How do I know my application is complete?
For your MPH application to be considered complete and ready for review, the required documents listed here must be received by SOPHAS and verified. During the SOPHAS application process, you will receive emails from our Office of Academic Assistance & Graduate Admissions (OAA) containing follow-up questions or confirming receipt of your application. It is important for you to regularly check your email inbox and respond to emails from our OAA staff.
What should I do if I would like more information about the program?
Contact us at (404) 413-1452 or e-mail your question to: sphadmissions@gsu.edu.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement for admission?
There is not a minimum GPA, but applicants with a 2.75 GPA and above are generally preferred. Note that applications will be considered individually based on a number of factors, including the rigor of the academic program and school attended.
Is there a minimum GRE or GMAT score required?
Submitting GRE scores is now optional for all applicants for the DrPH program (Fall 2021, only), and the MPH program (Fall 2021, only) offered through the School of Public Health at Georgia State. Questions? Contact the Office of Academic Assistance and Career Services at sphadmissions@gsu.edu.
All other admission cycles: applicants are required to provide either GRE, GMAT, or MCAT scores. While no minimum GRE scores or GPA are required for admission, applicants who score below the 50th percentile on the GRE and/or have a GPA below a 2.75 will be unlikely to be admitted into the Master of Public Health or Certificate in Public Health programs. Applications will still be reviewed individually and holistically by the Admission Committee. The committee will consider academic preparation, academic and professional focus, professional experience and references.
Please note that GRE scores over five years old cannot be accepted.
Are there any pre-requisite majors or professional backgrounds for the MPH?
No. Applicants are admitted to our program with a host of different academic and professional backgrounds.
Where and what time are classes held?
Master of Public Health classes are held at Georgia State University’s downtown campus. Classes are held in the afternoon as well as in the early evenings to accommodate working students. Click HERE for the university schedule. Note that not all classes, particularly electives, are offered in the evenings. Students may need to take courses in the afternoon as well as evening.
Do you offer any classes online?
While we offer a few online classes, we are not a distance education program, and most classes will be held in person on Georgia State’s campus.
What is the policy for transfer of credits?
Students who have completed graduate courses at other accredited institutions prior to enrollment in the MPH program may request that any such courses be evaluated for transfer of credit. Students must have earned a grade of “B” or better in all transferable courses. The maximum amount of credit that may be transferred is nine semester hours. Exceptions to this rule will be granted on an individual basis. Click HERE for the Graduate Request for Evaluation of Transfer Credit.
Who should I get to provide recommendations?
The School of Public Health requires the applicant to submit three Reference Forms. While we do not require an academic reference, we recommend submitting at least one academic reference. Other recommendations should be sought from employers and/or supervisors from paid and/or volunteer work. It is suggested that a friend, relative or peer not be used as a reference. Give recommenders adequate time to submit their recommendation online or via mail.
What information must be included in my Statement of Interest and Professional Intent and how long should it be?
Your statement should address the following:
- Your previous academic and professional experiences as well as any work in the area of health or health care;
- Your career and personal goals and how you believe the MPH degree will help you achieve these goals; and
- Your specific interest in the public health program.
How much does tuition cost and how can I check on my financial aid process?
See the university’s Tuition and Fees webpage.
How can find out more about financial aid options at Georgia State?
You can check on your financial aid status by calling the Office of Student Financial Aid at (404) 413-2600 or online at http://www.gsu.edu/financialaid.
If I am not recommended for admission or wish to withdraw my application, may I have my materials back?
Once your application and materials have arrived in our office, they become the property of Georgia State University. For this reason, no materials will be returned or released to an applicant or to any other party, such as another school or external agencies, for example. Moreover, your application fee is nonrefundable and will not be returned if your application is withdrawn or denied.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSIONS:
How do I apply for the Ph.D. in Public Health program?
Will you accept applicants in the spring?
No. Applicants will only be admitted in the fall. The application and credentials deadline is December 1.
What are the application requirements?
The following list is a summary of application requirements. Documents should be submitted through SOPHAS.
- One copy of an official transcript from all colleges or universities attended.
- Three references from individuals knowledgeable of the applicant’s academic, professional and intellectual abilities. One of the letters must be an academic reference.
- A Statement of Interest and Professional Intent.
- Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). 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 either examination.
- Additional requirements for international students are found HERE.
How do I know my application is complete?
