How to Apply
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) applicants must complete an application through SOPHAS and a GSU/CAS Liaison application.
During the application process, you will receive emails from our Office of Academic Assistance (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.
The 2021 Ph.D. application deadline is
December 1, 2021
Applicants to the Ph.D. program must provide documentation of successful completion of a Masters in Public Health or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited institution. Admission preference will be given to students who have already acquired a Master in Public Health (MPH) or equivalent degree. All other students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants must complete TWO applications:
- Complete and submit a SOPHAS application: https://sophas.org/
- Complete and submit a Georgia State University supplemental application (GSU/CAS Liaison) and $50 fee: https://gradapply.gsu.edu/apply/
Note: Both applications and all supporting documents must be in by the deadline. All applications must be SOPHAS “verified” and Georgia State “complete-ready for review.”
Application Steps
- Step 1: Choose a program (PhD)
- Step 2: Choose an area of concentration
- Step 3: Complete and submit a SOPHAS application – https://sophas.org
- Step 4: Complete and submit the required online Georgia State University Graduate School Supplemental Application –https://gradapply.gsu.edu/apply/ (Select application type: GSU/CAS-Liaison Programs, then select college: School of Public Health)
- Step 5: Send GRE, GMAT or MCAT scores directly to Georgia State University (school code 5251)
- Step 6: Send all application materials (except test scores) directly to SOPHAS
During the application process, you will receive emails from our Office of Academic Assistance (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.
SOPHAS application instructions and FAQs:
https://portal.sophas.org/sophasHelpPages/frequently-asked-questions/index.html
Complete list of instructions for the Georgia State University application materials:
http://publichealth.gsu.edu/academic/apply/admissions-requirements/
GRE or GMAT Scores
- GRE/GMAT scores are no longer a requirement for admission to the MPH, DrPH, Ph.D., Graduate Certificate of Public Health or Maternal and Child Health Graduate Certificate programs.
The following documents must be submitted directly to SOPHAS (not Georgia State University):
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Upload and attach to SOPHAS application.
Transcripts
- Send directly to SOPHAS.
- One official transcript from each college and/or university previously attended (including Georgia State University). Transcripts are required regardless of length of stay or if the grades are listed on another institution’s transcript.
- Admission preference will be given to students who have already acquired a master’s in public health (MPH) or equivalent degree. You must possess at least a master’s-level graduate degree to be admitted into the DrPH program. Students who hold a master’s degree in a discipline other than public health will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those applicants accepted without an MPH will be required to take prerequisite MPH core curriculum courses.
Statement of Purpose and Objectives
- Limit statements to one single-spaced page, or two double-spaced pages. Include discussion regarding:
- Your previous academic and professional experiences as well as work in the area of public health or health care;
- Your career and personal goals and how you believe the degree you are seeking will help you achieve these goals;
- Your specific interest in the Georgia State University DrPH program.
Three Reference Letters
- When completing the online application in SOPHAS, you will submit the names and email addresses for three individuals knowledgeable about your academic and/or professional abilities. Your recommenders will be sent instructions via e-mail on how to submit their recommendations through the secured application server.
- It is strongly recommended that at least one reference letter is an academic reference, especially if your graduate school graduation has occurred in the last three years. Three professional references are acceptable if you are unable to obtain an academic reference.
For International Applicants
Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores
- For applicants whose native language is not English, include a copy of your TOEFL/IELTS scores (if available) in your application packet.
- Note for IELTS scores: e-mail “test report form number” to sphadmissions@gsu.edu
International Credential Evaluation
- Any applicant who has completed all or part of their education outside the United States is required to have foreign credentials evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
- Study abroad credit is exempt from evaluation.
- WES is the only evaluation service accepted by SOPHAS. Please view SOPHAS instructions and FAQ’s.
Foreign Student Financial Statement
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Curriculum
The objective of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Public Health in the School of Public Health is to educate the next generation of public health leaders capable of conducting independent research in academia, governmental public health, health care organizations and the private sector. A graduate of our Ph.D. program will contribute new public health knowledge and develop interventions to promote health, reduce health disparities and ameliorate critical health problems at the population, societal and global level.
For students admitted to the PhD program who have not completed a CEPH-accredited bachelor’s degree in public health or MPH degree, the following course will be required as prerequisite to the PhD program:
- PHPH 7010 Foundations of Public Health
Two additional courses may be required upon review of the student’s completed graduate coursework by the PhD Director and Faculty Advisor.
- PHPH 7011 Epidemiology for Public Health or PHPH 7711 Epidemiologic Methods I
- PHPH 7017– Fundamentals of Biostatistics I
Based upon the PhD program concentration area declared by the incoming student, the following courses will be required:
- For students declaring Health Promotion and Behavior as a concentration: PHPB 7140 Health Promotion Planning, Administration, and Evaluation
- For students declaring Environmental Health as a concentration: PHPH 7150 Environmental Health
- For students declaring Health Services and Policy Research as a concentration: PHPB 7160 Fundamentals of Health Systems, Leadership, and Policy
Doctoral students may waive these MPH Core Courses if they:
- Enter the Ph.D. program with a MPH degree that included “B” grades or better in their MPH courses related to the five knowledge areas basic to public health (biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, social and behavioral sciences or dimensions of public health, and health services administration or introduction to the health care system), and/or have successfully completed a comparable course(s) with a grade of “B” or better, as documented by an official university transcript. Syllabi for courses may also be requested. Or,
- Completed employment or other training(s) that enable them to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired in the MPH core courses listed above. Note: PHPH 7010 Foundations of Public Health cannot be waived by employment or other training(s). PHPH 7010 Foundations of Public Health is only waived after the School verifies a students’ previous completion of a CEPH-accredited bachelor’s degree in public health or MPH degree.
