Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions from students applying to the Arnold School of Public Health.  If you have any other questions that aren't answered here about the Arnold School of Public Health, please call the Arnold School of Public Health Office of Student and Alumni Services at 803-777-5031 or email your questions to: sphstsrv.gwm.sc.edu.

  1. Are the application deadline dates for international students different?
  2. How will I be notified of acceptance?
  3. If I apply and am accepted, how long will it take to complete my master's degree?
  4. What are the requirements for applying to a graduate degree program?
  5. Can I complete a master's degree in the evening?
  6. Can I receive a master's degree through distance education?
  7. Do you have a week-end program?
  8. Can I transfer any credits toward a Master's Degree?
  9. What type of undergraduate degree do I need?
  10. What about GRE's or other standardized test scores? What test scores do you accept and can I waive test scores?
  11. I took the GRE a long time ago (8 years, 10 years, etc.).  Do I have to retake this exam?
  12. What GPA are you looking for?
  13. May I submit my career placement file letters of recommendation?
  14. How long is my application valid?
  15. I am interested in international health.  Do you have a program?
  16. I am interested in nutrition.  Do you have a degree in nutrition?
  17. I am a foreign medical doctor.  What do I need to apply?
  18. I am an international student.  What funding can I apply for?
  19. Do you offer doctoral programs?
  20. What about financial aid?
  21. Can I schedule an appointment to discuss admissions?
  22. How do I apply for an assistantship?
  23. What career services are available?
  24. How many students are enrolled?
  25. What is the average age of your students?
  26. I only want to take one course.  What do I have to do?
  27. Why is there more than one way to apply?

 

Q1. Are the application deadline dates for international students different?

Early applications are encouraged. Completed applications by the deadline date will receive a full admission review by the selected department. Incomplete applications will not be considered; should it not be possible to submit the application by the deadline date and you wish to apply, check with the department selected to be sure it is currently reviewing applications. If it is, you should assemble and submit the complete application packet as soon as possible.  

Q2. How will I be notified of acceptance?

The Graduate School maintains your application file for one year from the beginning of the term for which you are requesting admission. All official credentials must be received during that time. After one year, incomplete files are destroyed and the application fees are forfeited.

Notification
As soon as possible after a decision has been made about your application, you will receive official notice from the Director of Graduate Admissions in The Graduate School. The letter you receive will tell you that you have been accepted, declined, or accepted with conditions.

• If you are accepted, your graduate admission is valid for four successive academic terms, beginning with the one you mark on your application unless a shorter period is specifically indicated in your official letter of acceptance. You must register for and complete at least one course during this time period. If you do not, The Graduate School will decide that you have voluntarily canceled your admission. When that occurs, your admission file is destroyed, and the application fee is forfeited. To be reconsidered for admission, you must submit a new application, credentials, and fee.

• If your initial application is declined, you may request The Graduate School to reconsider you for admission to the same program or to a different program within one year of your original application date without being charged an additional $40 and without resubmitting your credentials. You will need to submit a Change of Status form and a $15 fee. An updated resume and statement of intentions will also be required. Note: USC Graduate School regulations permit you to apply to only one program at a time.

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Q3. If I apply and am accepted, how long will it take to complete my master's degree?

The number of hours for a master's degree varies from 36 hours to 79 hours, depending upon the degree/department you chose. On a full-time basis, the MPH, MSPH, and MS are typically completed in one-and-a-half to two years. Full and part-time students are expected to complete all program requirements within 6 years.

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Q4. What are the requirements for applying to a graduate degree program at the Arnold School of Public Health?

Minimum requirements to apply include:

  • A four year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent (for a doctoral degree - an earned masters degree is typically required)
  • Completed application (via USC Graduate School or SOPHAS depending on program)
  • Official required test scores (see Degrees Offered for a listing)
  • Official TOEFL score for international students who have not received a degree from an English speaking institution
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3 depending on program)
  • Resume
  • Statement of Intentions 
  • Transcripts from each institution attended (even if a degree was not earned)
  • WES verified transcripts are required for International applicants

      • Any transcript from a non -US institution will need to be verified and submitted to the USC Graduate School or SOPHAS by World Education Services (WES).  WES is an organization that provides international credential evaluation and checks documents for validity and accuracy.  WES also offers an analysis of an individual's degrees and transcripts and will provide equivalents for each credential.  For more information contact WES at:  www.wes.org or 212-219-7330.