For your Ph.D. application to be considered complete and ready for review, the required documents listed in the question above must be received by SOPHAS and verified. During the SOPHAS application process, you will receive emails from our Office of Academic Assistance & Graduate Admissions (OAA) containing follow-up questions or confirming receipt of your application. It is important for you to regularly check your email inbox and respond to emails from our OAA staff.
Will you only accept the GRE/GMAT?
We only accept scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Scores must not be more than five years old. MCAT and LSAT scores will not be accepted as substitutes for the GRE/GMAT. Visit the following sites for more details: GRE Registration: http://www.ets.org/ and GMAT Registration: http://www.gmac.com.
Are GRE/GMAT scores waived?
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 either examination.
What are the codes for sending my standardized test scores?
Official GRE or GMAT scores should be sent from the testing agency directly to Georgia State University. Use the code 5251. Score reports from third parties will not be accepted.
What is the minimum required GRE to enter the Ph.D. program?
Competitive GRE test scores (Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing) should range in the 60th – 70th percentile for all sections. The School of Public Health does not have a minimum score requirement, but applicants with scores below 300 are unlikely to be admitted.
What is the minimum required GPA (undergraduate & graduate) to enter the Ph.D. program?
While no minimum GPAs are required, applicants with a cumulative undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.2, respectively, are considered more competitive. The Admissions Committee will also take into account the rigor of the academic program and degree.
Are there different admissions requirements for citizens of countries other than the U.S.?
I am an international student and have a master's degree from a U.S. school. Do I need to take the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL is not required of international applicants who have received a degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
Can I be admitted to the Ph.D. program without an MPH degree?
Admission preference will be given to students who have already acquired a Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent degree. You must possess at least a Masters-level graduate degree to be admitted into the Ph.D. program. Students who hold a master’s degree in a discipline other than public health will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How competitive is the admissions process?
Acceptance to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive. On average, eight to10 new students are accepted each year.
Is there an interview process?
Yes. Once a pool of competitive applicants is selected and notified, in-person or phone interviews will be scheduled. Final selection decisions will be made subsequent to the completion of all interviews.
Whom can I contact in the School of Public Health for further information?
Please e-mail your questions to publichealthadvising@gsu.edu.
If I am not recommended for admission or wish to withdraw my application, may I have my materials back?
Once your application and materials have arrived in our office, they become the property of Georgia State University. For this reason, no materials will be returned or released to an applicant or to any other party, such as another school or external agencies, for example. Moreover, your application fee is nonrefundable and will not be returned if your application is withdrawn or denied.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SELECTION COMMITTEE:
What criteria do you consider in the admission process?
The admissions committee will consider a variety of criteria in the selection of doctoral students, including official GRE/GMAT scores, academic performance in previous degree programs, academic and professional background and experiences, recommendation letters and the applicant’s personal statement. Competitive applicants will interview with SPH faculty to further determine research interests and academic potential.
What is the typical background of a successful applicant?
Although the selection of applicants is based on a variety of criteria, a successful Ph.D. applicant will exhibit a solid academic and professional background, with evidence of meaningful experience in public health or a closely related field. This experience should be reflected in a personal statement that demonstrates a significant motivation for conducting and sharing public health research. Letters of recommendation should provide evidence of the applicant’s potential as an independent researcher. Successful applicants will also show above-average performance on the GRE/GMAT.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ACADEMICS:
What can I do to prepare for the Ph.D. program?
Although not required, a Master of Public Health (MPH) or an equivalent degree is highly recommended for students pursuing a Ph.D. in public health. Not only does an MPH provide students with a solid foundation of public health competencies, many MPH students are able to gain research experience through research assistantships or other work opportunities. These experiences offer students the opportunity to determine a preferred focus for their Ph.D. studies. For those prospective students without a MPH degree, research experience in rigorous academic or professional opportunities in the public health field is highly recommended.
Is the Ph.D. program right for me?
A Ph.D. in public health prepares students with specific interests for a career in research or academia. Depending on the interest area, graduates of the Ph.D. program often teach in universities, lead research laboratories or direct research projects at the federal, state, or local level. The Ph.D. program requires a substantial time commitment and a significant interest in advancing one’s skills as a researcher in a particular field.
Do I need a research background to be successful in the Ph.D. program?
A research background is not required for success in the program, but some experience in research is recommended. Potential applicants without a research background should be able to demonstrate a capacity to perform independent research through evidence of previous academic success, strong recommendation letters and satisfactory GRE/GMAT scores.
What are the areas of study?
