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We’re pleased that you’re considering the University of Kentucky College of Public Health for your graduate degree programs in Master of Public Health (MPH), Ph.D. in Gerontology, Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics or professional degree program Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) . As you start the application process, please be aware that each degree program may set different deadlines, require specific application materials, and establish unique entrance requirements. All Master of Public Health (MPH), and Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.), degree programs applicants must apply through the centralized application service, the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). In addition the Master of Public Health (MPH) require a supplemental application to the University of Kentucky Graduate School. Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Ph.D. in Gerontology applicants must apply through the University of Kentucky Graduate School. In addition Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics applicants must send supplemental application and other documents directly to: Dr. Richard Charnigo, Director of Graduate Studies, College of Public Health.
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Why the University of Kentucky for Your Public Health Training?
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The opportunity to learn from College of Public Health faculty who have distinguished themselves during their public health careers, including a Surgeon General nominee and faculty who held senior leadership positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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The program is large enough to offer students many exciting learning/research/service opportunites, but small enough that you can really “get to know” faculty and students.
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The opportunity to study with faculty who generated over $25 million in collaborative research during a single fiscal year.
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The opportunity to study on a comprehensive health sciences campus, that also includes Colleges of Dentistry, Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.
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The opportunity to live and study in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States, the bluegrass region of central Kentucky.
Contacts Information
Office of Admissions & Student Affairs
121 Washington Avenue
Lexington, KY 40536-0003
Phone: 859-218-2096
Email: ukcph@uky.eduAnthony C. Hartsfield, MPA
Assistant Dean for Institutional Advancement & Student AffairsLaverne R. Carter
Director of Admissions
859-218-2066Marilyn E. Underwood
Director of Student Affairs
859-218-2064Elizabeth M. Solyman
Administrative Assistant
859-218-2096
Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
The PhD program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics is intended to prepare professionals for a career in conducting population-based research and clinical trials. This is a unique program which strongly emphasizes the acquisition of applied skills in the complementary fields of epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as the theoretical foundations of these disciplines. Graduates of this program will be prepared to address the practical challenges of conducting population-based and clinical, translational research in the multidisciplinary work environments of academia, government, and industry.
The Ph.D. program accepts applications from all qualified students who demonstrate a commitment to, and high potential for success in, doctoral studies and future research careers in Epidemiology and Biostatistics fields.
Admissions
Students wishing to apply for admission to the PhD program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics should proceed as follows:
- Follow all of the Graduate School’s instructions to apply online at the University of Kentucky Graduate School. However, please note that the PhD EPB program has its own earlier deadline of 01 February preceding the Fall semester in which the applicant hopes to begin graduate work. The PhD EPB program does not admit students for the Spring or Summer semesters.
- In addition, please send the following materials directly to:
Dr. Richard Charnigo
Director of Graduate Studies
College of Public Health 203-B
Lexington, KY- 40536-0003
Phone: 859-257-5678 x82072
Fax: 859-257-6430
Again, the deadline is 01 February preceding the Fall semester in which the applicant hopes to begin graduate work.
a. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts -- These should be sealed and sent directly from the registrar’s office at the undergraduate or graduate institution. Per the Graduate School at the University of Kentucky, the minimum acceptable undergraduate GPA is 2.75 and the minimum acceptable graduate GPA is 3.00. However, we anticipate that the majority of successful applicants will have GPAs between 3.25 and 4.00.
b. GRE scores – There is no rigid cutoff above which acceptance is guaranteed and below which rejection is ensured. However, we anticipate that the majority of successful applicants will fall between 1000 and 1600 combined verbal and quantitative.
c. TOEFL scores (for those who are not native English speakers) -- Per the Graduate School, the minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based).
d. Three letters of recommendation -- At least one letter should explicitly address the applicant’s quantitative skills. All three letters should be current, not for example photocopies of generic support letters written years earlier.
e. Statement of purpose -- Describe career and dissertation research interests, along with qualifications for study in this program.
f. Please include an explicit statement in the cover letter of how the differential and integral calculus prerequisite has been met or will be met. -- Ordinarily we expect grades of “B” or better in two undergraduate calculus courses. However, we will consider applications from students who have had one undergraduate calculus course if a second course will be taken in the Summer semester preceding the Fall semester in which the applicant hopes to begin graduate work. In this case, an acceptance decision may be contingent upon satisfactory completion of the second course in the Summer semester.
g. Please include an explicit statement in the cover letter of whether a research assistant position is desired. -- Identify relevant qualifications, skills, and/or prior experience.
