INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC HEALTH

A Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health completed application form with all required materials must be received by the COPH Office of Student Services by 4:30 p.m. on April 1 for applicants seeking admission in the fall semester and by 4:30 p.m. on October 1 for admission to the spring semester.

To apply to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, applicants must submit the following materials:

1.  A completed and signed original COPH application form.

2.  A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official, original transcripts of all academic work must be sent to the COPH Office of Student Services directly from each college or university attended, whether or not a degree was awarded at that institution. Transcripts showing courses completed at the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health must also be requested from the COPH Registrar and received by the deadline date. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be translated.

3.  Personal statement or letter of interest (500 to 700 words).

4.  Three (3) COPH recommendation forms. The forms must be completed by separate individuals who can speak to the candidate’s academic,       professional and public health experience. (Completed forms may be accompanied by a formal letter of reference, at the discretion of the recommender; however, the letter will not suffice as a recommendation without the completed form.) The envelope containing the completed forms must be signed by the referring party on the form and across the seal of the envelope.

5.  In admission reviews, first consideration is given to Arkansas residents. In recognition of the support of COPH programs by private and federal organizations highly qualified applicants who are residents of another state or citizens of a foreign country may compete for admission. Those whose native language is not English or who do not have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited US college or university, are required to submit a minimum score of 600 on the paper based examination, 250 on the computer based examination, or 100 on the internet based examination on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The test must have been taken within the five (5) years immediately preceding the application deadline (April 1or October 1)of the requested semester for admission. An original report of the test score, sent by the testing agency to the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, is required before any action is taken on an application. Copies are not acceptable. An international student non-refundable application fee of $100, in a check or money order, payable to UAMS COPH, also applies. (Please see “Admission Requirements for International Students” for more information.)

6.   A current curriculum vitae or résumé.

7.  Non-refundable application fee of $42, in a check or money order, payable to UAMS COPH. International students must pay a non-refundable $100 application fee.

8.  Complete a guided telephone interview conducted by COPH Student Services shortly after the application deadline.

*The GRE is not required for applicants to the post-baccalaureate certificate in public health.

The Office of Student Services must receive all required materials by 4:30 p.m. on the published deadline (April 1 or October 1) date.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure her/his file is completed and received by the Office of Student Services as required by the deadline. All applicants who have turned in a completed application by the deadline date will be notified in writing of the Admissions Committee decision.

An offer of acceptance is valid for a maximum of one calendar year from the admitted term of acceptance. Acceptance is defined as enrolling with the COPH.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH (MPH) 

A Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health completed application form with all required materials, must be received by the COPH Office of Student Services by 4:30 p.m. on April 1 for applicants seeking admission in the fall semester and by 4:30 p.m. on October 1 for admission to the spring semester.

To apply to the Master of Public Health (MPH) program in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, applicants must submit the following materials:

1.  A completed and signed original COPH application form. 

2.  A baccalaureate degree transcript from an accredited college or university. Official, original transcripts of all academic work must be sent to the COPH Office of Student Services directly from each college or university attended, whether or not a degree was awarded at that institution. Transcripts showing courses completed at the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health must also be requested from the COPH Registrar and received by the deadline date. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be translated. (Students who anticipate completion of their undergraduate degree soon after the admissions deadline may apply for conditional admission. If granted conditional admission, a final transcript from the student’s baccalaureate institution must be received by the Office of Student Services prior to the date of registration of the admitted semester.) 

3.  Graduate Record Examination (GRE) official score(s). The test must have been taken within the five (5) years immediately preceding the application deadline (April 1 or October 1) of the requested semester for admission. Official scores must be sent by the testing agency to the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health (code 6512). In some circumstances, and subject to approval from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, scores on a comparable graduate test (MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, DAT, and PCAT) may be considered. Applicants who have completed a master’s degree or higher are exempt from the GRE requirement. 

4.  Personal statement or letter of interest (500 to 700 words). 

5.  Three (3) COPH recommendation forms. The forms must be completed by separate individuals who can speak to the candidate’s academic, professional and public health experience. (Completed forms may be accompanied by a formal letter of reference, at the discretion of the recommender; however, the letter will not suffice as a recommendation without the completed form.) The envelope containing the completed forms must be signed by the referring party on the form and across the seal of the envelope.

6.  In admission reviews, first consideration is given to Arkansas residents. In recognition of the support of COPH programs by private and federal organizations highly qualified applicants who are residents of another state or citizens of a foreign country may compete for admission. Those whose native language is not English or who do not have an undergraduate degree from an accredited US college or university, are required to submit a minimum score of 600 on the paper based examination, 250 on the computer based examination, or 100 on the internet based examination on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The test must have been taken within the five (5) years immediately preceding the application deadline (April 1or October 1)of the requested semester for admission. An original report of the test score, sent by the testing agency to the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, is required before any action is taken on an application. Copies are not acceptable. An international student non-refundable application fee of $100, in a check or money order, payable to UAMS COPH, also applies. (Please see “Admission Requirements for International Students” for more information.)

