Graduate admissions
Graduate applications
We are excited about your interest in our public health graduate degrees. The advanced education and opportunities available at Ohio State will prepare you to improve the health and well-being of communities near and far. After you have reviewed program-specific application requirements and prepared your materials, it's time to apply.
ApplyDeadlines
AUG
16
SOPHAS application opens
SEP
6
HAMPCAS application opens
DEC
1
MHA priority deadline for GRA/GTA consideration
DEC
1
Interdisciplinary programs deadline (Biostatistics PhD, Environmental Public Health PhD and MS)
FEB
1
PhD and MHA regular deadline
FEB
1
MPH and MS priority deadline for GRA/GTA consideration
MAY
15
MPH and MS regular deadline
Application requirements
These documents are required when applying to College of Public Health graduate programs.
All applications must include an official transcript of all post-secondary course work where college credit was awarded. Transcripts must be sent by the institution where credit was received.
Ohio State students applying to an Ohio State Public Health program must submit their Ohio State transcript through SOPHAS.
Your personal statement should be unique to each degree program you apply. Your statement gives you the opportunity to submit a tailored narrative describing your education, experience and professional career objectives. For the degree program you apply, your personal statement should describe the following:
Doctor of Philosophy
- Intended research area
- Reasons for interest in program of study and/or concentration
- Faculty whose research align with your research
- Reasons for interest in the school or program
- Career goals
MPH/MS
- Reasons for interest in public health
- Reasons for interest in program of study and/or concentration
- Reasons for interest in the school or program
- Career goals
MHA
- Identify how your education and experience to date has influenced your decision to pursue a Master of Health Administration
- Describe your current career interests and goals
- Highlight factors about yourself and your experience that make you a strong candidate for a MHA degree
- Explain your interest in The Ohio State University's MHA program
Letters of recommendation should come from professional or academic references, or a mix of both. For applications submitted through the Office of Graduate Admissions, you will provide names and contact information. After submitting your application, an email will be sent to each reference inviting them to submit a recommendation through an online form. Applications through SOPHAS will require letters to be uploaded as a part of the application.
Prepare and submit a current resume or curriculum vitae as a part of the application process.
All applications for programs submitted through SOPHAS require a supplemental application ($60 domestic fee). This is emailed to you from The Ohio State University within a week after your centralized SOPHAS application reaches “verified” status. SOPHAS requires four to six weeks to verify an application.
Official TOEFL scores must be submitted in your application; the SOPHAS code for Ohio State is 5688. The university also accepts IELTS and DuoLingo as proof of English proficiency. See the minimum scores and exempt countries.
All coursework earned outside of the United States must reflect the equivalent of a U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree. The World Education Services, Inc. (WES) is the preferred agency to evaluate international education credentials.
The GRE is optional for all graduate degree programs in the College of Public Health. If you include official GRE scores as a part of your application, the codes for Ohio State are: SOPHAS – 4233; HAMPCAS - 0705
Interdisciplinary program application requirements
The interdisciplinary PhD in Biostatistics and the PhD and Master of Science programs in environmental public health are collaborations between other departments at Ohio State and may have different application requirements.
Interdisciplinary PhD in Biostatistics
The interdisciplinary PhD in Biostatistics is a partnership between the Division of Biostatistics in the College of Public Health and the Department of Statistics in the College of Arts and Sciences. Admissions requirements and application procedures are as follows:
- Complete and submit your application to The Graduate School. Do not use SOPHAS.
- As a part of your application include:
- your official transcripts from each institution you attended
- personal statement
- resume or CV
- contact information for your three recommenders and indicate you want to use online recommendations
- International applicants should include additional requirements outlined by The Graduate School
PhD or MS, Environmental Public Health specialization
Applicants to the PhD or MS specializations in environmental public health can find admissions requirements and applications instructions from the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program.
Academic programs
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Master of Public Health
The core professional degree recognized throughout the world for public health practice, both in the public and private sector. Choose from eight specializations to advance public health or health administration.
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Master of Health Administration
Becoming a health care leader starts with a MHA from Ohio State. Guided by our student-centered mission, you’ll become an expert in high-quality health care delivery and put your lessons into practice through meaningful field experiences.
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Master of Science
Build a strong foundation in public health and the research methods important to the field. The MS is a natural precursor to a doctoral program.
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Doctor of Philosophy
Develop research expertise, gain advanced public health knowledge and contribute to the advancement of the field in one of five public health specializations.
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Graduate certificates
Advance your skills and knowledge in five-course certificate programs focused on important and growing practice areas.
Frequently asked questions
The College of Public Health only admits students for one term each year. All students apply to begin study the following autumn semester.
SOPHAS allows applicants to apply for one program/specialization. Students interested in pursuing a dual degree may explore this option after admission is offered for their primary choice.
Grades from previous college/universities attended, strong letters of recommendation, a quality statement of intent and relevant volunteer/work experience are considered.
Get more information
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Financial Aid
Every student is highly encouraged to file the FAFSA to be considered for the most financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans and federal work-study. Learn more about financial aid including opportunities specifically for public health students.
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Information sessions
Register for a virtual information session to learn about Ohio State’s College of Public Health and its programs.
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Request information
Connect with staff to learn about the bachelor’s degree and opportunities available in Public Health.