How to apply FAQs

Graduate application questions

Can I apply to start in any term I want?

The College of Public Health only admits students for one term each year. All students apply to begin study the following fall semester.

When is the application deadline?

In August, the SOPHAS (September for HAMPCAS) application opened to applicants. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application 3-4 weeks prior to the posted deadline to allow for processing time. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered only if space remains available. Applicants applying to meet the College of Public Health Graduate School Fellowship deadline MUST have ALL materials submitted to SOPHAS or HAMPCAS by December 1.

August 24 - SOPHAS application open to applicants
September 16 - HAMPCAS application open to applicants
December 1 - Graduate School Fellowship deadline (Fellowship qualifications)
February 1 - Deadline for the MHA and PhD programs
May 15 - Deadline for ALL MPH and MS programs (please be aware that some programs may reach capacity before the May 15 deadline, so we encourage all applicants to be proactive with application submissions)

How do I submit my application?

All applicants are required to apply and submit application materials through the centralized application service, SOPHAS, except:

Applicants to the Master of Health Administration program may apply through SOPHAS or HAMPCAS.
Applicants to the interdisciplinary PhD program in Biostatistics can learn more about how to apply to the PhD directly through the program's website.
Applicants to the interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences Graduate Program with a specialization in Environmental Public Health (formerly the MS/PhD in Environmental Health Sciences) may learn more about applying through the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program.

Can I apply to more than one program or specialization?

SOPHAS will only allow 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.

Admissions decisions

What qualities beyond academic performance and standardized tests, do admissions committees look for in a qualified applicant?

Grades from previous college/universities attended, strong letters of recommendation, a quality statement of intent, and relevant volunteer/work experience are all considered.

Will I be interviewed as part of the application process?

The MHA program invites selected applicants to participate in an interview with program faculty prior to making a final admissions decision. The VPH program also conducts interviews with potential candidates.

When can I expect to receive a decision about my application?

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year. Decisions usually take up to 2-4 weeks once all your application materials are received. For MHA and VPH students, the timeline for admissions may be a bit longer to accommodate for interviews. Students will be notified of their status at any given point in the process.

How will I be notified of my admission decision?

You will receive notification that you were recommended for admission by the College of Public Health via email. The Ohio State Graduate School will email your official admission letter once the decision is finalized.

Becoming an Ohio State College of Public Health student

By what date must I make a decision to accept my admission to the College of Public Health?

April 15 is the priority date to accept your admission for a guaranteed position in the class.

How do I accept my admission?

You accept your admission by logging into your Buckeye Link account and officially making your enrollment decision. Once you have accepted, you will receive further information about your next steps as a student.

Is there a deposit to hold my spot in the class?

MHA students are required to pay a $350 deposit to accept and hold their spot. At this time, no other program in the College of Public Health requires a deposit.

Are there any prerequisites required for your programs?

Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary by program, so please refer to our recommended preparation fact sheet for more information.

Funding

Is financial support available for international students?

The Ohio State Office of International Affairs provides some scholarships and grants for graduate students. Additional grant and scholarship opportunities are available from the East Asian Studies Center. Students are also encouraged to check with their country of citizenship to see if any funding is available.

What funding opportunities does the College offer?

There are a number of different types of funding opportunities available to College of Public Health students. Potential students should apply by the posted fellowship deadlines to be considered for the most aid:

Graduate Fellowships - There are competitive university fellowships that students may receive if they meet certain criteria. Please note: Students do not apply for fellowship support, they are nominated for consideration during the application process if they complete applications prior to the posted deadlines.
CPH Graduate Assistantships - The College of Public Health offers a limited number of graduate student positions, most of which go to PhD students.
MHA-specific scholarships and jobs - Opportunities that are available only to Ohio State MHA students.

There are also funding opportunities offered that are available to College of Public Health students:

Ohio State graduate assistantships - Students also secure funding outside the College in other departments or programs at Ohio State. Some of our students have held Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA's) in Chemistry, or Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA's) in the Student Wellness Center.
General funding opportunities - Applicants are encouraged to visit The Graduate School's funding website for information about general funding opportunities available at Ohio State.

Undergraduate application questions

I am planning on transferring to The Ohio State University and want to apply to the Bachelors of Science in Public Health major. What do I need to do?

First, you need to apply and be accepted to The Ohio State University through Undergraduate Admissions. Once accepted to The Ohio State University, you may submit an application to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health major.

How many students are accepted into the major?

We anticipate accepting up to 120 qualified applicants to the undergraduate major.

If I miss the application deadline, can I still apply?

We will accept and review applications after the deadline pending available seats and the quality of applicants.

When must all prerequisite courses be completed?

Admitted students must have any prerequisites coursework completed by the Autumn semester in which they are enrolling

Can I substitute a course for Sociology 1101?

Yes. Rural Sociology 1500 and Sociology 1102 can be substituted for Sociology 1101.