How to Apply

Step 2: Once your program application is submitted, you'll receive an invitation to submit a supplemental application through the IU Graduate School.

Note: You must submit both applications to be considered for review.

No matter your program, you'll submit most of your materials through the program application (SOPHAS, SOPHAS Express, or ATCAS). Be prepared to submit:

Statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
Resume or CV
Official transcripts
English language proficiency (international applicants)

General admission requirements

Applying is straightforward, but admission requirements may vary by program.

Most application materials are submitted through SOPHAS, SOPHAS Express, or ATCAS. In addition, each graduate program may have its own specific requirements, including prerequisite courses.

Before you apply, we encourage you to review your program's requirements carefully to ensure you submit a complete application and are prepared for your chosen course of study.

Minimum education requirements vary by program.

  • Master's and graduate certificate applicants: You must hold a bachelor's degree or higher before starting your graduate program.
  • AMP applicants: You must be a current IU undergraduate student and meet the program's eligibility requirements.
  • Ph.D. applicants: If you are applying to Biostatistics, Environmental Health, or Human Performance, you must hold a bachelor's degree or higher before starting your graduate program. If you are applying to Epidemiology, Health Behavior, or Nutrition, you must hold a master's degree or higher before starting your graduate program.

All applicants must submit a statement of purpose of no more than 600 words. Your statement of purpose should include an explanation of:

  1. Motivation: Please describe why you would like to pursue a graduate degree at IU SPH-B, and how this degree will help you achieve your academic and career goals. Feel free to include how your academic interests match our school's unique graduate programs and current faculty research (MS students: list the faculty member you would like to work with on your program).
  2. Readiness: Based on your academic and/or professional experiences, let us know how you are prepared to pursue this graduate program. Please include any health-related experience, including volunteering and internships that were part of your preparation or motivated you to apply for this program.
  3. Personal characteristics/Skills: All students have unique characteristics and academic journeys. Please share any information about you, including your personal qualities, professional and personal background, and/or skills that will help you to be successful in the program.

Most programs require three letters of recommendation, unless otherwise noted. Recommendations should come from individuals who can speak to your academic ability, professional experience, research skills, or potential for success in graduate study, Examples of ideal recommenders include professors, researchers, supervisors, or employers.

Submit a 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 colleges and universities attended, even if you did not earn a degree or if your degree is still in progress.

  • Master's applicants: Submit official transcripts through SOPHAS or ATCAS, as required by your program.
  • Ph.D. and M.P.H./Ph.D. dual-degree applicants: Submit official transcripts through SOPHAS.
  • AMP and graduate certificate applicants: Upload unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended through SOPHAS Express.
  • International applicants: Submit academic records from all postsecondary institutions attended, even if you did not earn a degree or if your degree is still in progress. Upload unofficial transcripts and degree documents in the application system required by your program. Documents not issued in English must include a certified English translation. Official academic records may also be required by the IU Office of International Services for verification.
  • Credential evaluations: Applicants to the Ph.D. or M.P.H./Ph.D. dual-degree programs with non-U.S. transcripts must submit an official course-by-course credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). Applicants with non-U.S. transcripts seeking transfer credit consideration for any graduate program must also submit a WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation. Evaluation reports must be sent directly to SOPHAS.

Important: If your degree is still in progress when you apply, you must submit a final official transcript showing degree conferral within three months of completing your degree.

For detailed transcript submission instructions, please refer to the guidelines provided by SOPHAS, SOPHAS Express, or ATCAS.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting one of the following test scores:

  • TOEFL iBT: 4 or higher
  • IELTS: 6.5 or higher
  • Duolingo English Test: 105 or higher

You may be exempt if:

  • At the time of entry into your SPH-B degree program, you will hold a degree from a U.S. university or a university from a recognized English-speaking country on IU's list.
  • You are an applicant whose citizenship is from a recognized English-speaking country on IU's list.

Please note: Even if you qualify for an admission exemption, an English proficiency exam may still be required for certain funding, assistantship, or scholarship opportunities.

Deadlines by program

Application deadlines vary by program and entry term. The easiest way to find your deadline is to select your intended program in SOPHAS, SOPHAS Express, or ATCAS.

General application deadlines are:

Spring entry

Summer entry

Fall entry priority

Fall entry final

October 15*

January 15*

January 15*

April 1*

* These dates reflect the most common deadlines across IU SPH-B programs. Some programs may have earlier or later deadlines based on admission requirements, cohort size, or enrollment needs. Additionally, some programs offer multiple entry terms throughout the academic year, while others only have one entry term. Always verify the entry term and associated deadline listed for your specific program before applying.