Admissions to The School of Public Health

The mission of public health, as defined by the Institute of Medicine’s Committee is “to fulfill society’s interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy.” Thus, public health practitioners are concerned with primary and secondary determinants of disease, dysfunction and premature death, and planning and organization of health services, including health regulation. Public health is therefore not a single profession, but a field that encompasses many specialties including epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral sciences, environmental health, administration, medicine, engineering, and laboratory sciences. The aim of public health is to apply this scientific and technical knowledge to prevent disease and promote health by means of organized community effort.

The University at Albany School of Public Health offers several degree programs centered on training students in a variety of disciplines to help them understand how separate fields can be coordinated in the interest of health. Click below to learn more.

Degree Programs

Certificate

Master of Science (MS)

Master in Public Health (MPH)

Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Preventive Medicine Residency Program

Dental Public Health Residency

Application Materials for MPH, MS and PhD

In addition to the application, the following materials are required:

• Undergraduate transcripts
• Graduate Record Exam (*GRE) or MCAT scores
• Three references from persons familiar with your academic qualifications
• Personal Statement about your educational and professional goals
• TOEFL score (required of international students)

Optional for all Applicants:

• Resume
• Other Relevant Information

   *If applying through SOPHAS the GRE/TOEFL code is 4216
** If applying through the University at Albany Graduate Admissions Office the GRE/TOEFL code is   
2532

Transcripts 

Official transcripts (documents with original dean’s, registrar’s or appropriate authority’s original signature and/or university seal on official paper in sealed envelope) must be sent directly from the schools attended to SOPHAS or University at Albany Graduate Admissions. Transcripts from every post-secondary academic institution attended, regardless of length of enrollment or credit awarded, should be submitted.

International Transcripts

All international student applicants must submit credentials/transcripts from all international universities attended to an accredited evaluation service to be evaluated and translated into English (if necessary). Please instruct the evaluation service to submit the final report directly to SOPHAS or Graduate Admissions, accordingly. It is important to plan for this extra time in submitting your credentials to ensure application deadlines are met.
There are a number of evaluation services to use, including:

• World Education Services (WES)
• Evaluation Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• Evaluation Services Inc.
• AACRAO

Note: Applicants whose academic training was not in the U.S., but who are in the U.S. at the time the application is submitted MUST adhere to all requirements as outlined for international students.

Standardized Test Scores

All applicants, except certificate and DrPH, must submit GRE scores to be considered for admission, however, scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) may be substituted for the GRE. If applying to the school through SOPHAS, test scores (GRE, MCAT, TOEFL, IELTS) should be submitted to SOPHAS using code 4216. If applying to the school through Graduate Admissions your test scores must be submitted to the University at Albany using code 2532.

Three Letters of Recommendation

All applicants must submit three letters of recommendation prior to being considered for admission. At least one letter should be from a former university faculty member in the major field of study. Additional suggestions for references could be undergraduate/graduate advisors and/or recent employers.

Personal Essay

All applicants must submit a statement explaining why they wish to pursue a career in public health. This is also an opportunity to explain, to the admissions committee, any limitations that might be present in your application. There is no limit to the length of the narrative statement. These statements are judged for grammar and spelling as well as content. The admission committee evaluates not only the academic preparation of candidates, but the extent to which the candidate’s goals prove appropriate for the program.

Application Process

There are two options for the application process: SOPHAS and University at Albany Graduate Admissions

First Option: SOPHAS

SOPHAS (Schools of Public Health Application Service) is a Centralized Application Service. Over 40 accredited schools of public health participate in this service. This option is typically chosen by individuals applying to more than one accredited school of public health. It allows you to apply to multiple schools with one application, one set of recommendation letters, and one set of transcripts. Applications to the University at Albany School of Public Health that are to be submitted through SOPHAS should be done at www.SOPHAS.org. SOPHAS will process all your credentials and send your application upon completion directly to the University at Albany School of Public Health Admissions Office.

The following criteria must be met or SOPHAS will hold your application:

• Personal essay has been submitted.
• All relevant coursework has been recorded on the application.
• All supplemental questions have been answered.
• All transcripts have been received.
• Two out of three recommendations have been submitted.

After these criteria have been met SOPHAS will begin verifying your coursework and will forward your application to the University at Albany School of Public Health at the conclusion of the verification process. Please keep in mind that once SOPHAS has received all of your application materials it may take up to four weeks for your application to be processed and mailed.