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Q5. Can I complete a master's degree in the evening?

We do not have an Evening Program, however, many classes are offered in the late afternoon and early evening.

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Q6. Can I receive a master's degree through distance education?

Currently several core courses are available via distance education.  However, the only programs that are available completely via distance education are:  Master's in Communication Disorders (MCD) in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, General MPH with emphasis in Health Services Policy and Management, and MPH in Health Services Policy and Management.

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Q7. Do you have a week-end program?

The Department of Health Services and Policy Management offers an MHA degree program which includes a combination of of classes on weekends, distance learning and interactive instruction. The program is designed for health care professionals and executives.  Please go to the following page for more information about the MHA Professional Format program:  http://hadm.sph.sc.edu/mhapro/index.html.

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Q8. Can I transfer any credits toward a Master's Degree?

Requests to transfer credits are considered on an individual basis after students are admitted to that School. In order for transfer credits to be given, a course must be a graduate course from an accredited institution, not used for another degree, within 6 years of when degree was awarded, appropriate to the student's course of study at the Arnold School, and approved by the student's department, Dean's Office and the Graduate School.

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Q9. What type of undergraduate degree do I need to apply to the Arnold School of Public Health?

Because public health is a broad multi-disciplinary field, applicants to the Arnold School come from a diverse range of undergraduate programs which include the sciences, social sciences, business sciences and clinical programs. 

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Q10. What about GRE's or other standardized test scores?
What test scores do you accept and can I waive test scores?

The departmental admissions committees require evidence of academic strength in verbal and quantitative areas. We require the (GRE) Graduate Record Examination General Test, however, the (GMAT) Graduate Management Admissions Test is also accepted by the Department of Health Services Policy and Management.  Applicants who apply for the General Master of Public Health program (only individuals who have a professional doctoral degree may apply to this program) may submit scores from the MCAT, or DAT in lieu of a GRE.  Historically these scores are not waived.

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Q11. I took the GRE a long time ago (8 years, 10 years, etc.).  Do I have to retake this exam?

The Graduate School requires an official copy of your GRE score from the Educational Testing Services (ETS).  ETS does not keep scores that are 5 years old or older.  If you cannot obtain an official copy of your test score, then you may have to retake the GRE.

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Q12. What GPA are you looking for?

The School does not have a formal GPA level requirement.  The applicant's strength in relevant course work is evaluated along with other credentials.  However, those offered admissions to the Arnold School typically have academic records that are above average. 

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Q13. May I submit my career placement file letters of recommendation?

Career placement file letters of recommendation may be submitted for the Letters of Recommendation forms.  However, it should be noted that our departmental admissions committees are most familiar with our Letters of Recommendation. 

For those applying via SOPHAS, please reference the letter of recommendation criteria on the SOPHAS website at:  www.sophas.org.

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Q14. How long is my application valid?

Your application is valid for one year from the term in which you are applying.

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Q15. I am interested in international health.  Do you have a program?

The Arnold School does not have a division of international health, however, the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior does have several courses which deal with international health.

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Q16. I am interested in nutrition.  Do you have a degree in nutrition?

The Arnold School does not offer a degree in nutrition.  However, the departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, and Exercise Science offer courses in nutrition.

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Q17. I am a foreign medical doctor.  What do I need to apply?

Foreign medical graduates are required to submit a complete application packet, including (Graduate Record Examination) scores.  In addition, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score will be required for all students whose primary studies were not in English.  International applicants will also need to have any transcript from a non-US institution verified and submitted to the USC Graduate School or SOPHAS by World Education Services (WES).

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Q18. I am an international student.  What funding can I apply for?

