Master of Public Health - School of Public Health

Students studying inside the Urban Life Building

We draw a talented pool of students from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, including international students from more than 40 countries. Georgia State is the only public university with a School of Public Health in Atlanta. The Master of Public Health program, accredited since 2007, distinguishes itself in areas such as urban health disparities, chronic diseases and determinants, and violence prevention.

Apply:

Master of Public Health applicants must complete an application through SOPHAS and a Georgia State graduate admissions application.

Please note that two applications are required for this program:

SOPHAS Application
Georgia State University Graduate Supplemental Application

Both applications and all supporting documents must be in by the deadline. Please note that SOPHAS verification does not mean your application is complete and ready for review for Georgia State University. All applications must be SOPHAS verified and GSU complete before the review process can begin.

Application Steps:

Step 1: Choose a program (MPH, DrPH, or Ph.D.)
Step 2: MPH & Ph.D. students must 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 application materials: http://publichealth.gsu.edu/academic/apply/admissions-requirements/

GRE, GMAT or MCAT Scores (Send directly to Georgia State University – school code 5251)

- - - Official GRE, GMAT and MCAT scores should be sent from the testing agency directly to Georgia State University. Use school code 5251. No departmental code is required.
    - Beginning Spring 2016, the School of Public Health began accepting MCAT scores for the MPH program only.

MCAT scores cannot be accepted in lieu of GRE scores for the DrPH or Ph.D. admissions. We recommend you take the test no later than two months prior to the application deadline to ensure your scores arrive in time.

- - - Applicants with an earned ECFMG Certificate or a doctorate (including an M.D. or J.D.) from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. do not need to provide examination scores.
    - Test scores cannot be more than five years old

The following documents must be submitted directly to SOPHAS not Georgia State University:

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (upload/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.
- DrPH and Ph.D. applicants: 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 or Ph.D. programs. 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.

- 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 degree you are seeking will help you achieve these goals;
- Your specific interest in the Georgia State 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 college graduation has occurred in the last three years. Three professional references will be 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. If available, include a copy of your TOEFL/IELTS scores 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

(For international applicants seeking a student visa.)

Students affected by the U.S. Travel Ban should visit this page and scroll to the bottom for the latest updates: https://isss.gsu.edu/

Core Competencies:

Upon completion of the MPH degree, all MPH graduates demonstrate the following competencies:

Evidence-based Approaches to Public Health

1. Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice

2. Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context

3. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate

4. Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice

Public Health & Health Care Systems

5. Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings

6. Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels

Planning & Management to Promote Health

7. Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ health

8. Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs

9. Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention

10. Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management

11. Select methods to evaluate public health programs

Policy in Public Health

12. Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence

13. Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes

14. Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations

15. Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity

Leadership

16. Apply principles of leadership, governance and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration and guiding decision making

17. Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges

Communication

18. Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors

19. Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation

20. Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content

Interprofessional Practice

21. Perform effectively on interprofessional teams

Systems Thinking

22. Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue

These competencies are informed by the traditional public health core knowledge areas, (biostatistics, epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, health services administration, and environmental health sciences), as well as cross-cutting and emerging public health areas.

Curriculum:

The MPH program includes a minimum of 42 credit hours of study at the master’s level beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Courses Required For All MPH Students

MPH Core Requirements, 16 credit hours

COURSE NUMBER	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT HOURS
PH 7010	Foundations of Public Health (MPH students who have completed a CEPH-accredited bachelor’s degree may replace this PH 7010 Foundations of Public Health course with three credit hours of concentration-approved elective course(s))	3
PH 7011 or PH 7711	Epidemiology for Public Health (required for Environmental Health, Health Management & Policy, and Health Promotion & Behavior concentrations) Epidemiologic Methods I (required for Epidemiology and Biostatistics concentrations)	3
PH 7017	Fundamentals of Biostatistics I	4
PH 7140	Health Promotion Planning, Administration, and Evaluation	3
PH 7160	Fundamentals of Health Systems, Leadership, and Policy	3

Additional Required Courses

COURSE NUMBER

COURSE TITLE

CREDIT HOURS

PH 7960

Public Health Practicum

PH 7990 or

PH 7991

Public Health Thesis

Public Health Capstone

Practicum

Students will take two (2) credit hours of a required practicum in the students’ concentration. Students will develop a practicum with the support of School of Public Health faculty and staff. Students will need to complete 240 hours of field work.

Thesis or Capstone Project

Following completion of all coursework, students must complete at least three (3) credit hours for a master’s thesis or capstone project meeting established program guidelines. All students in the School of Public Health who are involved in writing or defending a master’s thesis/capstone project shall register for at least three (3) credit hours of thesis/capstone project credit each semester from the time they finish their course work until the time all requirements for the degree are completed.

