Graduate admissions

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.

Learn more about transcripts and the submission process.

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

Residential MHA or Executive MHA

• Identify how your education and experience (management experience for EMHA applicants) 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 Master of Health Administration degree
• Explain your interest in The Ohio State University's Master of Health Administration program

Letters of recommendation should come from professional or academic references, or a mix of both. Applicants to PhD, MS, MPH or the residential MHA programs need three letters of recommendation. Applicants to the Executive MHA need two letters of recommendation. 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. Applicants should include all previous academic and work experience.

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

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.