Priority: January 5
Applicants who wish to be considered for a doctoral graduate assistantship or scholarship must submit their application by the priority deadline. Some scholarships require that applications be received earlier than the published priority deadline. Students who wish to be considered for one of the early submission scholarships should consult our Financing Your Degree page and must submit the degree application and any additional required documents by the stated date for that scholarship.
Fee waivers are available for the first program you apply to in SOPHAS to cover the initial $145 application fee. There are three types of fee waivers: financial-based, service-based, and international-based. You may only apply for one type of fee waiver, and the waiver request must be submitted before you submit your SOPHAS application. Fee waivers are granted on a first come, first served basis, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the priority deadline when requesting a waiver. For more information, visit SOPHAS Fees and Fee Waivers.
Contact the department directly at [email protected] with questions about submitting your application after the priority deadline.
The application and all supporting materials for the DrPH must be submitted through SOPHAS.
Visit the SOPHAS Applicant Help Center for help with starting your SOPHAS application.
Application Requirements
- Must hold an MPH degree or other master's degree in health, social science, or related field, from an accredited American college or university or a well-regarded foreign college or university.
- Grade point average of 3.00 or better
- At least two years work experience in public health or related field, preferably for an uninterrupted period of time, typically, but not always, following completion of a master's degree program.*
*Applicants without a master's degree who are interested in the DrPH program should first apply to the MPH program. Qualified students in the MPH program may apply to the DrPH program during their last year of MPH study.
**Students with a master's degree other than an MPH will be required to take all MPH core courses not previously taken.
*GRE and/or MCAT are not required. However, if the applicant has taken the GRE or MCAT, a copy of the test results should be included in the application.
For application specific questions, contact us at [email protected].
International Requirements
- International students must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 98 or IELTS score of 7.0. We will only accept official scores sent by the testing institution.
- UAlbany SOPHAS TOEFL code is 5688. We do not use department codes.
- The TOEFL or IELTS is not required for international students who have completed at least four semesters of full-time study within a four-year time frame from time of application, and maintained at least a B average at a college or university in the United States or a country from an approved list. For questions regarding English Language Proficiency waivers, please email Soha Acosta at [email protected].
- International students must request a transcript evaluation from World Education Services (WES). The WES evaluation must be sent directly to the University at Albany.
Required Application Materials
Official transcripts
- Official transcripts from EVERY post-secondary academic institution attended, including college coursework completed during high school, must be sent directly from the institution to SOPHAS. You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines.
- UAlbany students must have an official UAlbany transcript sent directly to SOPHAS.
- Applicants who use the transcript entry service provided by SOPHAS should note that the entry process adds TWO FULL WEEKS to the time it takes for an application to be verified and considered complete by the admissions committee.
Three letters of recommendation
- A minimum of two letters must be from academic faculty
- At least one letter must be from a university faculty member in the major field of study
- Applicants who have been out of school more than five years may submit professional references
- Letters must be signed and on institutional/organizational letterhead
Personal Statement
- Describe previous professional experience, specific educational interests and career goals in public health. The student must demonstrate commitment to the practice of public health.
- 2-3 page limit
- At least one page discussing applicable public health or related work experience
Writing Sample
The student must demonstrate writing and communication skills through the submission of a 3-5 page writing sample with applicant as the sole author.
Interviews
The DrPH Admissions Committee will evaluate each application based on the applicant's demonstrated ability to excel at graduate work and evidence contained in the application, that the applicant has clearly defined career goals that can be advanced by completing the DrPH program. Applicants who pass an initial review of their completed application will be invited to be interviewed by the Dr PH Admissions Committee. These interviews are required.
CV/Resume
Application Submission
Applicants should submit their application as soon as the items you have control over are complete (personal statement, resume/CV, institutions attended, coursework entry, and all other required sections of the online application). Test scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation will be added as they are received, after which SOPHAS will begin verifying your application.
Applications will not be reviewed until all required items, including official transcripts, official test scores, and required letters of recommendation, have been received and your application has been verified. Please note that once SOPHAS has received all of your application materials, it may take up to 4 full weeks to be verified by SOPHAS. Be sure to request all transcripts, recommendations, and standardized test scores in advance so that your application can be completed and verified by the specified application deadline.
Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.