Table of Contents
MPH Personal Statements
Lauren Hammond is our MPH application essay expert and has been helping people write their Master of Public Health Statements of Purpose for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!
Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.
Meet Lauren Hammond
Lauren: I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Writing, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and my Master’s Degree in English and Comparative Literature at San Diego State University (SDSU). I recently completed my PhD in English at the University of California Riverside (UCR) in September 2023. Upon graduating, I began my current position as UCR's Graduate Writing Center Specialist and Fulbright Program Advisor last summer.
I have been a writing consultant for nearly 10 years now, and I've helped people with research writing, thesis/dissertation projects, rhetorical and literary analyses, writing in the humanities, grammar/sentence mechanics, and more. My focus for VKTP centers on graduate school application materials– including personal statements, diversity statements, and research statements– as well as job market materials for academic and alt-academic positions– resumes, CVs, cover letters, etc.
During my downtime, I love hanging out with my husband, 2-year-old daughter, and our two dogs, Link and Leia! My favorite activities are going on the boat, cruising on the golf cart, and making our way through all of the local eateries. When we aren’t out and about, I typically enjoy reading and watching movies.
Working with Lauren is $225 per hour or $995 for a package purchase of 5 hours. You can reach her at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or by sending us an email.
MPH Statement of Purpose Tips
1. Demonstrate Your Understanding of Public Health Principles
An MPH Statement of Purpose should reflect your knowledge of public health as a discipline. Highlight your understanding of key public health concepts, such as epidemiology, health equity, biostatistics, or health policy. Show that you recognize the complexities of public health challenges and that you are prepared for the analytical and strategic thinking required in an MPH program.
Tip:
Instead of sharing personal anecdotes, focus on specific academic, professional, or research experiences that demonstrate your ability to think critically about public health issues.
2. Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills
- Discuss your preparation for MFT training: Share your academic background (e.g., psychology, sociology, or related fields), internships, or work experience in mental health or social services.
- Demonstrate qualities essential to MFTs: Highlight skills like empathy, active listening, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity, providing specific examples.
- Mention growth and learning opportunities: Show that you are reflective and open to developing professionally, acknowledging what you’ve learned and where you hope to grow.
Example:
"During my internship at a community mental health clinic, I worked with diverse families experiencing trauma. Assisting a therapist in facilitating family sessions taught me the importance of creating a safe space for open communication, while also deepening my understanding of systemic influences on behavior."
3. Provide a Clear Vision of Your Impact in Public Health
Your statement should not only address your goals but also demonstrate a forward-thinking perspective on how you plan to contribute to the field. Highlight the specific impact you hope to make, whether through policy development, public health initiatives, research, or community work. This vision should be concrete, measurable, and relevant to current public health challenges.
Tip:
Avoid vague aspirations. Instead, offer a precise example of a public health issue you want to address and outline a realistic approach to making an impact, supported by the skills and knowledge you will gain through the MPH program.
MPH SOP Examples
Here's an example of a strong MPH statement of purpose. Below the statement, we'll explain what we liked about it.
As a research assistant analyzing data on childhood asthma in low-income communities, I witnessed how environmental factors could drastically impact health outcomes. While our research provided valuable insights, I often found myself questioning why effective interventions were not reaching the affected populations. This experience ignited my passion for public health and led me to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) to bridge the gap between research and impactful, community-centered health solutions.
My academic background in Biology, coupled with hands-on research experience, has equipped me with a solid foundation in scientific inquiry and data analysis. Working on a project that examined the correlation between air quality and asthma rates, I gained proficiency in statistical analysis tools like SPSS and R and honed my ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. However, I realized that to effect meaningful change, I needed to broaden my expertise beyond research and develop a deeper understanding of public health policy, program implementation, and community engagement—skills I aim to refine through an MPH program.
The [University Name] MPH program’s focus on community-based interventions and health policy aligns perfectly with my career goals. The opportunity to collaborate with faculty whose research explores environmental health disparities is particularly appealing. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on practical experience, such as the community practicum, will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, preparing me to design and implement programs that address health inequities effectively.