SOPHAS will not hold your application for the following items:

• Standardized test scores
• International transcripts

Therefore it is possible for the University at Albany School of Public Health admissions office to receive incomplete files. If this happens your application will be held until the necessary documents are received from SOPHAS.

*To check the status of transcripts, letters of recommendation, or any issue regarding your SOPHAS application prior to it being mailed, log into your SOPHAS account. For problems regarding the receipt of transcripts, the submission of recommendation letters or the application contact SOPHAS customer service directly at 617-612-2051.

Second Option: UALBANY Graduate Admissions

This option is primarily for students who want to apply only to the University at Albany School of Public Health. Applications can be found on the Graduate Admissions website at: http://www.albany.edu/graduate/. All applications, completed through this process, require receipt of a non-refundable application fee and Application Fee Payment Form. Upon receipt of the form and fee, applicants are assigned an application number. Once you have received your application number, you may view your application status online.

Whether you submit your application Online or by Mail, please make sure that you have completed the entire application prior to submission. It is currently not possible to save your work in the online application and return to it later. If you have any questions during the application process, you may contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@uamail.albany.edu or by calling 518-442-3980.

For this option, the three letters of recommendation must be submitted in original sealed envelopes. The information on the top of the  Recommendation for Graduate Study must be completed and your references should be provided with addressed, stamped envelopes. Evaluators should sign their name across the sealed flap of the envelope and return the sealed envelope to you. Do not open envelopes containing Letters of Recommendation. Evaluators also have the option of mailing the letter directly to the Graduate Admissions Office at the following address:

Graduate Admissions Office
University at Albany, State University of New York
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222

Application Deadlines

Degree	Application Type	Fall Deadline	Spring Deadline
MPH	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	April 1st	not available
MD / MPH*	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	April 1st	not available
MS – Biomedical	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	April 1st	October 1st
MS – Biostatistics	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	April 1st	not available
MS – Environmental	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	April 1st	October 1st
MS – Epidemiology	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	April 1st	not available
MS – HPMB	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	April 1st	not available
DrPH	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	January 1st	not available
PhD – Biomedical	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	January 1st	November 1st
PhD – Biostatistics	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	April 1st	November 30th
PhD – Environmental	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	January 15th	November 1st
PhD – Epidemiology	SOPHAS/UAlbany-degree	April 1st	November 30th
Certificate	U Albany- degree	Rolling Admission	Rolling Admission
Non degree	U Albany- non degree	Rolling Admission	Rolling Admission

*Students MUST apply separately to the Albany Medical College

*Applications for a Certificate degree can be completed on the SOPHAS website, however, it is strongly recommended that the application be completed through the University at Albany Graduate Admissions website: https://forms.its.albany.edu/grad/online_application_degree.shtml (Note that you should still use the "Degree Application" to apply)

It is strongly recommended that applications be submitted as early as possible; however all applications are accepted on a Rolling Admission basis.

Cost of Attendance

Affordability is a quality that distinguishes the University at Albany School of Public Health from other accredited Public Health Schools. We consistently offer our students low tuition fees complemented with a competitive and unique education in public health.

For information on tuition and fees for the academic year visit the main University at Albany website at http://www.albany.edu/studentaccounts/charges.htm

Financial Aid

There are several opportunities to receive financial assistance here at the University at Albany School of Public Health. The school offers various Financial Aid packages and several competitive Graduate Awards to qualified graduate students.

How to apply

Financial Aid Office will only send financial aid award notices to students who have been accepted for admission into a UAlbany graduate degree program and are registered for 6 or more credits.

Graduate students must be matriculated and enrolled for at least 6 credits to qualify for Federal Stafford Loans.

In order to be considered for assistance administered by UAlbany, all information required by the Graduate Admissions Office should be submitted on a timely basis.   Students who are considering attendance at UAlbany can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), listing the UAlbany School code 002835, prior to being admitted to the University.

Graduate students admitted as "non-degree" are only eligible for federal aid if they are taking approved UAlbany undergraduate courses required for admission into a UAlbany graduate degree program.

Your registration status for financial aid depends on the number of enrolled credits.  The exceptions to this are 1 credit dissertation credits, which count as a full-time academic load.  While the 1 credit dissertation credit allows graduate students to be eligible for financial aid, the estimated cost of attendance is based on the cost of one tuition credit.