7.  A current curriculum vitae or résumé.  

8.  Non-refundable application fee of $42, in a check or money order, payable to UAMS COPH. International students must pay a non-refundable $100 application fee. 

9.  Complete a guided telephone interview conducted by COPH Student Services shortly after the application deadline. 

The Office of Student Services must receive all required materials by 4:30 p.m. on the published deadline (April 1 or October 1) date. 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that her/his file is completed and received by the Office of Student Services as required by the deadline. Accepted students will be notified in writing. 

An offer of acceptance is valid for a maximum of one calendar year from the admitted term of acceptance. Acceptance is defined as enrolling with the COPH. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE  MASTER OF HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (MHSA)

To apply to the Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) program in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, applicants must submit the following materials: 

1.  A completed and signed original COPH application form. 

2.  Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 (4.0 scale) overall or 3.0 (4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours. 

3.  An original copy of Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores sent by the testing agency to the COPH (GMAT Code OSF-3L-74 / GRE Code 6512). The test must have been taken within the past five (5) academic years. Applicants who score in the top 50th percentile in the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections of the GRE or GMAT exam are preferred. Typically, successful applicants earn a combined score in excess of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative portion of the GRE or in excess of 550 on the GMAT. 

4.  Résumé with two contact references. 

5.  500-700 word statement outlining reasons for seeking master’s degree; including previous work experience, career goals and objectives.

6.  Official transcripts of all academic work sent directly from each college or university attended.  Transcripts from foreign countries must be notarized in the United States as "certified true" copies. 

7.  Non-refundable application fee of $42, in a check or money order, payable to UAMS COPH. International students must pay a non-refundable $100 application fee. 

8.  Interview with program faculty. 

Applicants must provide these materials as soon as possible, and no later than the end of the spring semester. The faculty interview is scheduled after all application materials are received and criteria are satisfied. The admission decision is made after the interview. 

The curriculum begins in the fall semester; however, spring admission is possible. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MS MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (MS) 

Applicants for the MS degree in Occupational and Environmental Health must obtain admissions information from, and follow admissions procedures established by, the UAMS Graduate School. The UAMS Graduate School Catalog describes all admissions requirements and procedures in detail.  Visit their website at http://www.uams.edu/gradschool/.  

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DrPH DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERSHIP (DrPH) 

ALL required materials must be received by the COPH Office of Student Services by 4:30 p.m. on February 1 for applicants seeking admission to the Doctor of Public Health program. 

To apply to the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, applicants must submit the following materials: 

1.  A completed and signed COPH original application form available on the COPH website.

Four recommendations from persons who may also be contacted in regards to scholastic ability and professional experience. It is preferred, but not required, that one letter is from a current or previous supervisor, one letter is from a current or previous colleague, one letter be from a current or previous supervisee, and one letter be from an individual who can address the candidate’s academic potential. Letters should address the candidate’s capacity for public health leadership or the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses as a leader, must be enclosed in a sealed envelope signed by the letter-writer across the seal, and must be enclosed with the application packet. (Completed forms may be accompanied by a formal letter of reference, at the discretion of the recommender; however, the letter will not suffice as a recommendation without the completed form.) 

2.  A baccalaureate degree transcript from an accredited college or university. Official, original transcripts of all academic work must be sent to the COPH Office of Student Services directly from each college or university attended, whether or not a degree was awarded at that institution. This includes transcripts showing courses completed at the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health.  The applicant must request an official transcript from the COPH Registrar. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be translated.

3.  Official transcript(s) of MPH or related masters degree(s) (or terminal clinical/doctoral degree) from a regionally accredited college or university showing grades earned, dates and award of degree. Official, original transcripts of all academic work must be sent to the COPH Office of Student Services directly from each college or university attended, whether or not a degree was awarded at that institution. This includes transcripts showing courses completed at the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health.  The applicant must request an official transcript from the COPH Registrar. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be translated.

4.  Official transcript(s) showing completion of at least one (1) graduate-level course in each of the following five areas: (a) Biostatistics, (b) Epidemiology, (c) Health Behavior/Health Education, (d) Health Management/Policy, and (e) Environmental and Occupational Health. These courses must have been completed with a grade of “B” or better. Applicants who have completed only four(4) of these courses but whose applications show exceptional potential for success in the DrPH program may be admitted conditionally to the DrPH program; however, they will be required to complete the remaining course (as presented in the COPH core course requirements for the MPH degree) with grades of “B” or better before progressing to the Public Health Sciences and Public Health Practice Cores of the DrPH program. Individuals who have completed three (3) or fewer of the above-listed courses will not be considered for admission to the DrPH program.

5.  Personal statement or letter of interest (including a description of work experience in a public health-related field). Statement should also specifically address prior experience in or demonstrated capacity for public health leadership roles (500-700 words).

6.  Original and official GRE scores sent from the testing agency to the COPH, code 6512. The requirement for completing the GRE may be waived at the discretion of the DrPH Faculty Leadership Committee. This requirement must be made in writing on or before the November 15^th preceding the February 1 application deadline. Applicants should be advised that waivers are not typically granted. Applicants are encouraged to study for the GRE while awaiting a decision.