Ordinarily a decision about acceptance or rejection will be communicated to the student by 01 April. Please note, we cannot guarantee that all accepted students who want research assistantships will be offered them.
Centralized Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS)
Students applying to all three degree programs, the Master of Public Health, the Doctor of Public Health, must apply through the Centralized Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). Advantages for the applicant and the programs are numerous, and you are encouraged to visit their site for additional information and updates on the application process. For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at ukcph@uky.edu or (859)257-5678 ext. 82096.
A special note: The Master of Public Health, the Ph.D. in Gerontology, the Ph.D. in Epidemilogy and Biostatistics, are all graduate degree programs and require a supplemental application to the University of Kentucky Graduate School. The Doctor of Public Health is a professional degree program and requires an application through SOPHAS only to complete the application process.
MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH
General admissions requirement: The M.P.H. degree is designed to meet the needs of recent baccalaureate graduates planning careers in public health and related professions and current public health and clinical practitioners seeking to increase their knowledge of population-based health issues. Because of the breadth of the public health profession, an applicant with a bachelor’s degree in any major field will be considered for admission to the program.
Admissions
The application deadline for the MPH program for fall 2010 is March 1, 2010. For international applicants, the deadline is February 1, 2010. A class is admitted for the fall semester only.
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Admission into the MPH program requires a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75, a bachelor’s degree, and acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the TOEFL (International students only). Previous experience and unique background and experiences also will be considered in the admissions process.
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Applicants must submit a supplemental application to the University of Kentucky Graduate School. There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 ($65 for international students). Application materials may be requested from The Graduate School, University of Kentucky, Admissions and Records, 101 Gillis Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0027, or applications may be submitted on-line. Official GRE and TOEFL scores and copies of official transcripts must be sent by the applicant directly to SOPHAS. Copies of the scores and transcripts will be sent to the Graduate School by the College of Public Health.
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GRE scores are waived for applicants who have completed any of the following degrees earned from a U.S. institution - Ph.D, M.D., D.M.D, D.D.S., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.O., D.N.P., D.Sc. Also, candidates for the MD/MPH combined degree can submit MCAT scores in lieu of GRE scores.
DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
General admissions requirement: The Dr.P.H. is a terminal professional degree preparing graduates for public health senior leadership positions. To be eligible for admission to the Dr.P.H. an applicant must have a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science in Public Health, or an equivalent degree. Examples of equivalent degrees are programs related to public health, such as the Master of Arts in Communications, Master of Health Administration or the Master of Science in Nursing. Other Master’s degrees may be appropriate, and inquiries should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs. All applicants must have coursework equivalent to the five core courses in the M.P.H. curriculum. Those applications not meeting the preparation requirements will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Admissions
The application deadline for the Dr.P.H. is February 1 for the fall 2010 semester. For international applicants, the deadline is February 1, 2010. Applicants should be aware that early application may be advisable because of the logistics involved in arranging the required interview. A class is admitted for the fall semester only.
Admissions requirements for the Dr.P.H. include a minimum 3.0 graduate grade point average on a 4.0 scale, completion of the GRE or equivalent professional examination, and an acceptable score on the TOEFL for international students. A minimum of three years of significant public health or other appropriate work experience is strongly recommended. A formal interview with college faculty and students will be arranged for each applicant.
