Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Health Sciences

Competitive applicants typically have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the Baccalaureate level, and if applicable, a minimum overall graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Overall undergraduate and graduate GPAs are calculated using a standard formula which includes all work attempted. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit documentation demonstrating outstanding professional leadership, practice, research, or scholarship.

Degree Requirement

Applicants holding a master's degree from an accredited college or university in a public health-related field---including social and behavior sciences, psychology, economics, health services research, epidemiology, management, policy, health professions, and related disciplines---are encouraged to apply for admission. We also welcome applicants from broader academic and professional backgrounds who are interested in advancing their careers in public health, health services research, and health policy. 

Applicants holding a bachelor's degree in the above mentioned or related fields must provide evidence of substantial research experience or professional work experience in public health or a closely related field. 

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are required from all universities and colleges attended. In the case of transcripts from international colleges/universities, an official course-by-course transcript evaluation will be accepted in lieu of an official transcript. Official electronic transcripts should be emailed from the issuing institution to Augusta University's Office of Graduate Admissions Operations at graduateadmissions@augusta.edu 

Alternatively, Augusta University will accept official transcripts in the original, unopened, sealed and stamped/signed envelope mailed from the issuing institution directly to:

Augusta University
1120 15th St.
Attention Graduate Admissions Operations
Augusta, GA 30912

Transcript/Credential Evaluation of Foreign Transcripts

• If ordering from ECE, please select "Augusta University - Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions" as the institution delivery.
• If ordering from Silny, please complete the required PDF ordering form per their webpage. In the Method of Delivery section, please write the following, "Augusta University - Office of Academic Admissions email to graduateadmissions@augusta.edu.
• If ordering from WES, please select the following, "Augusta University" as the recipient, "Office of Academic Admissions" as the school/division,  "Standard Delivery" as the delivery method. 

Letters of Recommendation (3)

Recommendations (which include a reference form and letter of recommendation) from three individuals are required. Referees should be individuals qualified to critically assess the applicant's prior academic (usually college professors), employment, artistic, research and/or clinical experience (clinical or research supervisor/manager) and qualifications (as applicable) as well as the applicant's potential as a graduate student in the field/program selected.

Recommendations must be submitted online only. Within the application, you will provide the names and current email addresses for the individuals you have asked to serve as your recommenders. Once you have completed the recommendation section within the application, each recommender will receive an email notification directing them to the online site where they can complete their recommendation.

Standardized Test Requirements

None are required for this program.

English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)

English proficiency exam scores are required for applicants whose first language is not English and who do not qualify for an English proficiency exam waiver per the criteria listed below. Augusta University will accept official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Test (IELTS) exam scores. Official exam scores must be taken within 2 years of the date of application. The Augusta University institution code for submission of TOEFL or IELTS scores is 5406. Please do not select a department code.

• TOEFL Minimum Overall Score: Minimum Score: 79 (prior to January 2026); 4.5 (After January 2026)
• IELTS Minimum Overall Band Score: 6.5

English Proficiency Exam Waiver Criteria: The English proficiency exam requirement will be waived for applicants who meet any of the following criteria:

• Official proof of earning a Baccalaureate, Master's or Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university.
• Official proof of degree completion of the US equivalent of a Baccalaureate, Master's or Doctoral degree from the international equivalent of a regionally accredited institution where English was the sole language of academic instruction.
• Official proof of completion of an approved University System of Georgia (USG) campus-based English-as-a-second-language (ESL) program of study. The list of USG-approved campus-based programs can be found at https://usg.edu/international-education/esl-programs/. Schools/programs not listed on this website cannot be accepted.
• Are citizens of countries on the approved waiver list

Please visit the International Student webpage for more information.

Resume/CV

Submit a resume/CV listing your educational qualifications, credentials, work experience, and research accomplishments. Resumes/CVs must be uploaded to the application portal after application submission. 

Samples of Scientific Writing Skills

Writing is an essential component of the PhD program. If you have co-authored a peer-reviewed manuscript where you had a significant role, you may include with your application. Please note that prior publications are not a requirement for admission.  

Personal Statement

Within your application, using an essay format, you will be prompted to discuss and elaborate in detail on the following questions:

1. State your reasons for wanting to attend graduate school, your choice of major field of study and your future career objectives. (500-word limit)
2. Explain any academic challenges, successes, or obstacles in your life that impacted your ability to achieve your goals.
3. List your major extracurricular interests and awards. (250-word limit) 

Interviews

Interviews are by invitation only. Applicants will be slated for interviews based on an initial review of submitted application materials. Selected applicants will be notified directly by the program. Admission decisions will be based on a holistic evaluation of both the application materials and interview performance.