Enrolled Credits	Registration Status
12 or More	Full Time
9*	3/4 Time
6	Half Time
Less Than 6	Less Than Half Time

* 9 credits is considered full time for individuals who have a Graduate Assistantship position

How to accept Your Financial Aid

Most financial aid awards require an acceptance decision by the aid recipient before the aid can be processed further.  If you have been awarded Federal Work Study, a Federal Perkins loan, and/or a Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Stafford loan, you must notify financial aid of the amount you accept.  If you choose to decline an award, you must inform financial aid of this decision.

At UAlbany, students accept, reduce and decline their financial aid awards online through the My Financial Aid section of MyUAlbany.

Instructions for accepting, reducing and declining aid are mailed with Financial Aid Award Notices.  The self-service instructions guide students through logging on to MyUAlbany, navigating to their My Financial Aid page, and accepting, reducing or declining their award offer.

Award acceptance instructions are available in the Self-Service Instructions section of the Forms and Publications page of the Financial Aid website.
For more information on Federal and New York aid programs and access to financial forms please visit http://www.albany.edu/financialaid/

Financial Assistance

The School of Public Health offers Graduate Awards to students who are in good academic standing and demonstrate merit. Click below for the descriptions of the various awards available and their eligibility criteria.

PHLOT

Fellowships

Assistantships

Diversity Awards

Additional Application Requirements for International Students

In addition to the requirements outlined in the Application section of this website, International students must fulfill additional requirements. These requirements include:

• Completion of a degree program equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree prior to enrolling.
• An official certification of the award of all degrees in addition to all academic transcripts in the original language accompanied by certified translations into English.
• If applying for UAlbany assistantships or fellowships, completion and submission of a Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship Application.
• Completion and submission of a Student Financial Affidavit to document an international student’s ability to meet all educational and living expenses while attending UAlbany. Supporting documentation evidencing financial support (bank statements, deposit verification, etc.) must also be provided with the affidavit.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required for students whose native language is not English. (TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required for students who previously have been enrolled for a minimum of two full-time semesters in a U.S. college or English-speaking institution unless you are applying to the TESOL program.)

*The University recommends a minimum TOEFL score for most UAlbany programs of 213 (computer based), 550 (paper based), or 79 (Internet based). The recommended minimum IELTS bandscore is 6.5 for most graduate programs. Several academic departments do require higher results. You may query programs of your choice through the Academic Departments page.

Financial Information

Cost of Attending UAlbany

The Office for International Student & Scholar Services provides the latest information on Tuition, Fees and Living Expenses for international students at the University at Albany. In addition, international students should consider an additional $4,000 annually for each dependent who accompanies them to Albany.

Financial Assistance  

A wide range of financial aid opportunities are available at Financing Graduate Study at the University. The University is unable to provide any other financial assistance to prospective graduate international students. It is, therefore, essential that students provide an honest and accurate declaration of funding on the Financial Affidavit.

Accepted Students

Finalizing Admission

After receiving your acceptance letter you will be directed to http://www.albany.edu/graduate/acceptanceconfimation.shtml where you can formally confirm or reject your acceptance through the completion and submission of the form.

Housing

Both on and off-campus housing options exist for graduate students. Empire Commons, an apartment style living complex, is available at the Uptown Campus. For more information please visit www.albany.edu/housing

Off-campus housing can be obtained through a variety of resources. The first thing students should consider is whether or not they will have access to a vehicle. If students are relying upon public transportation, they are encouraged to look at and around bus routes to find a suitable location to live. Students with access to automobiles may want to look through local newspaper listings, such as www.timesunion.com or at the Office of Residential Life through their website at www.albany.edu/housing/living/rl_offcampushousing.html. This website is accessible to all University at Albany students, however and often caters to undergraduate student needs. Additional housing information will be mailed with your acceptance letter.

Useful Phone Numbers/Contacts (Opens new window)

General Information

Lodging around Albany
Lodging around the East Campus

SEVIS Fee

The SEVIS fee must be paid in order for you to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa. You cannot apply for your visa until the fee is paid.

Please note that while citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt from the requirement to possess a visa to enter the U.S. However, they are still required to pay the SEVIS fee.

Please refer to the following Student and Exchange Visitor website for more information: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/

All students who pay the SEVIS fee will receive a formal receipt that should be used as proof of fee payment.
To pay the SEVIS fee online, go to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements website then select File the 1-901 Form online and follow the instructions.

