Applied AI for Public Health Data Science (online) (MPAA)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Public Health

Abstract

The Master of Professional Studies in Applied AI for Public Health Data Science is a 30-credit online program offered through the University of Maryland, College Park. This master’s degree prepares students to leverage AI tools and data science methods to address pressing public health issues. The interdisciplinary curriculum integrates foundational training in public health, epidemiology, and biostatistics with applied coursework in machine learning and human-centered AI approaches. Students learn how to employ a variety of methods, including visualization, image analysis, text analysis, clustering, and prediction, in ways that center ethics and equity. Graduates are equipped to apply these methods to complex health challenges across government, nonprofit, healthcare, and research settings.

CONTACT

Jennifer Bachner, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Clinical Professor
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Public Health

2234 School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Email: jbachner@umd.edu 

The MPS in Applied AI for Public Health Data Sciences program has a two-part application process: applicants must submit the SOPHAS application (sophas.cas.myliaison.com), the centralized application service for schools and programs of public health, and the UMD Supplemental application. Both applications must be submitted, complete with all required documents and verified by the scheduled deadline. Applications will be reviewed once both the SOPHAS and UMD Supplemental applications are complete. 

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
  • A Bachelor's degree 
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Transcripts from all previous coursework
  • At least one undergraduate math course
  • English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) (international applicants)
  • Statement of purpose and objectives
  • ​Response to Personal Experiences Question(s)

PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

  • SOPHAS application & UMD Supplemental application
  • The statement of purpose should include career and educational goals, professional experience and areas of interest
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Alignment between the applicant's professional goals and expectations and the program's degree competencies and faculty expertise
  • A writing sample is optional and may include a published manuscript, an undergraduate or graduate thesis, or a research paper. If you submit a published manuscript and you are not the first author, describe the contributions you made to the publication
  • Submission of GRE test scores is optional. If submitting, official scores should be reported to SOPHAS (ETS code: 0485)

Applicants with foreign credentials:

  • The SOPHAS application requires that applicants submit a WES credential evaluation

  • The UMD supplemental application requires uploading unofficial transcripts issued in the original language with a literal English translation. Visit the Graduate School website for additional information

  • Evidence of English Language proficiency is required if the applicant does not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English-speaking countries listed on the Graduate School website

    • Language scores must be submitted both to SOPHAS and the UMD supplemental application

    • ​GEOH only admits students whose English Language Proficiency test scores fall within the Full Enrollment range. For TOEFL tests taken before January 20, 2026, a minimum overall score of 100 is required, with section minimums of 24 in Speaking, 25 in Listening, 26 in Reading, and 25 in Writing. For tests taken on or after January 20, 2026, the new scoring scale applies

For detailed instructions on how to submit your application, please visit the School of Public Health Website: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-process
*Visa Eligibility: This program is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland. International students who currently reside in the U.S. on existing visas may apply.

pplication Deadlines
Type of Applicant Fall Deadline
Domestic Applicants
US Citizens and Permanent Residents Contact Dept. for Details
International Applicants
F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A,E,G,H,I and L visas and immigrants Contact Dept. for Details

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Program Website: sph.umd.edu
Application Process: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-process
Admissions FAQ: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-faqs