Public Health, Doctor of Philosophy

Expected Decision Notification:  April 1

Admissions Assistance & Academic Advisement 
For assistance with your application, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions & Academic Assistance (OGAAA) at (404) 413-1452 or at publichealthadvising@gsu.edu.

Admission Criteria
Most applicants are required to take either the GRE or GMAT and to supply their cumulative undergraduate and graduate transcripts. While no minimum scores are required, applicants with a cumulative undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.2 and above and a GRE score in the 60th -70th percentile are considered more competitive. Applicants with test scores below 290 (900) are less likely to be admitted into the program. Ultimately, the Admissions Committee will evaluate each application individually and holistically in order to select the best candidates for the program.

Applicants must possess the MPH, MSPH, or equivalent at the time of expected enrollment. Those who hold other graduate degrees will be considered, but they may need to complete prerequisite coursework in public health before officially starting the program.

Application Instructions and Forms
The Office of Graduate Admissions & Academic Assistance uses a self-managed application for admission to its graduate programs. This means that it is your responsibility to prepare or collect all credentials other than official test scores and submit them at one time to the OGAAA.

A self-managed application requires appropriate planning on your part to allow time for you to prepare the application properly and collect all of your transcripts and recommendations. This process, however, also gives you control over when your application is complete. It eliminates the need for concern over lost or misdirected applications, transcripts or recommendations.

Do not submit an incomplete application packet. Incomplete packets will not be considered for admission.

Applicants should read through all requirements and instructions carefully before submitting a final application. Collect the following items in a single packet and mail them to the address provided at the end of this section. We strongly suggest that you maintain your own records by keeping a copy of your application and ordering duplicate copies of transcripts and recommendation letters.

THERE ARE 2 WAYS TO APPLY TO THE PROGRAM. PUBLIC HEALTH APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE APPLICATION.
1. APPLY ONLINE (PREFERRED METHOD)
        Submit your application through ApplyYourself.

2. PRINT APPLICATION BELOW:
       Fill out and Print: APPLICATION (Fillable PDF).
If you print and mail your application, you must submit a $50.00 application fee, in check or money order (in U.S. Currency), payable to Georgia State University. This fee is nonrefundable.

3. OTHER APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Available online or print: RESIDENCY FORM (PDF).
2. $50 Application Fee. Submit fee online or submit a check or money order (in U.S. Currency), payable to Georgia State University. This fee is nonrefundable.
3. Two transcripts from each college and/or university attended, except from Georgia State University. Transcripts are required regardless of length of stay or if the grades are listed on another school’s transcript. You will collect and submit all unopened transcripts. If needed, Transcript Request forms can be downloaded from this website.
   
   If you are enrolled in another graduate program at Georgia State University, you may complete a Request for Transfer of Records in your current colleges graduate admissions office. If you have attended Georgia State University in an undergraduate status, all transcripts, except Georgia State’s, must be sent.
4. Resume/CV.
5. Statement of Interest and Professional Intent. The statement is limited to two, typed double-spaced pages and should have an original signature and date. The following issues should be addressed:

   1. Your previous academic and professional experiences as well as any work in the area of health or health care;
   2. Your career and personal goals and how you believe the PhD will help you achieve these goals; and
   3. Describe your specific research interests and interests in the Georgia State University program.

6. Writing Sample. The writing sample should be limited to fifteen, typed double-spaced pages. It should be a graduate level term paper, research paper or thesis chapter (s) of which you are the sole author, or publication on which you are the first author.
7. Three Reference Letters from individuals knowledgeable of your academic or professional abilities. Reference letters can be submitted online or submitted via mail.
   
   If the letter is sent by mail, the Reference Form must be attached. One of the three letters must be an academic reference. The recommenders should send the letters with the forms attached to you in a sealed envelope with their signature across the seal. You will submit the letters with your application packet.
8. Photocopy of your GRE or GMAT score (see below).
9. Foreign Student Financial Statement (for international applicants seeking a student visa). See International Applicants document here.

The following items are needed but not included in the packet you mail to the Office of Academic Assistance.

1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score. Scores cannot be more than five years old from the desired semester of entry. It is recommended that you send a photocopy of your test score with your application materials. While a photocopy is not acceptable for admission, and we must receive official scores, a photocopy can help expedite the processing of your application.
   
   Official GRE or GMAT scores should be sent directly to Georgia State University from Educational Testing Service (ETS). The correct institution code for Georgia State University for both tests is 5251. A department code is not used.
   
   For information on the GRE, visit their website at www.gre.org or call 1-800-GRE-CALL. For GMAT information, visit their website at www.gmac.org. Applicants with an earned doctorate (including an M.D. or J.D.) from an accredited institution in the U.S. do not need to take the GRE or GMAT examinations.
2. Certificate of Immunization. This is required for accepted applicants who have never attended Georgia State University. If admitted, you must submit this form to Georgia State University Health Services prior to registration. The form can be printed from www.gsu.edu/health.
3. Official TOEFL score (for applicants whose native language is not English). If available, please include a copy of your TOEFL score in your application packet.
4. International credential evaluation (for applicants who have completed any education outside the U.S.). See International Applicants document.

OFFICE OF GRADUATE ADMISSIONS & ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE
Phone: 404-413-1452
Fax: (404) 413-1489
E-mail: publichealthadvising@gsu.edu

Regular U.S. Mail
Institute of Public Health
Georgia State University
Office of Graduate Admissions & Academic Assistance
P.O. Box 5060
Atlanta, GA 30302-5060

Express & Overnight Mail (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.)
Institute of Public Health
Georgia State University
Office of Graduate Admissions & Academic Assistance
SunTrust Building
25 Park Place, NE, Suite 5-20
Atlanta, GA 30303

Campus Location
(Enter at the Edgewood Side of the SunTrust Building)
Office of Graduate Admissions & Academic Assistance
SunTrust Building Lower Level, Suite 5-20
50 Edgewood Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303-5060