International students, except those with Permanent Resident status, are not eligible for traineeship and government student loans and are advised to seek financial aid through their country of citizenship, private foundations, and international agencies.  A limited number of assistantships are available in the departments, but are awarded at the discretion of the department... first come, first served basis! 

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Q19. Do you offer doctoral programs?

Yes, we have Doctor of Public Health programs (DrPH) in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Services Policy and Management, and Health Promotion Education and Behavior. The Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent degree is a prerequisite for admission to the DrPH. We also offer the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Exercise Science, Health Services Policy and Management, Health Promotion Education and Behavior and Communication Sciences and Disorders. The Department of Exercise Science also offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

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Q20. What about financial aid?

The University of South Carolina has a central financial Aid Office.  In order to be considered for financial aid, applicants should file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form as early as possible, even before filing an application for admission.  This form is available at any US college or university.  Applicants may also take advantage of the FAFSA Express program which allows students to complete the form electronically through the U.S. Department of Education's web site.  For more information go to the University of South Carolina Financial Aid Office website is http://www.sc.edu/financialaid/. 

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Q21. Can I schedule an appointment to discuss admissions?

If you have any questions after reviewing the Arnold School of Public Health admissions webpage, you may call the Office of Student and Alumni Services at (803) 777-5031, or the Graduate Director of the Department in which you are interested, regarding the admissions procedures. Be sure to read the information carefully to see which program is best suited to your academic and professional background, and which program meets your career goals.

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Q22. How do I apply for an assistantship?

There are a limited number of Graduate Assistantships offered through the respective departments within the Arnold School. If you are interested in applying for an assistantship, you should complete the GA application and submit with your application for admission or contact your department after you have been accepted.  Also check departmental listings on bulleting boards for vacancies.

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Q23. What career services are available?

The career services available through the Office of Student and Alumni Services includes a posting of full and part-time jobs, internships and fellowships.  Also you can access employment opportunities from the Employment Opportunities section on our web page.  The School does not offer placement services.  The University of South Carolina Career Center offers a variety of services to students.  Visit the following page for more information:  http://www.sc.edu/career/?id=studentsmenu.

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Q24. How many students are enrolled in the Arnold School of Public Health?

Approximately 500 graduate students are enrolled in the Arnold School and around 400 undergraduate students in the BS in Exercise Science.

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Q25. What is the average age of your students?

The average age of our students is 28.  However, we have a mixture of students ranging from those who just completed a bachelors degree to older adults leaving the work force (many part time) to return to school.

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Q26. I only want to take one course.  What do I have to do?

You must complete a "non-degree application" available from the USC Graduate School.  With this non-degree application you may receive 12 hours of graduate enrollment eligibility.  Only 6 hours of non-degree courses will be transferred to a degree program.  Each time you use up those hours, you may reapply for 12 more hours by completing one of these applications.  If no department objects, you may be given a fresh allotment of 12 hours.  Please note that non-degree students are not guaranteed enrollment in any specific course and may have to ask special permission of the instructor or department for access to certain courses.  Also note that if you later are accepted into a degree program only 6 hours of coursework will transfer to that program of study.

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Q27. Why is there more than one way to apply to the Arnold School of Public Health?

Traditionally, all graduate applications for the University of South Carolina would be processed by the USC Graduate School.  However, the Arnold School has recently joined the other accredited Schools of Public Health in the United States in a new public health centralized application service called SOPHAS.  The traditional public health programs within the Arnold School will be participating:  Environmental Health Sciences; Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Health Services Policy and Management; Health Promotion, Education and Behavior; MPH-General; and Physical Activity and Public Health.  The Departments of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Exercise Science and the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program have chosen not to participate in SOPHAS because their degree programs are not typically linked with Schools of Public Health.  Applicants for these programs will continue to be processed by the Departments and the USC Graduate School.  There are also other select programs (dual degree, certificate, and professional programs)  which are specific to the University of South Carolina and/or the Arnold School.  Because their programs are individual to our University/School the decision was made to keep the admissions process locally.  If you have questions about which application procedure you should follow, please contact the Arnold School Office of Student and Alumni Services at 803-777-5031 or email sphstsrv.gwm.sc.edu

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