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The Admissions Committee seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds who have the qualifications and credentials to succeed in a rigorous, research-intensive doctoral program. Public health is a discipline oriented toward problem-solving through research and action and we welcome inquiries and applications from prospective students who have a passion for improving population health through research activities with varying levels of engagement. The School of Public Health offers a Ph.D. specialization in Social and Behavioral Health.

Admission requirements

Ph.D. in Social and Behavioral Health applications are accepted once per year for fall admission. Only full-time students (e.g. 9-10 credits per semester) will be accepted. Prospective students must meet the graduate admission requirements of both ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ and the School of Public Health, per the following guidelines:

1. Regular fall admission: The priority deadline for fall admission is February 1 with a final deadline of May 1. All materials (including official transcripts) must be submitted and verified in SOPHAS at least two weeks before the final deadline. Transcripts can be submitted before final grades are posted. 
2. Master of Public Health (MPH) degree or relevant master’s or doctoral degrees from accredited institutions, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4-point scale preferred. Occasionally, students can be admitted with a health-related bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 that is confirmed before beginning classes.
3. GRE scores (optional): The GRE is NOT required for the Ph.D. program in Social and Behavioral Health but may be submitted if the applicant believes it will strengthen their application.  If test scores are submitted, they should be official scores exam taken within the last five (5) years.
4. Three letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s motivation, academic capability, research experience, scholarship potential and personal goals for doctoral study. At least one letter is required from academia or research-related supervisors.
5. A written statement of personal career, educational and scholarship goals including identification of research interests and names of at least one faculty with whom you are interested in working and could be a potential advisor.
6. A current curriculum vitae (CV).
7. An academic health-related writing sample (for example, a first-author publication or class paper).
8. An interview with the admissions committee (if invited).
9. Duolingo, TOEFL,  or IELTS Test Scores (required if education history is from a non-English Speaking Country).  OFFICIAL Duolingo, TOEFL or IELTS test scores are required if your educational history is from a non-English speaking country.  Minimum scores: Duolingo: 115, TOEFL: 550 (paper) or 79 (internet); IELTS: 6.5 (academic version).

Ph.D. in Public Health (Social and Behavioral Health) prerequisite coursework

Students will typically enter the Public Health (Social and Behavioral) Ph.D. program after having completed a relevant Master’s degree, such as the Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science (M.S.) in a related area. Occasionally, students can be admitted with a health-related Bachelor's degree. All students must have documentation that they have completed the following MPH courses (or their equivalent). Students missing any of the required prerequisites may be admitted, contingent on successful completion of specified courses within a period of time (typically the first year). 

1. : Epidemiology in Public Health
2. Students who do not have an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited public health program must take the Basics of Public Health course (offered online by the School of Public Health, 0 credits).

Application process

A full application must be submitted to SOPHAS and you must pay the application fee. The School of Public Health does not provide application waivers for the SOPHAS fee. The following materials should be submitted directly to :

1. Transcripts: One official copy of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
2. GRE scores (optional): Submit OFFICIAL GRE scores by using the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ SOPHAS code 7828.
3. TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo Test Scores (required if education history is from a non-English Speaking Country). TOEFL scores can be submitted using the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ SOPHAS code 5688.
4. Three Letters of Recommendation
5. Statement of Purpose
6. Writing sample
7. Resume or CV