Ph.D. students will choose one of four concentrations: Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Promotion and Behavior, or Health Services and Policy Research. The specialized coursework will depend on the individual student’s research interests and will be determined by the student, his or her major professor, and his or her Doctoral Advisory Committee.
How is the program structured?
Visit the program page for the Doctor of Philosophy and click on “Core Curriculum” for more information.
Is the program a full-time program?
To fulfill the significant commitment required of doctoral students, it is highly recommended students maintain full-time student status for the duration of the Ph.D. program. Part-time will be considered for admission, especially for those working in a public health setting.
Can I study part-time?
Applicants who can commit to full-time study will receive preference in the selection process. However, part-time applicants with especially strong academic or professional backgrounds may be considered.
How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. degree program?
The amount of time required to complete the Ph.D. program will largely depend upon the number of courses a student is able to take each semester and the amount of time he or she needs to complete and defend a dissertation. On average, however, a full-time student who enters the program with the necessary prerequisite courses can complete the required coursework in two years and complete and defend a dissertation in an additional 12-18 months. It is reasonable to expect to take three to five years to complete the Ph.D. program. The School of Public Health requires that a student complete degree requirements within nine years of the student’s semester of matriculation.
When do I enroll in Dissertation Research?
Prior to enrolling in Dissertation Research, a student must be accepted into candidacy.
The following is a list of requirements for admission to candidacy:
- Prerequisites set as a condition to admission to the Ph.D. program have been satisfactorily completed.
- The residence requirement (30 hours of consecutive coursework) has been met.
- A GPA of 3.2 (B) has been maintained for graduate courses taken and for completed courses in the program of study.
- The Doctoral Advisory Committee, the graduate coordinator and the school have approved the final program of study.
- Written and oral comprehensive examinations have been passed and reported to the Graduate School.
- Your Doctoral Advisory Committee is confirmed and all members have been notified of their appointment.
QUESTIONS ABOUT FUNDING:
What are the tuition and fees?
Information about graduate tuition and fees can be found HERE.
Am I eligible for financial aid?
To determine eligibility for financial aid, visit the University’s Financial Aid Office website at http://www.gsu.edu/financialaid/.
Do you offer financial support?
Admitted doctoral students who plan to study full-time will be considered for Graduate Research Assistantships and/or Teaching Assistantships. Assistantships cover the cost of tuition and provide a monthly stipend. Students are still responsible for university student fees. The school cannot guarantee this funding for all students.
How do I know my application is complete?
For your MPH application to be considered complete and ready for review, the required documents listed here must be received by SOPHAS and verified. During the SOPHAS application process, you will receive emails from our Office of Academic Assistance & Graduate Admissions (OAA) containing follow-up questions or confirming receipt of your application. It is important for you to regularly check your email inbox and respond to emails from our OAA staff.
What should I do if I would like more information about the program?
Contact us at (404) 413-1452 or e-mail your question to: sphadmissions@gsu.edu.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement for admission?
There is not a minimum GPA, but applicants with a 2.75 GPA and above are generally preferred. Note that applications will be considered individually based on a number of factors, including the rigor of the academic program and school attended.
Is there a minimum GRE or GMAT score required?
Applicants are required to take either the GRE or GMAT unless they have earned a terminal degree (M.D., J.D., Ph.D., etc.) from a U.S. institution. While there is no minimum score required on the GRE or GMAT, applicants who score a 300 or above on the GRE are more competitive. Because of the strength of the applicant pool, applicants who score below a 280 are unlikely to be offered admission. Note that GRE scores over five years old cannot be accepted.
Are there any pre-requisite majors or professional backgrounds for the MPH?
No. Applicants are admitted to our program with a host of different academic and professional backgrounds.
Where and what time are classes held?
Master of Public Health classes are held at Georgia State University’s downtown campus. Classes are held in the afternoon as well as in the early evenings to accommodate working students. Click HERE for the university schedule. Note that not all classes, particularly electives are offered in the evenings. Students may need to take courses in the afternoon as well as evening.
Do you offer any classes online?
While we offer a few online classes, we are not a distance education program, and most classes will be held in person on Georgia State’s campus.
What is the policy for transfer of credits?
Students who have completed graduate courses at other accredited institutions prior to enrollment in the MPH program may request that any such courses be evaluated for transfer of credit. Students must have earned a grade of “B” or better in all transferable courses. The maximum amount of credit that may be transferred is nine semester hours. Exceptions to this rule will be granted on an individual basis. Click HERE for the Graduate Request for Evaluation of Transfer Credit.