My long-term goal is to work with public health organizations to develop and implement initiatives that reduce the impact of environmental hazards on vulnerable communities. By combining my research background with advanced public health training, I aspire to contribute to creating healthier environments where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.
Analysis
-
Clear Focus on Public Health
The statement opens with a specific, relevant experience that directly ties into public health. The applicant not only describes what they did but also reflects on the broader implications of their work, demonstrating a strong grasp of public health principles. -
Demonstrates Relevant Skills and Experience
The applicant highlights both academic and practical experiences, showing they are well-prepared for graduate study. They mention specific skills (e.g., data analysis with SPSS and R) and connect these skills to their future goals, which strengthens the case for their readiness to contribute to the program. -
Program Alignment
The applicant clearly articulates why the chosen program is a good fit. They mention specific aspects of the program—such as the focus on community-based interventions and the opportunity to work with faculty experts—that align with their professional goals. This shows they have researched the program thoroughly and understand how it will help them advance their career. -
Concrete Career Goals
The statement provides a clear vision of what the applicant hopes to achieve with an MPH. By specifying a goal to develop public health initiatives that address environmental health disparities, they present a forward-thinking approach that ties academic learning to real-world impact. -
Professional Tone and Structure
The writing is professional, well-organized, and free of personal anecdotes that might be more suited to a personal statement. Instead, the focus remains on professional experiences, skills, and aspirations, which is crucial for a statement of purpose.
Video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement
For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.
Other than Google, I really like the sample admissions essays in Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher. If you're a DIY kind of person, Asher's advice for the entire graduate admissions process is very good.
Note: The above links are Amazon affiliate links and I earn a commission if you purchase things through them. However, any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you, and you pay nothing extra. My recommendation is based on extensive experience using this book's advice with dozens of people over the years, and I recommend it because it's helpful and useful, not because of the small commission I receive if you choose to buy it.
MOST statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:
- Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
- They're impersonal. The reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
- They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!
Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.
Gaining admission into a Master of Public Health (MPH) program is like preparing for a multifaceted mission — it requires a blend of academic strength, practical experience, and a dedicated interest in public health issues. Here’s how candidates typically gear up for this journey:
The educational foundation often begins with a bachelor's degree. While the field of study can vary, courses in biology, sociology, statistics, and environmental science are beneficial. These courses provide a broad understanding of the factors that influence public health. Good grades in these subjects are important as they demonstrate academic capability, but MPH programs look at more than just grades.
Practical experience in public health or a related field is highly valued. This can come from volunteering, internships, or work in healthcare, community outreach, or research. These experiences are essential as they show a commitment to public health issues and provide a practical understanding of the challenges and complexities in the field.
Many MPH programs require the GRE. A good score can strengthen an application, but it’s the combination of academic performance and real-world experience that really counts.
Applications usually include essays and letters of recommendation. Essays are a chance to articulate your passion for public health, discuss your experiences, and outline your career goals in the field. Recommendation letters should ideally come from individuals who can attest to your abilities and potential in public health.
Interviews, if part of the application process, allow you to demonstrate your communication skills, your understanding of public health issues, and your commitment to the field.
Extra efforts, such as participating in public health-related research projects, attending relevant workshops, and being involved in public health initiatives, can also give your application an edge.
In summary, getting into an MPH program involves a mix of strong academic background, practical experience in public health or related fields, a clear understanding and commitment to public health issues, and the personal qualities essential for addressing the diverse challenges in the field of public health. It’s a path for those who are passionate about improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities at the community or global level.
BTW, Lauren can also help with:
- MS in Business Analytics personal statements
- MBA personal statements
- Law School personal statements
- PsyD personal statements
- Physician Assistant personal statements
- Physical Therapy personal statements
- Speech-Language Pathology personal statements
- Occupational Therapy personal statements
- Marriage and Family Therapy personal statements
- Master's degree personal statements
- Master's of Public Policy personal statements
- Medical Residency personal statements
- Nursing school personal statements
- Veterinary School personal statements
- PhD personal statements
- Post Doc personal statements
- Fellowships and Grants personal statements