
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.
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)
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- 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.
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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.
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- 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
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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)
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- 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.
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- 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
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- 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.
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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/
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.
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 |
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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 | 2 |
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3 |
Practicum
Thesis or Capstone Project
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:
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:
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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:
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3 | Electives | |
Select three (3) courses from the following List B of concentration-approved EPID elective courses:
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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:
Other appropriate research methods/statistics courses may be approved by the Division Director on the Master of Public Health Graduation Petition form. |
3 | Required | |
Select at least (2) courses from the following HMGP List B of approved elective courses:
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6 | Elective | |
Select at least one (1) course from the following HMGP List C of approved elective courses:
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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:
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9 | Electives |
How do I know my application is complete?
What should I do if I would like more information about the program?
Is there a minimum GPA requirement for admission?
Is there a minimum GRE or GMAT score required?
Are there any pre-requisite majors or professional backgrounds for the MPH?
Where and what time are classes held?
Do you offer any classes online?
What is the policy for transfer of credits?
Who should I get to provide recommendations?
What information must be included in my Statement of Interest and Professional Intent and how long should it be?
- 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?
How can find out more about financial aid options at Georgia State?
If I am not recommended for admission or wish to withdraw my application, may I have my materials back?
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?
When will I be notified of a decision about my application?
What are the testing and GPA requirements?
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?
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.