MPH – Possible Interview Questions 2026 – Preparation Guide
If you're not accepted into graduate school, what are your plans? - correct answer ✔✔ To work
a full time job in order to save up money for grad school while increasing my practical
experience in the health field.
What is public health? - correct answer ✔✔ The way that I define public health may be different
than another person in this field. To me, public health is something that connects everyone. It is
improving the health of individuals, communities, environments while also researching diseases
and developing ways to maximize prevention.
Tell me about yourself. - correct answer ✔✔ -Small town South of Pittsburgh
-May graduate of Penn State University
-Degree in BBH
-Involved in THON
-Worked as a nurse's aid
-Love to meet new people, run, travel, and spend time with loved ones
What characteristics will assist you during your time here? - correct answer ✔✔ -Excellent
student
-Hard worker
-Compassionate and empathetic
-Motivated by want to serve
-Professional -appearance, presentation, I get things done in a professional and timely manner
-Dependable - people know they can count on me
-Leadership experience
-Good listener
-Critical thinker
, What will you contribute to this program? - correct answer ✔✔ Im going to bring a positive
attitude and enthusiasm
2. I am naturally inquisitive and good at problem solving
3. I love learning, I like finding ways to have fun and interact in my learning process.
4. I am good at coming up with creative solutions to problems
5. I enjoy working with other students and professors collaboratively to get different
perspectives
Why did you decide to pursue graduate studies in public health? - correct answer ✔✔ I have
always been interested in pursuing a career in the health field. Throughout my undergrad, I took
various classes that sparked my interest in public health. I want a career that would allow me to
have a hands on impact in the health and lives of people around the world.
What do you know about our program? - correct answer ✔✔ After researching, I found that
that this program is CEPH accredited and works on a trimester system. It is important to me to
attend an accredited university, which is one of the many reasons I applied to Thomas Jefferson
and hope to attend in the future.
What other schools are you considering? - correct answer ✔✔ I applied to 6 other master's
programs.
In what ways have your previous experience prepared you for graduate study in our program? -
correct answer ✔✔ My major at Penn State has heavily prepared me for future academia. I
have shadowed individuals, worked on projects, worked in a health care setting, and also
conducted research of my own that showcases my interest in Public Health.
What do you believe your greatest challenge will be if you are accepted into this program? -
correct answer ✔✔ I believe my greatest challenge will be the academia that comes with
earning a master's degree.
If you're not accepted into graduate school, what are your plans? - correct answer ✔✔ To work
a full time job in order to save up money for grad school while increasing my practical
experience in the health field.
What is public health? - correct answer ✔✔ The way that I define public health may be different
than another person in this field. To me, public health is something that connects everyone. It is
improving the health of individuals, communities, environments while also researching diseases
and developing ways to maximize prevention.
Tell me about yourself. - correct answer ✔✔ -Small town South of Pittsburgh
-May graduate of Penn State University
-Degree in BBH
-Involved in THON
-Worked as a nurse's aid
-Love to meet new people, run, travel, and spend time with loved ones
What characteristics will assist you during your time here? - correct answer ✔✔ -Excellent
student
-Hard worker
-Compassionate and empathetic
-Motivated by want to serve
-Professional -appearance, presentation, I get things done in a professional and timely manner
-Dependable - people know they can count on me
-Leadership experience
-Good listener
-Critical thinker
, What will you contribute to this program? - correct answer ✔✔ Im going to bring a positive
attitude and enthusiasm
2. I am naturally inquisitive and good at problem solving
3. I love learning, I like finding ways to have fun and interact in my learning process.
4. I am good at coming up with creative solutions to problems
5. I enjoy working with other students and professors collaboratively to get different
perspectives
Why did you decide to pursue graduate studies in public health? - correct answer ✔✔ I have
always been interested in pursuing a career in the health field. Throughout my undergrad, I took
various classes that sparked my interest in public health. I want a career that would allow me to
have a hands on impact in the health and lives of people around the world.
What do you know about our program? - correct answer ✔✔ After researching, I found that
that this program is CEPH accredited and works on a trimester system. It is important to me to
attend an accredited university, which is one of the many reasons I applied to Thomas Jefferson
and hope to attend in the future.
What other schools are you considering? - correct answer ✔✔ I applied to 6 other master's
programs.
In what ways have your previous experience prepared you for graduate study in our program? -
correct answer ✔✔ My major at Penn State has heavily prepared me for future academia. I
have shadowed individuals, worked on projects, worked in a health care setting, and also
conducted research of my own that showcases my interest in Public Health.
What do you believe your greatest challenge will be if you are accepted into this program? -
correct answer ✔✔ I believe my greatest challenge will be the academia that comes with
earning a master's degree.
