August 21, 2026
Putting public health learning into practice
Bursky Public Health MPH students hone their skills on real-world challenges through the applied practice experience
Your future starts here
Apply today
Come learn in the real world, guided by world-class faculty who know your name, at a moment when public health has to move faster, reach more people, and earn back trust.
Become a Bursky Scholar
Each year, 10 exceptional 12- or 18-month MPH students will receive a $100,000 scholarship covering tuition, living and personal costs, and a practicum stipend. It is one of the most generous merit-based scholarships in the country. Bursky Scholars are students who’ve led, served, and shown they are committed to public health.
Pathways
There’s more than one way in. We offer multiple, flexible pathways into public health leadership.
Accelerated Master of Public Health
Our accelerated MPH program is for students who are ready to move swiftly into the field, alongside our rigorous traditional MPH. Both offer opportunities for hands-on research outside the classroom.
Why WashU Bursky Public Health?
We’re moving public health forward.
- Hands-on experience: You’ll graduate as a leader with real world practice in the community, from day one.
- Faculty who know your name: You’ll learn from diverse, curious teachers who are committed to mentoring you as the next generation of public health leaders.
- Partnerships that solve problems in real time: You’ll tap into the deep ties across WashU and with government, industry, and community partners so the solutions you help build move faster.
- Local impact and global reach: You’ll work alongside our St. Louis community and share what you learn across the world.
> 90% master's graduates, 100% doctoral graduates
are employed within 6 months of graduation, working across government, healthcare, and global health at places like the CDC, Cambridge Health Alliance, Environmental Defense Fund, Hope Clinic for Women and the St. Louis Health Department.
Where you learn matters
St. Louis is at the center of the country: urban at its core, rural at its edges, and politically integrated in ways few places are. The public health challenges we see here look like what communities are facing everywhere: funding gaps, workforce shortages, opioid use, access to care.
Scholarships and affordability
We offer scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and a range of backgrounds. Master’s students can be considered for awards including Dean’s Merit, In St. Louis for St. Louis, Show Me State, Heartland, Veteran’s, Global, and WashU Alumni scholarships.
Every master’s student receives a $5,000 practicum scholarship. Every doctoral student is guaranteed a five-year stipend, full tuition coverage, health and dental insurance, professional development funds, and child-care support.
We’re committed to making education accessible and affordable. Explore the discounts, scholarships, and assistantships that can help support your graduate journey.
Support for international students
Our international students are supported by the Office for International Students & Scholars, from visa questions to settling into life in St. Louis.
Student spotlight
WashU Magazine
June 19, 2026
A new generation of public health students
At WashU, undergraduate students in the Public Health & Society program are connecting health to design, policy and the experiences that shape everyday life.
May 8, 2026
Inaugural student symposium showcases range of projects
MPH, dual-degree and PhD students present research and practicum posters at SPH Student Research and Practicum Symposium
February 27, 2026
SPH students receive awards at WashU’s Graduate Research Symposium
Seven MPH, PhD and dual-degree students were recognized for their public health scholarship
Contact
For questions about admissions at WashU Bursky Public Health, email us at [email protected] or call 314-935-2565.
You can also schedule time to meet with Samuel Ekanem, Admissions and Recruitment Specialist.