I-20 Form (F-1 visa)

The I-20 form is a document issued by the university to certify to the U.S. government that you are eligible for a student visa. The initial I-20 form is mailed with your acceptance letter to UAlbany School of Public Health. Please note that an I-20 form will not be issued unless you have officially been accepted to the program.

DS-2019 Form (J-1 visa)

This form is issued by the university to certify to the U.S. government that you are eligible for the J-1 Trainee Visa. The J-1 visa is typically issued to individuals coming to the U.S. as students who are receiving funding to pursue a specific program of study, research, training or a cultural enrichment program.

After receiving your I-20 form or your DS-2019 form it must be signed and brought to the U.S. Embassy in your country
To obtain a student (F-1) or an exchange visitor (J-1) visa you must:

• Bring verification of official acceptance into the program 
• Have formally confirmed that you plan to attend the University at Albany School of Public Health
• Provide a copy of your Student Financial Affidavit or evidence of financial support (bank statements, letters of sponsorship etc.) to prove that you can support the costs of living and studying in the U.S. for the entire duration of your program of study
• Bring a passport from your home country that will be valid for the duration of your program and at least 6 months after its end.
• Provide any evidence that you might have to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and that you plan to return to your home country at the conclusion of your study and any period of authorized employment.

Once the visa has been approved your passport will be stamped with the name of the school. Please note that students must be registered for classes within 30 days after the visa has been issued. .

For additional information on preparing for your first semester at UALBANY please refer to Graduate student To-Do List
View the full size To-Do List PDF

I-94 form

This form will be issued to you once you cross the border into the United States. It must be completed by foreign citizens being admitted into the country on a non-immigrant status. Once completed, the form is evaluated by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer who will approve your admission into the country for an authorized time period. This time period is typically based on the length of time it will take you to obtain your degree. After approval, the stamped form will usually be stapled into your passport. It is important that you DO NOT LOSE this form because it is proof that you have entered the country legally. This form must also be presented to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) once you have arrived on campus. If lost, a replacement is costly so please hold on to this form. Once your period of authorization has expired or you chose to leave the U.S. for an unspecified period of time, this form will be collected from you by the U.S. CBP.

Arrival in Albany

Services for International Students

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) is the resource and advisement center for UAlbany's international student population. Services provided include U.S. Immigration counseling, cultural and academic orientation, coordination of social events, a Language Partners Program, and personal and University procedural concerns. You can contact ISS at (518) 591–8171 or via e-mail at ISSS@albany.edu.

Once you have arrived in Albany you should go directly to the International Student and Scholar Services Office for any questions and concerns. In addition please make sure you attend the New International Student Orientation program that occurs before the start of the semester.

International Student & Scholar Services

Science Library G-40
University at Albany
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222 U.S.A.

Office Hours:

Summer Hours (May 18 -- Aug 24)
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST
Monday through Friday

Email: isss@albany.edu

Phone: 518.591.8189

Fax: 518.591.8171

Please note that our campus is located on the East campus of the University at Albany in Rensselaer. However, both the Biomedical Science department and the Environmental Health department are located near downtown campus at the Wadsworth Center. If you are from either of these two departments academic matters should be dealt with through these departments.

To find a specific location on the University at Albany Campus please go to the following link:

http://www.ualbanyits.org/maps/

For more information on travel and directions please go to the following link:

http://www.albany.edu/about_visiting_maps.php

Useful Information

General Information about the University and its Region: Please visit About UAlbany

Join Your Fellow Graduate Students

You are encouraged to find out about the Graduate Student Organization, a student-run group whose programs facilitate and enhance the academic and extracurricular experience of graduate students at UAlbany. Among its services are its travel and research grants programs, which provide support to qualifying graduate students.

Healthcare and Counseling Services

For a mandatory Student Health Fee, the University Health Center provides routine medical services year round for all enrolled students. Other available health coverage at UAlbany includes:

• Medicalcoverage through the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan
• A Student Employee Health Plan for teaching, graduate, or research assistants and their dependents
• Psychological services through the University Counseling Center
• A crisis hotline and peer education services through the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program

For the answers to many common questions, please see International Student: Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information and access to the Graduate Welcome Packet please go to: http://www.albany.edu/isss/new_students/welcomepkt.html#grad