Applicants to Dr.P.H. program do not apply to the Graduate School.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN GERONTOLOGY
Gerontology naturally embraces a wide array of disciplines and scholarly perspectives within the social sciences and humanities, and the bench and clinical approaches of the biomedical and health sciences. The Graduate Center for Gerontology at the University of Kentucky recognizes the diverse ways of exploring aging and older persons and seeks to develop in students a truly integrative and holistic way of thinking about gerontology. Upon competition of the program, our graduates are prepared to pursue academic careers in research, teaching, and service, as well as employment in the public and private sectors.
The Ph.D. program accepts applications from all qualified students who demonstrate a commitment to, and high potential for success in, doctoral studies and future research careers in aging-related fields.
Admissions
All application materials should be submitted by January 31, 2010 to be considered for entry during the Fall of 2010 and to qualify for possible funding opportunities. Potential students must apply to both SOPHAS and the University of Kentucky Graduate School . Additional application materials should be sent directly to the Director of Graduate Studies in Gerontology (DGS):
- At least three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement outlining areas of interest and program/career goals
- Further support materials as suggested by DGS
Applicants should make every effort to visit the Graduate Center for Gerontology and the University of Kentucky campus as part of the application process. For more information on the program or visiting the Center, contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Gerontology at (859) 257-1450.
Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.)
The Master of Health Administration degree program (MHA) provides graduate level education to prepare students for leadership positions across the full range of health care organizations. The program and courses are structured to accommodate the schedules of both full-time and part-time students. For example, all required courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening, Monday through Thursday. The MHA degree is offered in cooperation with several other academic units and includes subject matter experts in the six health care colleges, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration. The total program consists of 44 semester hours, including a field experience and an integrative capstone. |
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
The M.P.H. degree is designed to meet the needs of recent baccalaureate graduates planning careers in public health and related professions and current public health and clinical practitioners seeking to increase their knowledge of population-based health issues. Because of the breadth of the public health profession, an applicant with a bachelor’s degree in any major field will be considered for admission to the program. However, an educational background that includes a conceptual knowledge of anatomy and physiology will offer the student more flexibility in the selection of an area of concentration. |
Master of Science in Clinical Research Design
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. David M. Mannino Phone: 323-6608 This program is designed to prepare practicing health care professionals and students pursuing a terminal degree to conduct population based research. The program is targeted to students who wish to enhance their translational research skills, and knowledge of population-based health and clinical trials. Clinicians with academic appointments at the University of Kentucky (UK) and physicians off campus, including community based physicians who wish to participate in clinical research, will be targeted for this program. MDs interested in an academic appointment will find that this degree program will make them competitive for the best positions, where research skills are becoming the norm. Others, such as doctoral candidates in the basic sciences, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, and psychology, will also find this program attractive for similar reasons. The program is designed to accommodate graduates of the Certificate in Clinical Research Skills program in clinical and translational science for health-based professionals. The MS program is designed so that once a student has completed the graduate certificate he/she can seamlessly transfer into the program. This is true for students enrolled in the current graduate certificate housed within the College of Public Health, as well as students who will be enrolled in the new proposed graduate certificate program in clinical research skills housed within the College of Medicine www.ctsc.uky.edu/team_curriculum.htm. All credits earned for the certificate count toward the proposed MS program as either a required or elective course. |
Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)
