FAQ

Application deadlines (Fall admission only): PHS January ​10^th 

Applications to the Public Health Sciences PhD program are due January 10. Although applications are accepted after these dates and until the fall class is filled, for full consideration it is best to apply by the deadline.  In addition, assistantships are limited and completing the application by the deadline increases your opportunities for placements.

No, GRE scores are optional for Fall 2023 admissions.

Yes, all students receive an allocation for professional development funds.  The exact amount varies each year depending on budgetary constraints. Students may use these funds for conferences, workshops, and research-related activities. There are some restrictions on the use of these funds, so students should always contact the Program Director and discuss with her first.

The Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) also provides travel funding to students and is a way to augment the professional development funds offered by the program.

The Center for Graduate Life also offers a number of professional development workshops and seminars throughout the year.  These activities are free to students.

Note: Center for Graduate Life website can be found at https://gradlife.charlottewp.psapp.dev/

All applicants who indicate that they are applying to the program as a full-time student will automatically be considered for an assistantship. The number of assistantships available each year varies, but the program makes every effort to provide funding to full-time students. Assistantships may be in the form of research or teaching assistantships. Assistantships are 9-month appointments and for 20 hours per week. They include a stipend and may include tuition and a health insurance premium.

All applications must be completed online through the Graduate Admissions Office.  A complete application will include copies of all transcripts, a personal statement, CV, and three letters of recommendation (academic recommendations are preferred).  The PhD programs are post-master’s programs; however, previous degrees are not required to be in the field of public health.   Applications are forwarded to the program once the Graduate Admissions Office has determined that they are complete.  Questions regarding the general application process should be directed to the Graduate Admissions Office.  Questions specific to the PhD program should be directed to the Program Director. 

For full consideration, applications to the Public Health Sciences PhD program are due January 10.  Applications completed after the deadline may still be considered; however, be aware that funding decisions are made early.

The program no longer requires GRE. The average GPA of accepted applicants is 3.6.

International applicants will have additional application requirements. Please review additional requirements for international applicants.

Full-time students who have all the prerequisites already completed for the program can finish their coursework in two years. If students are admitted to the program but still need to complete some of the prerequisites, it may take an additional semester or two to finish all the coursework. Typically it takes students an additional two to three years to complete their dissertations. Much of this depends on whether the student is conducting original data collection for her/his dissertation or doing a secondary data analysis.

Students must complete their degree, including the dissertation, within 8 years of first registering as a doctoral student.

Our faculty have a wide range of research interests and projects spanning the public health and health services research domains. A list of current faculty and their research interests can be found online at https://ech.charlottewp.psapp.dev/directory/3