Who should I get to provide recommendations?
The School of Public Health requires the applicant to submit three Reference Forms. While we do not require an academic reference, we recommend submitting at least one academic reference. Other recommendations should be sought from employers and/or supervisors from paid and/or volunteer work. It is suggested that a friend, relative or peer not be used as a reference. Give recommenders adequate time to submit their recommendation online or via mail.
What information must be included in my Statement of Interest and Professional Intent and how long should it be?
Your statement should address the following:
- Your previous academic and professional experiences as well as any work in the area of health or health care;
- Your career and personal goals and how you believe the MPH degree will help you achieve these goals; and
- Your specific interest in the public health program.
How much does tuition cost and how can I check on my financial aid process?
See the university’s Tuition and Fees webpage.
How can find out more about financial aid options at Georgia State?
You can check on your financial aid status by calling the Office of Student Financial Aid at (404) 413-2600 or online at http://www.gsu.edu/financialaid.
If I am not recommended for admission or wish to withdraw my application, may I have my materials back?
Once your application and materials have arrived in our office, they become the property of Georgia State University. For this reason, no materials will be returned or released to an applicant or to any other party, such as another school or external agencies, for example. Moreover, your application fee is nonrefundable and will not be returned if your application is withdrawn or denied.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSIONS:
How do I apply for the Ph.D. in Public Health program?
Will you accept applicants in the spring?
No. Applicants will only be admitted in the fall. The application and credentials deadline is December 15.
What are the application requirements?
The following list is a summary of application requirements. Documents should be submitted through SOPHAS.
- One copy of an official transcript from all colleges or universities attended.
- Three references from individuals knowledgeable of the applicant’s academic, professional and intellectual abilities. One of the letters must be an academic reference.
- A Statement of Interest and Professional Intent.
- Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). 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 either examination.
- Additional requirements for international students are found HERE.
How do I know my application is complete?
For your Ph.D. application to be considered complete and ready for review, the required documents listed in the question above must be received by SOPHAS and verified. During the SOPHAS application process, you will receive emails from our Office of Academic Assistance & Graduate Admissions (OAA) containing follow-up questions or confirming receipt of your application. It is important for you to regularly check your email inbox and respond to emails from our OAA staff.
Will you only accept the GRE/GMAT?
We only accept scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Scores must not be more than five years old. MCAT and LSAT scores will not be accepted as substitutes for the GRE/GMAT. Visit the following sites for more details: GRE Registration: http://www.ets.org/ and GMAT Registration: http://www.gmac.com.
Are GRE/GMAT scores waived?
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 either examination.
What are the codes for sending my standardized test scores?
Official GRE or GMAT scores should be sent from the testing agency directly to Georgia State University. Use the code 5251. Score reports from third parties will not be accepted.
What is the minimum required GRE to enter the Ph.D. program?
Competitive GRE test scores (Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing) should range in the 60th – 70th percentile for all sections. The School of Public Health does not have a minimum score requirement, but applicants with scores below 300 are unlikely to be admitted.
What is the minimum required GPA (undergraduate & graduate) to enter the Ph.D. program?
While no minimum GPAs are required, applicants with a cumulative undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.2, respectively, are considered more competitive. The Admissions Committee will also take into account the rigor of the academic program and degree.
Are there different admissions requirements for citizens of countries other than the U.S.?
I am an international student and have a master's degree from a U.S. school. Do I need to take the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL is not required of international applicants who have received a degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
Can I be admitted to the Ph.D. program without an MPH degree?
Admission preference will be given to students who have already acquired a Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent degree. You must possess at least a Masters-level graduate degree to be admitted into the Ph.D. program. Students who hold a master’s degree in a discipline other than public health will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How competitive is the admissions process?
Acceptance to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive. On average, eight to 10 new students are accepted each year.
Is there an interview process?
Yes. Once a pool of competitive applicants is selected and notified, in-person or phone interviews will be scheduled. Final selection decisions will be made subsequent to the completion of all interviews.
Whom can I contact in the School of Public Health for further information?
Please e-mail your questions to publichealthadvising@gsu.edu.
If I am not recommended for admission or wish to withdraw my application, may I have my materials back?
Once your application and materials have arrived in our office, they become the property of Georgia State University. For this reason, no materials will be returned or released to an applicant or to any other party, such as another school or external agencies, for example. Moreover, your application fee is nonrefundable and will not be returned if your application is withdrawn or denied.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SELECTION COMMITTEE:
What criteria do you consider in the admission process?