Concentration-Specific MPH Requirements

Twenty-one (21) hours of required coursework and electives have been established to ensure that students achieve proficiency in the core competencies and skills related to each concentration.

Biostatistics

BIOSTATISTICS CONCENTRATION, 21 credit hours

COURSE NUMBER	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT HOURS	REQUIRED OR ELECTIVE
PH 7027	Fundamentals of Biostatistics II	3	Required
PH 7525	Statistical Computing	3	Required
PH 8820	Generalized Linear Models	3	Required
PH 8830	Advanced Statistical Topics	3	Required
Select three (3) pre-approved courses focusing on advanced statistical techniques and quantitative research methods. Pre-approved BSTP elective courses include: PH 8260 - Spatial Population Health I PH 8721 - Epidemiologic Methods II PH 8840 - Statistical Modeling with Latent Variables I: Structural Equation Modeling PH 8850 - Statistical Modeling with Latent Variables II: Finite Mixture Modeling PH 8885 - Fundamentals of Clinical Trials PH 8890 - Special Topics in Biostatistics (may be repeated) This is not an exhaustive list of options. Students should seek written pre-approval of any courses(s) beyond the above listed pre-approved BSTP elective courses. Approval must come from both the Division Director and OAA.		9	Elective

Environmental Health

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONCENTRATION, 21 credit hours

COURSE NUMBER	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT HOURS	REQUIRED OR ELECTIVE
PH 7150	Environmental Health	3	Required
PH 7293	Environmental Health Toxicology	3	Required
PH 7294	Exposure Assessment	3	Required
PH7345	Introduction to Risk Assessment	3	Required
Select three (3) courses from the following list of pre-approved EVHT elective courses: PH 7025 Health Disparities PH 7155 Air Quality and the Environment PH 7280 Infectious Disease Epidemiology PH 7297 Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene PH 7299 Sampling of the Environment (lab course) PH 7300 Urban Health PH 7325 Urban Health Seminar (1-hour course that may be taken 3 times to count as a 3-hour elective) PH 7340 Built Environment and Health PH 7525 Statistical Computing PH 7540 Introduction to Public Health Laboratories PH 7600 Global Health PH 8350 Biological Basis for Disease PH 8880 Public Health Study Abroad (while repeatable, up to 3 credits of PH 8880 may count here) GEOS 6532 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems GEOS 6538 Urban Health Geographic Information Systems GEOS 6644 Environmental Conservation GEOS 6784 Climatic Change BIO 6428 Medical Microbiology BIO 6451 Aquatic Pollution and Toxicology BIO 6480 Principles of Toxicology BIO 6484 Laboratory Techniques in Applied and Environmental Microbiology NUTR 6170 Food Safety		9	Electives

Epidemiology

EPIDEMIOLOGY CONCENTRATION, 21 credit hours

COURSE NUMBER	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT HOURS	REQUIRED OR ELECTIVE
PH 8721	Epidemiologic Methods II	3	Required
PH 7027	Fundamentals of Biostatistics II	3	Required
PH 7525	Statistical Computing	3	Required
Select one (1) course from the following List A of concentration-approved EPID elective courses: PH 7265 Epidemiology and the Prevention of Violence PH 7275 Chronic Disease Epidemiology PH 7280 Infectious Disease Epidemiology PH 7365 Epidemiology of Adolescent and Young Adult Health Risk Behaviors		3	Electives
Select three (3) courses from the following List B of concentration-approved EPID elective courses: (The course satisfying List A cannot also satisfy List B requirements) PH 7014 Epidemiology of STDs and HIV PH 7265 Epidemiology and the Prevention of Violence PH 7275 Chronic Disease Epidemiology PH 7280 Infectious Disease Epidemiology PH 7290 Case Studies in Epidemiology PH 7355 Prevention Methods PH 7365 Epidemiology of Adolescent and Young Adult Health Risk Behaviors PH 8260 Spatial Population Health I PH 8261 Spatial Population Health II PH 8285 Social Determinants of Health PH 8790 Special Topics in Epidemiology PH 8880 Public Health Study Abroad (while repeatable, up to 3 credits of PH 8880 may count here)		9	Electives

