collaborating organization. Hence, if a selected fellow changes their collaborating organization after accepting the fellowship or during the onboarding process, the fellowship offer will be rescinded. The candidate may reapply to the fellowship program the following year with their new collaborating organization. The candidate’s new application will be reviewed in accordance with the program’s standard review process; the candidate will not be guaranteed admission into the program.

What happens if the position with the collaborating organization is no longer available after the Bloomberg Fellow graduates?

The collaborating organization will sign a letter of commitment with the School and pledge in good faith to employ the fellow for at least one year following graduation. Failure to offer this position as promised may affect the ability of the organization to have future staff participate in the Bloomberg Fellows program. If, however, circumstances change and the position is not available, the School will work with the Fellow to find an alternative placement in the focus area that would satisfy the requirement.

What are the terms of the grant award if I am accepted?

For accepted Bloomberg Fellows:

  • The Fellow must accept and sign the Grant Agreement.
  • The collaborating organization must sign the letter of commitment and pledge in good faith to employ the fellow for at least one year following graduation.

The Grant Agreement requires Fellows to:

  • Successfully complete the Master of Public Health degree program, and
  • Work as a full-time employee with the collaborating organization in the chosen focus area of study for a period of one year following the completion of the Master of Public Health program. The employment must commence within one year of completing the degree requirements.

Failure to satisfy either of the above terms will require the Fellow to repay the full amount of the grant award within one hundred eighty (180) days of such failure. The Fellow may choose to enter into a loan arrangement (for a term not to exceed fifteen [15] years with an annual interest rate of 1%) with JHU to repay the grant or repay the grant in full from other sources.

 

Is the scholarship a grant or a loan?

The scholarship is structured as a grant that converts to a loan, with a standard repayment term (15 years) and a modest interest rate of 1%, if the terms of the Fellowship are not met.

Upon acceptance into the Bloomberg Fellows Program, Bloomberg Fellows will sign a Grant Agreement that explains the repayment terms and conditions that become effective if the grant converts to a loan.

 

Will the Bloomberg Fellows Program change over time?

The Bloomberg American Health Initiative is a new initiative, and we expect to make modifications to the program over time. The Initiative will provide important updates through this website and, to the extent possible, directly to prospective Bloomberg Fellows and collaborating organizations.

Are Bloomberg Fellows and their collaborating organizations expected to attend the annual Bloomberg American Health Initiative Summit?

Yes, all Bloomberg Fellows and their collaborating organizations are expected to attend and participate in the annual Bloomberg American Health Initiative Summit. 

Please note that during the changing and evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the Summit may be subject to change from in-person to a virtual event.

 

What is Submittable and who should I contact to answer Submittable related questions about my fellowship application?

Submittable is the application platform the Bloomberg Fellows Program uses for the fellowship application cycle. Questions related to Submittable should be directed to Faria Zaman, Fellowship Officer via email fzaman2 [at] jhu.edu (fzaman2[at]jhu[dot]edu).

If I have other questions, how can I ask them?

For questions or inquiries related to the MPH program, email BloombergFellowsMPH [at] jhu.edu (BloombergFellowsMPH[at]jhu[dot]edu).

For questions or inquiries related to the DrPH program, email BloombergFellowsDrPH [at] jhu.edu (BloombergFellowsDrPH[at]jhu[dot]edu).

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