7.  Current curriculum vitae or résumé.

8.  A $42 non-refundable application fee in the form of a check or money order, payable to UAMS COPH.

9.  In admission reviews, first consideration is given to Arkansas residents. In recognition of the support of COPH programs by private and federal organizations highly qualified applicants who are residents of another state may compete for admission. Those whose native language is not English or who do not have an undergraduate degree from an accredited US college or university, are required to submit a minimum score of 600 on the paper based examination, 250 on the computer based examination, or 100 on the internet based examination on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The test must have been taken within the five years immediately preceding the requested semester of admission. An original report of the test score, sent by the testing agency to the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, is required before any action is taken on an application. Copies are not acceptable.  An international student non-refundable application fee of $100, in a check or money order, payable to UAMS COPH, also applies. (Please see “Admission Requirements for International Students” for more information.)

10. An on-campus interview will be required for selected applicants. 

The Office of Student Services must receive all required materials by 4:30 p.m. on the published deadline date of February 1 for consideration for admission to the program.  

It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that her/his file is completed and received by the Office of Student Services as required by the deadline. 

An offer of acceptance is valid for a maximum of one calendar year from the admitted term of acceptance. Acceptance is defined as enrolling with the COPH. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AS A NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENT

Students may be allowed to take courses in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health as a non-degree seeking student upon receipt of a completed application form, official transcript(s) indicating completion of an undergraduate degree, and payment of the $42 non-refundable application fee.

Students who are currently enrolled and taking classes in another UAMS college or the UAMS Graduate School are not required to submit the application fee, but must submit all other required materials.

All required materials must be received by the COPH Office of Student Services by 4:30 p.m. on:

August 1 for fall semester

May 15 for summer session

January 1 for spring semester

A NEW APPLICATION AND APPLICATION FEE MUST BE SUBMITTED EACH SEMESTER WHEN ENROLLING AS A NON-DEGREE STUDENT.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure her/his file is completed and received by the Office of Student Services as required by the deadline.

Non-degree seeking students will be allowed to enroll in courses on a space available basis once all degree seeking students have been placed on the class roster.   It is important to note that in some instances, courses will be over-enrolled with degree candidates, and when this occurs, no non-degree seeking students will be able to enroll. The application fee will not be refunded.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS 

All applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent resident aliens or for whom English is not their native language must meet the following admission requirements in addition to those stated in the Program Information section of the College’s catalog. 

The Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health requires additional documents in order to consider international applicants for degree programs. Because of the additional requirements, completed application packets must be received by the Office of Student Services two (2) weeks prior to the stated deadline for domestic applications (March 15 for fall applications and September 15 for spring applications).  The non-refundable application fee for non-US citizens and/or non-permanent resident aliens is $100 (USD).

1.  The official transcript must first be evaluated by the Education Credential Evaluators, Inc., P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI, 53203-3470. An official copy of the evaluation from the Education Credential Service must be submitted with the application. A fee list and application forms for this service may be obtained from the above agency. 

2.  A minimum score 600 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the equivalent score of 250 on the computer version, or 100 on the internet based examination must be earned for the applicant to be eligible for consideration for admission. An official report of these scores must be received by the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health prior to the date(s) on which admission decisions are made for the program(s) to which the applicant has applied. Copies are not accepted. The test must have been taken within the five (5) years immediately preceding the application deadline (April 1or October 1)of the requested semester for admission. To obtain the Bulletin of Information to register to take the TOEFL, write directly to: The Education Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151, U.S.A. The applicant must indicate on his/her application for the examination that results must be sent to institution code number R6512.  

3.  There are currently no student aid funds available at UAMS to support international students. Completion of a financial affidavit and documentation indicating that the applicant has sufficient funding to pay for his/her educational and personal expenses while enrolled are required. The United States Department of Justice’s Immigration and Naturalization Service Affidavit of Support form must be used. It currently costs a student with no dependents approximately $25,000 in United States currency for each full calendar year (12months) of study. 

4.  Because accidents and sickness can require expenses for which many persons are not prepared, all students are required to purchase health insurance through a program approved by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences or an equivalent coverage from a private source. Applicants who choose not to purchase appropriate insurance will not be allowed to register. 

5.  Those applicants selected for admission must arrange through the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States Department of Justice for the transfer of their Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

PhD HEALTH SYSTEM RESEARCH APPLICANT

Applicants for the PhD Health System Research Program must obtain admissions information from, and follow admissions procedures established by, the UAMS Graduate School. The UAMS Graduate School Catalog describes all admissions requirements and procedures in detail.  Visit their website at http://www.uams.edu/gradschool/.  

PhD HEALTH PROMOTION AND PREVENTION RESEARCH APPLICANT 

Applicants for the PhD Health Promotion and Prevention Research Program must obtain admissions information from, and follow admissions procedures established by, the UAMS Graduate School. The UAMS Graduate School Catalog describes all admissions requirements and procedures in detail. Visit their website at http://www.uams.edu/gradschool/.