[Dr.P.H. in Biostatistics & Environmental Health has been suspended until further notice.]The Dr.P.H. is a terminal professional degree preparing graduates for public health senior leadership positions. It is designed as a school-wide advanced degree and will require a minimum of 63 semester hours of course work beyond the Master's degree. The Dr.P.H. candidate must have a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science in Public Health, or an equivalent degree. Examples of equivalent degrees are programs related to public health, such as the Master of Arts in Communications, or the Master of Science in Nursing along with course work equivalent to the five basic core courses in the M.P.H. Curriculum. Students who have not met the requirement of completing masters degree introductory level courses in each of the five core areas must do so on a non credit basis, with a minimum grade of "B", prior to enrolling in the first doctoral course in each discipline. Students will complete a curriculum spanning the five core areas of concentration offered by the College of Public Health. Typically, a full-time student will require three years beyond the Master's degree working, part-time, and distance education students. The Dr.P.H. curriculum has been developed to accommodate both part-time and full-time students. The curriculum specifies prerequisite introductory courses in each of the five core areas of public health (Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Behavior, and Health Services Management). All Dr.P.H. Course work begins at a higher level and assumes introductory level knowledge of this content.[ The chair of the Biostatistics Department has established a policy that students completing an acceptable (equivalent to STA 580) introductory statistics course (with a laboratory) in the past five years meet this expectation. Students completing an introductory graduate statistics course more than five years ago must repeat the introductory course or may take a diagnostic examination to demonstrate that they are prepared to move to the first statistics course in the Dr.P.H. Program.] |
Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
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Background on programThe Ph.D. program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Kentucky is intended to prepare professionals for a career in conducting population-based research and clinical trials. This is a unique program which strongly emphasizes the acquisition of applied skills in the complementary fields of epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as the theoretical foundations of these disciplines. Graduates of this program will be prepared to address the practical challenges of conducting population-based and clinical, translational research in the multidisciplinary work environments of academia, government, and industry. The essentially strong cross-training and mentoring nature of the program is intended to develop independent researchers who will be skilled in designing and conducting studies as well as analyzing, and interpreting the results from an increasing variety of designs and databases in the public health and medical research domains. The target audience for this program will include students with an appropriate prior bachelor’s or master’s degree (in biostatistics, epidemiology, statistics, health services research, mathematical sciences, or a related field) with prior mathematical training to include two semesters of calculus (univariate differential and integral) and statistical methods. Practicing health care professionals (MDs, DMDs, PharmDs, etc.) who are interested in pursuing independent, doctoral level, research careers will be targeted for the program. Master’s graduates from psychology, computer science, engineering, business, biology, or chemistry may also find this degree program attractive. Overview of programStudents will complete a minimum of 58 credit hours of study plus dissertation research and the corresponding residency credits. The core curriculum consists of 39 credit hours comprising thirteen courses, including twelve courses in epidemiology and biostatistics, and a one-credit-hour course that will serve as a broad introduction to public health. Students will complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of approved electives, including at least two epidemiology courses and two 700-level biostatistics courses. Students will also complete four one-credit-hour seminars within the first three years. After passing a written comprehensive examination over selected core courses (ordinarily between the Fall and Spring semesters of the second year for a full-time student), the student will select a dissertation advisor and form a dissertation committee. The dissertation research will be an original scientific project which is integrative in the sense that either advanced biostatistical methods are applied to a population-based epidemiologic study of sufficient size and appropriate design, or original theoretical research is undertaken in biostatistics with applied research problems. Ordinarily a dissertation document will produce at least two manuscripts of publishable quality, as well as an integrative literature review. The scope of the project will demonstrate independence, mastery of research skills, thoughtful reflection of the results, and contribute to new knowledge in the field of investigation. The student must pass both an oral qualifying examination in the early stages of dissertation research and a final oral defense once the dissertation research has been completed. Core faculty and researchBranscum, Adam (Ph.D., UCDavis, 2005), assistant professor of biostatistics (joint appts in statistics and epidemiology): Bayesian statistics; evaluation of medical tests. Breheny, Patrick (Ph.D., Iowa, 2009), assistant professor of biostatistics (joint appt in statistics): analysis of high-dimensional data; penalized regression; computational statistics; visualization; genomics. Browning, Steve (Ph.D., UNC, 1994), assistant professor of epidemiology: injury, occupational, and environmental epidemiology; cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease; epidemiologic methods. Bush, Heather (Ph.D., Kentucky, 2006), assistant professor of biostatistics: patient registries; longitudinal and/or correlated data structures; applications in women's health and injury prevention. Caldwell, Glyn (M.D., Missouri, 1966), assistant professor of epidemiology: infectious disease, cancer, environmental health and radiation epidemiology. Charnigo, Richard (Ph.D., CWRU, 2003), associate professor of biostatistics (joint appt in statistics): mixture modeling; nonparametric regression; applications to cardiology, psychology, engineering, and public health. Fardo, David (Ph.D., Harvard, 2008), assistant professor of biostatistics: statistical genetics, genome-wide association studies, gene-by-environment interaction, causal inference and statistical methodologies in Public Health applications Fleming, Steven (Ph.D., Michigan, 1989), associate professor of epidemiology (joint appt in health services management): cancer epidemiology; managerial epidemiology; health services research; impact of comorbidities on cancer. Hopenhayn, Claudia (Ph.D., Berkeley, 1996), associate professor of epidemiology: cancer and reproductive outcomes, within the context of environmental and occupational exposures and cancer control, and on global health issues. Kryscio, Richard (Ph.D., SUNY Buffalo, 1971), professor of statistics (joint appt in biostatistics): epidemics; spatial statistics; disease clustering; longitudinal data analysis; missing data; Alzheimer’s disease; cancer; prevention trials. Mendiondo, Marta (Ph.D., Kentucky, 1997), assistant professor of biostatistics: data management and biostatistical analysis. Tucker, Thomas (Ph.D., Kentucky, 1998), associate professor of epidemiology: examination of variations in the patterns of care for stage III colorectal cancer in Kentucky, an exploration of human growth factors as they relate to colon cancer, studies of factor related to the high cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Appalachian Kentucky, and exploration of methods for estimating the completeness of case ascertainment in population-based cancer registries. Walsh, Sabrina (Dr.P.H., Kentucky, 2008), assistant professor of epidemiology: violence prevention, developing statewide surveillance and reporting systems, and system evaluation.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology (Ph.D.)
The Graduate Center for Gerontology has a University-wide mission and currently supports over 40 doctoral students and works closely with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and numerous university departments and research units by virtue of its interdisciplinary focus. Additional information is available on the Graduate Center for Gerontology . Gerontology is naturally diverse, and embraces a wide array of disciplines and scholarly perspectives within at least the social sciences and humanities, the bench sciences of biology and chemistry, medicine, and the health sciences and public health.
Ph.D. Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum of the Gerontology Ph.D. degree consists of 38 hours of course work and 18 hours of residency credit within a program of study that involves five interlocking elements:
- a required core in gerontology,
- specialized training in a substantive domain selected from clusters of related disciplines,
- training in gerontology and geriatrics-related research methodologies,
- a qualifying examination, and
- a dissertation.
Emphasis on interaction of the social sciences, biomedical sciences, and the humanities, permeates the entire curriculum, and core seminars are team-lead by representative faculty from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. It is worth noting that most, if not all students take more than the minimum required number of courses. At the doctorate level, the goal should be to develop the best possible foundations of knowledge and skills in preparation for an academic or research career.
Joint Degree Programs
Students who have been accepted to the UK College of Medicine may apply for a combined MD/MPH degree . We also offer combined PharmD/MPH degree, for more information contact Laverne R. Carter, Director of Admissions , 859-218-2066.
Recognizing the educational enrichment that occurs in environments that include a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the College of Public Health is committed to a diverse student body that includes students from other countries. While the number of international students in each class may vary dependent on the number and quality of the domestic applicant pool, international student applications are welcomed and encouraged.
International students should understand, however, that the college does not commit assistantships prior to matriculation. All College of Public Health students have the opportunity to apply for assistantships as they become available and are announced to continuing and accepted students. In other words, international students should not depend on securing an assistantship through the College in order to meet the requirements of the Financial Certificate for an I-20. Questions about the I-20 should be directed to the Graduate School or the Office of International Affairs.
For application to the Graduate School website.
For information about issues common to international students, please consult the Office of International Affairs.
