Frequently Asked Questions -- FAQ

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Can I apply to the VPH concentration if I am not a veterinarian or veterinary student?

The veterinary public health concentration is only open to graduate veterinarians or students accepted in the veterinary curriculum. However, the Master of Public Health degree is open to anyone interested in pursuing an MPH through the other concentrations of Community Health Education and Health Planning and Administration.

Can I enroll in courses if I am a veterinarian interested in pursuing an MPH?

Only students accepted into the MPH program or enrolled in another graduate course of study may enroll in public health courses. If you are enrolled in another graduate course of study, you may take up to 10 hours of public health courses if space is available. After 10 hours you must be accepted in the public health program.

Do I have to choose from the electives on the VPH concentration?

The electives on the VPH concentration list are suggestions for electives. These courses have been pre-approved by the VPH coordinator, therefore approval is not needed for enrollment. However, you may enroll in other courses not on the list and receive elective credit. If you see a course that is of interest, you must contact the course coordinator to obtain a course syllabus. Your VPH faculty advisor must approve the course prior to your enrollment and you must demonstrate why this course would benefit your long-term goals. If you enroll in a course without the approval of the VPH coordinator or faculty advisor, it may not satisfy the elective requirements.

Do I have to have the GRE to apply to the MPH Program?

Yes, the GRE is required for the MPH Program.

For more information about requirements, please refer to our Master of Publich Health web page.

Are foreign/international students required to take the TOEFL exam?

Yes. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Passing marks are 550 for paper-based test, 213 for computer-based test or 80 for internet-based test (iBT) with a minimum score of 20 in each sub-section. Passing marks for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are 6.5. Official scores must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service.

VETERINARY STUDENTS

As a veterinary student, how do I enroll in public health courses?

The core public health courses have limited amounts of space and priority acceptance into the course is given to students admitted into the public health curriculum. If you are a veterinary student you may enroll in public health courses, but are not guaranteed acceptance unless you have applied and been admitted into the public health program. To improve your chance of course enrollment you must submit your desired course selections to Ms. Deborah Shepherd prior to enrollment dates. The earlier this information is provided, the more likely there will be space.

Do I have to pay tuition when I take MPH courses?

If MPH-VPH courses are taken during the same semester with regular veterinary medical courses, additional tuition is not paid. (Example if a student takes MPH courses during spring semester of second year) However, during summer terms tuition payment is required. The tuition may be lower for veterinary student than students enrolled only in the MPH program and differences may exist for out-of-state students.

http://web.utk.edu/~bursar/sgraduaterate.html

http://web.utk.edu/~bursar/volxfees.html

Can I complete the requirements for the MPH at the same time as for the DVM?

No, because after the first five semesters of the veterinary curriculum, the time commitment of the DVM degree program makes it impractical for students to take more than 1 or 2 MPH courses. Students should be prepared to complete the MPH degree requirements after receiving the DVM. With careful planning, the MPH program can be completed in December after May completion of the DVM degree.

How will I know when certain courses are offered to plan my schedule?

Students should check Foundation Courses Availability.