Health Management & Policy

HEALTH MANAGEMENT & POLICY CONCENTRATION, 21 credit hours

COURSE NUMBER	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT HOURS	REQUIRED OR ELECTIVE
PH 7170	Public Health Leadership and Policy	3	Required
PH 7330	Health Care Management and Finance	3	Required
PH 8250	Health Economics and Policy	3	Required
Select at least one (1) course from the following HMGP List A of approved elective courses: PH 7521 Evaluation Research PH 7522 Qualitative Research PH 8260 Spatial Population Health I PH 8410 Economic Evaluation Other appropriate research methods/statistics courses may be approved by the Division Director on the Master of Public Health Graduation Petition form. Students should receive approval from the Division Director prior to enrolling in, paying for, and completing the course.		3	Required
Select at least (2) courses from the following HMGP List B of approved elective courses: PH 8290 Population Health Informatics PH 7640 Comparative Health Systems PH 7635 Health Policy and Health Equity PH 8261 Spatial Population Health II Any course(s) from the above HMGP List A of approved elective courses not used to satisfy HMGP List A requirements		6	Elective
Select at least one (1) course from the following HMGP List C of approved elective courses: PH 7025 Health Disparities PH 7300 Urban Health PH 7325 Urban Health Seminar PH 7340 Built Environment and Health PH 7525 Statistical Computing PH 7535 Dissemination and Implementation Science PH 7555 Disability and Public Health PH 7565 Disability Policy PH 7570 Childhood Obesity Prevention PH 7600 Global Health PH 8880 Public Health Study Abroad (while repeatable, up to 3 credits of PH 8880 may count here) Any course from the above HMGP List A of approved elective courses not used to satisfy HMGP List A requirements		3	Elective

Health Promotion & Behavior

HEALTH PROMOTION & BEHAVIOR CONCENTRATION, 21 credit hours

COURSE NUMBER	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT HOURS	REQUIRED OR ELECTIVE
PH 7022	Health Behavior Theory for Public Health Research	3	Required
PH 7410	Intervention Development for Public Health	3	Required
PH 7521	Evaluation Research	3	Required
PH 7535	Dissemination and Implementation Science	3	Required
Select at least three (3) courses from the following list of HPMB concentration pre-approved elective courses: PH 7014 Epidemiology of STDs and HIV PH 7020 Principles of Tobacco Control PH 7025 Health Disparities PH 7027 Fundamentals of Biostatistics II PH 7170 Public Health Policy PH 7265 Epidemiology and the Prevention of Violence PH 7275 Chronic Disease Epidemiology PH 7300 Urban Health PH 7340 Built Environment and Health PH 7365 Epidemiology of Adolescent and Young Adult Health Risk Behaviors PH 7522 Qualitative Research PH 7525 Statistical Computing PH 7555 Disabilities and Public Health PH 7565 Disability Policy PH 7570 Childhood Obesity Prevention PH 7600 Global Health PH 8260 Spatial Population Health I PH 8261 Spatial Population Health II PH 8275 Health Literacy PH 8285 Social Determinants of Health PH 8880 Public Health Study Abroad (while repeatable, up to 3 credits of PH 8880 may count here)		9	Electives

FAQs:

How do I know my application is complete?

For your MPH application to be considered complete and ready for review, all of 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?

Please 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. Please note that applications will be considered individually based on a number of factors including the rigor of the academic program and the 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. Due to the strength of the applicant pool, applicants who score below a 280 are unlikely to be offered admission. 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?

All 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 Georgia State University schedule. Please note that not all classes especially 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. The student must have earned a grade of “B” or better in all transferable courses. The maximum amount of credit that may be transferred is nine (9) 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. Please 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?

Please 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.

General Information:

Deadlines

PROGRAM	FALL	SPRING
Master of Public Health	February 15 (Priority Deadline) March 15 (Regular Deadline)	October 1

Frequently Asked Questions about admissions requirements and eligibility:

Am I eligible to apply?

Currently, there is no required pre-requisite coursework for the Master of Public Health program. Applicants with a variety of educational backgrounds are admitted. Applicants must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in the United States (or international equivalent) to be considered for admission.

When will I be notified of a decision about my application?

Master of Public Health applicants who submit completed applications by the Spring deadline will be notified of their admission decision no later than November 15; MPH applicants who submit a completed application by the Fall deadline (February 15) will be notified of their admission decision no later than May 1.

What are the testing and GPA requirements?

Applicants for the MPH program are admitted for fall and spring semester enrollment. A larger number of students are accepted during the fall admission cycle.

Applicants are required to take provide either GRE or GMAT scores. Beginning Spring 2016, the School of Public Health will also accept 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 take into account academic preparation, academic and professional focus, professional experience and references.

What should I do if I'm reapplying to the program?

If you were previously denied admission into the Master of Public Health program, you should contact the Office of Academic Assistance at (404) 413-1452 or publichealthadvising@gsu.edu about the process for re-applying.

At a minimum, re-applicants will need to submit a new application, an updated resume, and a new Statement of Interest and Professional Intent. Re-applicants are also encouraged to submit updated test scores, transcripts and letters of reference if available.

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