Tuition
2009-20010 Tuition |
Semester |
Credit Hour |
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The Graduate School |
Resident |
$ 4,389 |
$459.00 |
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Non Resident |
$ 9,044.50 |
$977.50 |
Professional Doctoral |
Resident |
$ 5,722.50 |
$607.00 |
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Non Resident |
$12,491.00 |
$1,359.50 |
Graduate Assistantships
The College of Public Health in conjunction with the Graduate School has a limited number of assistantships for the academic year. As assistantships become available the Admissions & Student Affairs office will e-mail all students information regarding job duties, any special skills needed, and contact information. It is the students’ responsibility to schedule an interview. The following guidelines should be noted concerning assistantships:
- Depending on the nature of their assignment and on recommendation of their academic or administrative unit, Graduate Assistants may be eligible for Tuition Scholarships provided by the Graduate School. Tuition scholarships do not cover any fees applied by the University of Kentucky.
- In light of budget constraints and to maximize existing funds used for tuition assistance, the Graduate School will no longer pay drop charges for students who reduce hours below full-time status (usually 9 hours) or withdraw from the University on or after the first day of class. This means the student will be liable for any tuition charges for dropped courses after the first day of classes if they fall below full-time status.
- Assistants who are also full-time graduate students may be assigned responsibilities requiring no more than 50 percent of their time. Normally a half-time appointment should require no more than 20 hours per week of assignable duties, for a .50 (full) assistantship, or 10 hours per week for a .25 (half) assistantship.
- University-wide policy provides that assistants who are candidates for a master's degree shall serve no more than a maximum of three years without completion of their degree requirements. Graduate Assistants are advised to consult with the Director of Graduate Studies relative to total number of years of support eligibility.
- Graduate Assistants must maintain satisfactory academic records and demonstrate progress toward degrees; their assistantships will not be renewed if their academic progress is unsatisfactory.
- In order to preserve the academic focus of graduate students who are on full-time assistantships and have their tuition paid by the University, the Graduate School does not allow for additional salary or employment.
- The appointment of a Graduate Assistant may not be terminated before the end of the period of appointment without the individual's being provided with an opportunity to be heard. Issues should first be addressed, where possible, with the appropriate unit Chair, Director, or Dean of the College in which the assistant holds employment. They may also consult with the Dean of the Graduate School concerning their rights and responsibilities. They will also be provided with an opportunity to be heard before the University's Senate Advisory Committee on Privilege and Tenure.
Lyman T. Johnson Academic Year Fellowships
Students cannot apply. The College of Public Health is a full participant in this program, so eligible students will be nominated by the MPH Director of Graduate Studies. Applicants must be:
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Contribute to the University of Kentucky's compelling interest in diversity
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Be a first generation college student
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Gain admittance to the Graduate School in a degree-granting program; post-baccalaureate students are not eligible.
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Offered matching funds, either a TA, RA, GA or fellowship, from the graduate program, the department or the college up to $15,000 a year. The department or college must also match one-half the tuition and student health insurance. The optimum matching arrangement for the student is 50 percent funding from the program and 50 percent funding from the Graduate School during the same year.
Other Scholarships
ASPS/CDC Environmental Health Scholarship Program 2009 (pdf format)
Doctor of Public Health Tuition Scholarship
Any Dr.P.H. student who enrolls in a minimum of 12 credit hours is eligible to be considered for a partial tuition scholarship. The amount of the scholarship will vary by semester and will be dependent on annual available resources and the number of eligible students.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UK in Lexington DONOVAN SCHOLARSHIP IN GERONTOLOGY
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UK Donovan Scholarship in Gerontology was established on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Donovan Scholars Program. Since 1991, deserving graduate and undergraduate scholars have received scholarships to enable them to continue their studies and to pursue a career in geriatrics/gerontology. The annual amount of the scholarship depends upon the interest earned by the Donovan Scholarship in Gerontology fund. Generally, $1,000 per semester is available for three to four scholarship recipients.
To apply, visit OLLI website. Send your application to the OLLI at UK Donovan Scholarship in Gerontology, 658 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40506-0442 no later than March 15. For additional information call (859) 257-2656 or e-mail.
Student Enhancement and Academic Excellence Scholarships
Limited resources are available for these scholarships, and students will be notified to submit applications. Selection of recipients will made by a sub committee of the Admissions and Student Affairs Committee.