Summary of Ph.D. Degree Requirements
Required Ph.D. Core Courses
- PHPH 8721: Epidemiologic Methods II (3)
- PHPB 9120: Theory and Practice in Health and Prevention (3)
- PHPB 9140: Advanced Research Methods (3)
- PHPB 9150: Public Health Ethics (3)
- PHPH 9810: Biostatistical Methods I (3)
- PHPH 9820: Biostatistical Methods II (3)
Public Health Concentrations
- Epidemiology Concentration (Ph.D.)
- Health Services & Policy Research (Ph.D.)
- Health Promotion & Behavior (Ph.D.)
- Environmental Health Concentration (Ph.D.)
Required Ph.D. Professional Seminar Courses
- PHPB 9180 or PHPH 9180: Doctoral Research Seminar I (3)
- PHPB 9181 or PHPH 9181: Doctoral Research Seminar II (2)
Required Ph.D. Teaching Practice Experience and Culminating Experience
- PHPB 9960 or PHPH 9960: Public Health Doctoral Practice Experience (3)
- PHPB 9990 or PHPH 9990: Dissertation (9)
Required Comprehensive Ph.D. Examination
Students will have two opportunities to pass this exam, which is graded Pass/Fail by two faculty in the School of Public Health.
Ph.D. Dissertation Requirement
Admissions
How do I apply for the Ph.D. in Public Health program?
Will you accept applicants in the Spring?
What are the application requirements?
- One copy of an official transcript from all colleges and/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.
Are GRE/GMAT scores waived?
What is the minimum required GPA (undergraduate & graduate) to enter the Ph.D. program?
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?
Can I be admitted to the Ph.D. program without a MPH degree?
How competitive is the admissions process?
Is there an interview process?
Who can I contact in the School of Public Health for further information?
If I am not recommended for admission or wish to withdraw my application, may I have my materials back?
Selection Committee
What criteria do you consider in the admission process?
What is the typical background of a successful applicant?
Academics
What can I do to prepare for the Ph.D. program?
Is the Ph.D. program right for me?
Do I need a research background to be successful in the Ph.D. program?
What are the areas of study?
How is the program structured?
Is the program a full-time program?
Can I study part-time?
How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. degree program?
When do I enroll in Dissertation Research?
The following is a complete list of requirements for admission to candidacy:
- All 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 all graduate courses taken and for all completed courses in the program of study.
- The Doctoral Advisory Committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Institute have approved the final program of study.
- Written and oral comprehensive examinations have been passed and reported to the Graduate School.
- The Doctoral Advisory Committee is confirmed and all members have been notified of their appointment.
Funding
What are the tuition and fees?
Am I eligible for financial aid?
Do you offer financial support?
Am I eligible for other types of financial aid such as student loans?
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)
What is a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA)?
What are the requirements to qualify for an assistantship, if selected?
- Students must have and maintain a 3.2 or higher cumulative grade point average.
- Students must be enrolled in the minimum hours deemed a full-time load (nine semester hours during the regular academic year and six semester hours in the summer).
- Concurrent with the assistantship appointment, doctoral students should not be engaged in other significant outside employment. Students in this situation should request approval for hire through the head of the academic unit and director of the doctoral program.
What are my chances of receiving an assistantship?
Fellowships
Disability
Stipend: This award includes $22,000 annually or $1,833 monthly.
Renewable award: Your award may be renewed for up to a total of four years
Tuition Waiver: In addition to your stipend, you will receive a full tuition waiver. Thus, Georgia State University will cover approximately $14,000 (in state) or $45,000 (out of state) in annual tuition costs for you. You will be responsible for paying only $37.50 each semester toward your tuition.
Minimum Credit Hours: The School of Public Health requires that students receiving tuition waivers sign up for a minimum number of credit hours.
Health Justice
Stipend: This award includes $22,000 annually or $1,833 monthly.
Renewable award: Your award may be renewed for up to a total of four years
Tuition Waiver: In addition to your stipend, you will receive a full tuition waiver. Thus, Georgia State University will cover approximately $14,000 (in state) or $45,000 (out of state) in annual tuition costs for you. You will be responsible for paying only $37.50 each semester toward your tuition.
Minimum Credit Hours: The School of Public Health requires that students receiving tuition waivers sign up for a minimum number of credit hours.
Infectious Disease Dynamics & Big Data
Stipend: This award is made in the amount of $22,000 annually or $1,833 monthly.
Renewable award: Your award may be renewed for up to a total of four years
Tuition Waiver: In addition to your stipend, you will receive a full tuition waiver. Thus, Georgia State University will cover approximately $14,000 (in state) or $45,000 (out of state) in annual tuition costs for you. You will be responsible for paying only $37.50 each semester toward your tuition.
Minimum Credit Hours: The School of Public Health requires that students receiving tuition waivers sign up for a minimum number of credit hours.