The admissions committee will consider a variety of criteria in the selection of doctoral students, including official GRE/GMAT scores, academic performance in previous degree programs, academic and professional background and experiences, recommendation letters and the applicant’s personal statement. Competitive applicants will interview with SPH faculty to further determine research interests and academic potential.
What is the typical background of a successful applicant?
Although the selection of applicants is based on a variety of criteria, a successful Ph.D. applicant will exhibit a solid academic and professional background, with evidence of meaningful experience in public health or a closely related field. This experience should be reflected in a personal statement that demonstrates a significant motivation for conducting and sharing public health research. Letters of recommendation should provide evidence of the applicant’s potential as an independent researcher. Successful applicants will also show above-average performance on the GRE/GMAT.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ACADEMICS:
What can I do to prepare for the Ph.D. program?
Although not required, a Master of Public Health (MPH) or an equivalent degree is highly recommended for students pursuing a Ph.D. in public health. Not only does an MPH provide students with a solid foundation of public health competencies, many MPH students are able to gain research experience through research assistantships or other work opportunities. These experiences offer students the opportunity to determine a preferred focus for their Ph.D. studies. For those prospective students without a MPH degree, research experience in rigorous academic or professional opportunities in the public health field is highly recommended.
Is the Ph.D. program right for me?
A Ph.D. in public health prepares students with specific interests for a career in research or academia. Depending on the interest area, graduates of the Ph.D. program often teach in universities, lead research laboratories or direct research projects at the federal, state, or local level. The Ph.D. program requires a substantial time commitment and a significant interest in advancing one’s skills as a researcher in a particular field.
Do I need a research background to be successful in the Ph.D. program?
A research background is not required for success in the program, but some experience in research is recommended. Potential applicants without a research background should be able to demonstrate a capacity to perform independent research through evidence of previous academic success, strong recommendation letters and satisfactory GRE/GMAT scores.
What are the areas of study?
Ph.D. students will choose one of four concentrations: Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Promotion and Behavior, or Health Services and Policy Research. The specialized coursework will depend on the individual student’s research interests and will be determined by the student, his or her major professor, and his or her Doctoral Advisory Committee.
How is the program structured?
Visit the program page for the Doctor of Philosophy and click on “Core Curriculum” for more information.
Is the program a full-time program?
To fulfill the significant commitment required of doctoral students, it is highly recommended that students maintain full-time student status for the duration of the Ph.D. program. Part-time will be considered for admission, especially for those working in a public health setting.
Can I study part-time?
Applicants who can commit to full-time study will receive preference in the selection process. However, part-time applicants with especially strong academic or professional backgrounds may be considered.
How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. degree program?
The amount of time required to complete the Ph.D. program will largely depend upon the number of courses a student is able to take each semester and the amount of time he or she needs to complete and defend a dissertation. On average, however, a full-time student who enters the program with the necessary prerequisite courses can complete the required coursework in two years and complete and defend a dissertation in an additional 12-18 months. It is reasonable to expect to take three to five years to complete the Ph.D. program. The school requires that a student complete degree requirements within nine years of the student’s semester of matriculation.
When do I enroll in Dissertation Research?
Prior to enrolling in Dissertation Research, a student must be accepted into candidacy.
The following is a list of requirements for admission to candidacy:
- Prerequisites set as a condition to admission to the Ph.D. program have been satisfactorily completed.
- The residence requirement (30 hours of consecutive coursework) has been met.
- A GPA of 3.2 (B) has been maintained for graduate courses taken and for completed courses in the program of study.
- The Doctoral Advisory Committee, the graduate coordinator and the school have approved the final program of study.
- Written and oral comprehensive examinations have been passed and reported to the Graduate School.
- Your Doctoral Advisory Committee is confirmed and all members have been notified of their appointment.
QUESTIONS ABOUT FUNDING:
What are the tuition and fees?
Information about graduate tuition and fees can be found HERE.
Am I eligible for financial aid?
To determine eligibility for financial aid, visit the University’s Financial Aid Office website at http://www.gsu.edu/financialaid/.
Do you offer financial support?
Admitted, doctoral students who plan to study full-time will be considered for Graduate Research Assistantships and/or Teaching Assistantships. Assistantships cover the cost of tuition and provide a monthly stipend. Students are still responsible for university student fees. The school cannot guarantee this funding for all students.