Kentucky Graduate Scholarship
All new non-resident students (both domestic and international) enrolled in a University of Kentucky graduate degree program (including the Master of Public Health) are eligible for tuition scholarships based on prior academic performance. These Kentucky Graduate Scholarship (KGS) awards, which cover the standard out-of-state graduate tuition rate, allow the awardees to attend the University at the in-state tuition rate.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have achieved a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25 on all undergraduate work and on any prior graduate work.
All non-resident applicants for admission to the University of Kentucky Graduate School will be automatically considered for this award; no separate scholarship application is required. Scholarship eligibility will be determined at the point of the applicant's acceptance into the Graduate School, and no prior assessment of an applicant's eligibility will be provided. All awardees will receive confirmation of the award by mail at the time of acceptance to the Graduate School. In cases where the student's grades are not based on a 4.00 scale, the Dean of the Graduate School establishes guidelines for the determination of scholarship eligibility. Once enrolled, awardees must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher; should the GPA fall below 3.00 the KGS award is lost permanently. For more information Kentucky Graduate Scholarship website.
Other Financial Aid
The UK Office of Financial Aid processes federal loan and scholarship applications. For specific information please consult the Financial Aid office.
To view the answer please click on the question.
Q. What financial aid/assistantships are available?
The MPH and PhD are graduate degrees so assistantships and fellowships are available through the guidelines set out by the Graduate School. A link to the Graduate School website is available under the Admissions section of this site. Though assistantships cannot be guaranteed prior to matriculaion, students are notified, as they are known, of the several assistantships that are available through faculty with research grants. Students in the Dr.P.H. also have access to fellowships and limited scholarship resources. In addition, all public health students may apply for federal financial aid to supplement institutional aid.
Q. How long does it take to complete a M.P.H.? A Dr.PH?
A fulltime student can expect to complete the MPH in 4 semesters and a summer session. Fulltime Dr.P.H. students can expect to complete the curriculum in 3 years. To complete the PhD takes a minimum of 3 years.
Q. What are the GRE requirements? Can the requirement be waived?
Admissions policies do not list a minimum GRE score. The Admissions Committees consider the strength of the application by looking at all components – GPA, Personal Statement, References, work and life experiences, GRE scores, etc. All GRE scores submitted, for any of the programs, must have been taken within 5 years of the application deadline for the planned semester of entry. In some instances GMAT may be acceptable in lieu of the GRE, depending on the area of public health concentration selected. GRE scores may be waived for Dr.P.H. applicants with advanced degrees, i.e., MD, DMD, PhD, Pharm D. The GRE requirement will be waived for MPH applicants who have completed any of the following advanced degree programs - Ph.D, M.D., D.M.D, D.D.S., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.O., D.N.P., D.Sc. Also, the results of the MCAT can be used for MPH applicants who are considered for the existing MD/MPH combined degree program.
Q. When can I expect a decision on my application?
The application deadline for thethe Dr.P.H. and Ph.D. in Gerontology is February 1 and March 1 for the MPH fall entering classes. The Admissions Committees will review applications periodically and as they are completed. Applicants should be aware that each program has limited enrollment. Therefore, the committees will stop admitting and create an alternate list once the classes are full. Early completion of the application is strongly recommended.
Q. Can I transfer credits from other institutions?
Applicants to the MPH can transfer up to a maximum of 9 credit hours from other institutions or from post baccalaureate status. Copies of appropriate course descriptions/syllabi must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies to determine if courses from other institutions meet program requirements. In general, a maximum of 12 credits from other institutions can be transferred toward completion of the Dr.P.H. degree. However, only credit hours that did not count toward another degree can be transferred.
Q. Is there opportunity for students to complete courses through distance learning?
At this time, distance learning methods for the public health curricula are in the developmental stage. On-line courses and availability of core courses at affiliated universities are being planned. Late afternoon and evening courses are available for those who are part-time and/or commuting students.
