How to Apply

Applying to School of Public Health graduate programs

Prospective students applying for graduate programs must complete two separate applications for admission—one through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS), and a supplemental application through the  IU Graduate School Application.

Questions?

Email us at sphgrad@iu.edu or schedule an admissions phone call.

Graduate admission applications

All applicants must submit their primary application for admission through SOPHAS.

Degree-seeking applicants should submit through the SOPHAS website, and certificate-seeking applicants should submit through the SOPHAS Express website.

As a supplement to the SOPHAS or SOPHAS Express application, all applicants must complete and submit the IU Graduate School Application.

This duplication of application information is required for admission. The School of Public Health covers the cost of this application on behalf of prospective students.

School of Public Health programs can be found by filtering for "School of Public Health" in the "School" drop-down menu.

General admission requirements

The general admission requirements for School of Public Health graduate degrees must be submitted through SOPHAS.

In addition, each graduate degree has its own specific admission requirements, including prerequisite courses, required tests, and minimum scores.

Graduate certificate and master’s degree programs:

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university at the time of matriculation.

Doctoral programs:

Applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university at the time of matriculation. (Exceptions: Ph.D. in Biostatistics and Ph.D. in Human Performance. Applicants holding a bachelor's degree at the time of matriculation may apply for these programs.)

A statement of purpose and objectives of no more than 600 words should be submitted for the specific program/degree you are applying for.

The statement of purpose should demonstrate a clear understanding of the public health field, as well as how you plan to achieve your career objectives.

Ph.D. applicants must also submit a statement that details research interests. Follow the guidelines in SOPHAS for the specific degree program you are applying to.

In addition, please include:

  • Why you are interested in a particular degree
  • Your research and/or professional interests
  • Why you want to study at Indiana University

Master's and Doctoral programs

In SOPHAS, you will request three letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic and research abilities. Ideally, your recommenders are recent professors, researchers, or employers in a related field. References from peers, friends, or family members are not considered appropriate.

Graduate Certificate programs

In SOPHAS Express, you will request two letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic abilities and qualifications to pursue graduate coursework. Recommenders can be employers in a related field or recent professors. References from peers, friends, or family members are not considered appropriate.

Submit an updated curriculum vitae or resume that includes:

  • Educational background and degree(s)
  • Employment history
  • Honors and accomplishments
  • Professional experience and skills
  • Research experience
  • Volunteer experience

Submit transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. There are special instructions for domestic and international transcripts. There are also special instructions for master’s/doctoral applicants and graduate certificate applicants.

U.S. transcripts (master’s/doctoral)

SOPHAS requires official transcripts from each institution you have attended, even if you did not receive a degree. SOPHAS cannot process your application without receiving all your transcripts. Please review the SOPHAS Applicant Help Center instructions for sending transcripts electronically or by mail. Note: Students who attend or attended Indiana University must also request official transcripts from the registrar and have them sent directly to SOPHAS.

U.S. transcripts (graduate certificates)

SOPHAS Express requires unofficial transcripts from each institution you have attended, even if you did not receive a degree. Upload copies of your unofficial transcripts directly into SOPHAS Express. Please review the SOPHAS Express Applicant Help Center for help with frequently asked questions about transcripts.

International transcripts (all programs)

All non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Service (WES) using their ICAP course-by-course evaluation service. For more information, visit the WES website.

  • Non-U.S. transcripts are evaluated exclusively through WES. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
  • WES reports should be sent directly from WES to SOPHAS.  As an applicant, you must initiate this request yourself or it will delay application processing.
  • Please ensure that you enter your SOPHAS ID number on your WES evaluation request so your evaluation electronically matches your application.

If you are a past applicant or already have an official copy of your WES ICAP report, you may send it directly to:

IU School of Public Health
Office of Graduate Admissions
1025 E. Seventh Street, Room 121
Bloomington, IN 47405

GRE scores are optional for admission to most IU School of Public Health-Bloomington graduate degree programs.

The following degree programs require GRE scores for admission consideration:

  • Ph.D. in Nutrition Science
  • M.S. in Nutrition Science
  • M.S. in Health Promotion
    • Waivers considered for U.S. citizens with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale

Applicants submitting GRE scores should have Educational Testing Services (ETS) send an official score report to the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington. Our institution code is 6979.

All international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received any degrees from a university where English is the language of instruction must complete and submit either (1) a minimum TOEFL score of 80, or (2) a minimum IELTS score of 7.

Note: We will not accept any application with TOEFL or IELTS scores below the minimum.

Learn more about graduate school admission for international students

Student visas

The Office of International Services is responsible for processing student visa approvals. They require official, sealed transcripts with proof of degree. They will not accept the WES report.

Official records may be sent to:

Office of International Services
Indiana University
Ferguson International Center
330 N. Eagleson Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405

Learn more about student visas to study at IU