How to apply
PhD in Public Health
Admissions timeline
PhD program application has 2 deadlines. December 1 and March 1
December priority deadline
Opens
Deadline
Reviewed
Decisions
Admission decisions are sent February 15, 2024
March final deadline
Opens
Deadline
Reviewed
Decisions
Admission decisions are sent April 15, 2024
Application steps
1. Complete SOPHAS application
OSU will review application once it is marked "Verified."
2. College of Health admissions office reviews application
OSU will reach out for any missing documents.
3. Faculty recommendation
Faculty will review application and give recommendation once application is marked "Ready for Review"
4. Complete OSU supplemental application
Apply using the code sent via email if you are recommended for admission. You will receive a decision if denied.
5. Official OSU admission decision
OSU admissions office will reach out with official admission decision once they receive faculty recommendations.
Application requirements
A master's degree in a relevant field is required for consideration of admission. Those without an MPH degree will be required to take courses in foundational public health knowledge.
No GRE requirement
We join many other programs at Oregon State and other peer institutions across the country who have eliminated this structural barrier to promote a more equitable, diverse and inclusive student body.
Two separate applications
The PhD program will require two separate applications.
- The first application will need to be completed through the SOPHAS system.
- The second application will be through the OSU application system.
Different fees are associated with each application. For fee information see:
Application deadline reminder
Final SOPHAS applications must be submitted by March 1, 2024 by 8:59PM Pacific Time (11:59 PM Eastern Time).
How to apply
Step one
Deadlines
Materials
Materials to submit via SOPHAS
- Official transcripts (applicants must have earned a master’s degree by the time of matriculation). Have all transcripts from all colleges attended sent to SOPHAS.
- Personal statement
- Resume or CV
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Writing sample (preferred length is at least 10 pages)
International students
International students are required to obtain a WES evaluation of international coursework as part of the SOPHAS application, as well as send TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS scores to provide proof of English language competency. See Graduate Admissions - International Applicants for more information about international graduate student requirements.
Submission
You will need to create an account on SOPHAS and follow their instructions to apply. There is a fee, as well as waivers and an assistance program.
Submit your application through SOPHAS.
Step two
Supplemental application
Complete the Oregon State Graduate School supplemental application
After you submit your application through SOPHAS, the Oregon State Graduate School supplemental application will be sent to you via email after the deadline.
Though there is no official deadline for the supplemental application, this form must be submitted before you can be notified of any official decision.
Step three
Apply for Aid
ScholarDollars
To apply to OSU’s scholarships, you will be using ScholarDollars.
ScholarDollars allows you to review multiple institutional scholarships where you can apply to the awards you are eligible for. Once we have emailed you the supplemental application, you will be able to apply for scholarships with your ID number. Remember to apply by the scholarship deadline.
Additionally, for assistantships, be sure to indicate your interest in your application. You will not need to submit another application for assistantships, but instead interested applicants who are admitted to the graduate program are considered for graduate assistantships. If awarded, you will receive a notification via email of the assistantship offer.
The Graduate Admissions FAQ is a helpful resource that can answer many of your questions about the process.
If you have any questions that are not addressed in the FAQ, please do not hesitate to email us.