Q. What career opportunities are available to those who hold degrees in public health?
Public Health is a very broad and exciting field. Anyone who has, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree and a sincere interest in public health issues can find an area of public health that is consistent with her/his background and career goals. Public Health professionals work in county, state, and federal public health facilities, community organizations, colleges and universities, private industry, Center for Disease Control, health care organizations, and many other venues. For more specific careers in public health, visit the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) through the “Public Health Links” available at this website. www.asph.org
Q. May I visit the University of Kentucky college of Public Health to discuss my specific career goals and academic preparation?
We strongly encourage that applicants and potential applicants meet with someone in the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs to get information and clarification regarding their specific situation. Also, with appropriate notice, we will make arrangements for you to meet with a student(s) and/or faculty member, at your request. Appointments can be made by calling (859) 218-2096.
Q. Are there joint degree programs available?
Students who have been accepted to the UK College of Medicine may apply for a combined MD/MPH degree . We also offer combined PharmD/MPH degree, for more information contact Laverne R. Carter, Director of Admissions , 859-218-2066.
Q. Is there an international health area of concentration?
At this time, we have 5 areas of concentration, and none are in international health. International health issues are considered across the curriculum and there are limited opportunities for international travel, but students desiring an emphasis in international health should look closely at the course descriptions provided at this website to determine if the College’s curriculum effectively addresses their career goals.
Student Organizations
The University of Kentucky College of Public Health, an institution that admitted the first MPH and Dr.P.H. students in the 2000-2001 academic year, actively solicits student input as academic and student policies and procedures are developed. Students serve as full voting members on all standing and ad hoc committees and are encouraged to participate fully in school decision-making. Prospective students who wish to play a significant role in influencing their academic programs and in experiencing a unique relationship with faculty and peers should consider the exceptional opportunities offered by the University of Kentucky, College of Public Health. For more information contact: UKCPH, 121 Washington Avenue, Suite 120, Lexington, KY 40536. Phone: 859-218-2096. Email: ukcph@uky.edu
CDC Resources For Public Health Students
Delta Omega-Beta Gamma Chapter
Delta Omega is the honorary society for graduate students in public health. The Society was founded in 1924 at Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health. There are currently 48 chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The national office is located at Association of School of Public Health. The Delta Omega - Beta Gamma Chapter at the University of Kentucky, was formed at UK College of Public Health on February 10, 2006 to encourage and recognize excellence in practice, research, education and academic achievement in the field of public health.
University of Kentucky Academy Health Student Chapter
AcademyHealth is an organization for health services researchers, health economists, policy analysts, and practitioners. University of Kentucky Academy Health Student Chapter was formed at U.K. on September 6, 2007 to provide career services, networking, and mentoring opportunities for students interested in the field.
The University of Kentucky Chapter of Sigma Phi Omega
Sigma Phi Omega is the national academic and professional honor society that recognizes those who excel in gerontological and aging research, as well as professionals in aging services. Gamma Mu, the University of Kentucky chapter of Sigma Phi Omega, seeks to promote scholarship, professionalism, friendship, and services to older persons, and to recognize exemplary attainment in gerontology/aging studies and related fields.
University of Kentucky Health Occupation Professionals for Equality (UK HOPE)
UK Health Occupation Professionals for Equality (UK HOPE) is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) advocacy group for health professional students, faculty, and staff of the University of Kentucky medical campus. UK HOPE was founded in the fall of 2008 and attracts a diverse membership of LGBT students, faculty, staff, and their allies. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is not a prerequisite to join. In fact, many of our members are not LGBT. The only requirement is a desire to promote equality for LGBT people.
University of Kentucky Student Public Health Association (UKSPHA)
The University of Kentucky Student Public Health Association (UKSPHA) at the University of Kentucky, a student affiliate of the Kentucky Public Health Association, is a nonprofit organization for students in the University of Kentucky College of Public Health and other individuals interested in public health. The Organization was founded on September 21, 2000. The student chapter consists of an executive board of elected officials including elected committee chairs for membership, public service, fundraising, and communication.
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