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We’re pleased that you’re considering the University of Kentucky College of Public Health for your graduate degree programs. The U.S. News & World Report ranks us as a Top 25 School of Public Health. We offer a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.), Master of Science in Clinical Research Design (M.S.), Ph.D. in Gerontology, Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics or professional degree program Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.). In addition we also offer joint degree programs MD/MPH and PharmD/MPH. Why the University of Kentucky for Your Public Health Training?
Contacts Information
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Centralized Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS)
Students applying to the Master of Public Health, the Master of Health Administration, the Doctor of Public Health, and the Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 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) 218-2096.
A special note:The Master of Public Health, Master of Health Administration, the Ph.D. in Gerontology, and the Ph.D. in Epidemiology 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, therefore requires an application through SOPHAS only.
MASTER OF HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (M.H.A.)
The M.H.A. degree program is designed to provide graduate level education to individuals who, after appropriate managerial experience, are capable of assuming senior leadership positions in a variety of health services provider organizations. Examples include hospitals, community health centers, government and other public sector providers, the health insurance industry sector, home health agencies, hospitals, long-term care and mental health providers. An applicant must have a bachelor’s degree to be considered for admission to the program. Prerequisite requirements are courses in basic accounting and basic economics.
Admissions
Application deadline is June 30.
Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75, minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0.
Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), showing verbal and quantitative scores at the 50 percentile or better. Official TOEFL scores (International students only).
Applicants must also submit a supplemental application to the University of Kentucky Graduate School, applications may be submitted on-line. Application deadline for International students March 15. Official GRE/GMAT, TOEFL scores and copies of official transcripts must be submitted 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.
MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH (M.P.H.)
The M.P.H. degree program 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
Application deadline: Domestic students is April 1.
Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75, minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0.
Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), showing verbal and quantitative scores at the 50 percentile or better. Official TOEFL scores (International students only).
Applicants must also submit a supplemental application to the University of Kentucky Graduate School, applications may be submitted on-line. Application deadline for International students March 15. Official GRE/GMAT, TOEFL scores and copies of official transcripts must be submitted 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.
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.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL RESEARCH DESIGN (apply online at the UK Graduate School)
This program is designed to prepare practicing health care professionals and students pursuing a terminal degree (M.D., PharmD., or similar) to conduct population based research. The program is targeted to students who wish to enhance their translational research skills and increase their knowledge of population-based health and clinical trials. M.D.s 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. All credits earned for the certificate count toward the MS program as either a required or elective course.
Admissions
Students wishing to apply for admission to the MS program in Clinical Research Design should proceed as follows:
- Follow all of the Graduate School’s instructions to apply online at the University of Kentucky Graduate School. Please note that the program has its own earlier deadline of May 15 for Domestic students and May 1 for International students, preceding the Fall semester in which the applicant hopes to begin graduate work.
- In addition, please send the following materials directly to:
Dr. David Mannino
Director of Graduate Studies
College of Public Health
Suite 214, 111 Washington Avenue
Lexington, KY- 40536-0003
Phone: 859-218-2100
Fax: 859-257-9862
a. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts -- These should be sealed and sent directly from the registrar’s office at the 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 score. 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 -- All three letters should be current, written within the last calendar year.
e. One Page Statement of purpose -- Describe career and research interests, along with qualifications for study in this program.
Again, the application deadline is May 15 for Domestic students and International students is May 1, preceding the Fall semester in which the applicant hopes to begin graduate work. Ordinarily a decision about acceptance or rejection will be communicated to the student by June 15.
DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH (Dr.P.H.)
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 MPH curriculum. Those applications not meeting the preparation requirements will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Admissions
Application deadline is April 1. 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.
Minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0.
Official GRE scores or equivalent professional exam. Official TOEFL scores (International students only).
A minimum of three years of significant public health or other appropriate work experience is strongly recommended.
A formal interview will college faculty will be arranged for each applicant.
Applicants do not apply to the University of Kentucky Graduate School.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIOSTATISTICS (Ph.D. EPB)
The Ph.D. 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
Application deadline: Domestic students is February 1. The PhD EPB program does not admit students for the Spring or Summer semesters.
Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75, minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0. However, we anticipate that the majority of successful applicants will have GPAs between 3.25 and 4.00.
Official 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.
- Applicants must also submit a supplemental application to the University of Kentucky Graduate School, applications may be submitted on-line. Application deadline for International students February 1. Official GRE/GMAT, TOEFL scores and copies of official transcripts must be submitted 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.
- In addition to submitting all materials to SOPHAS, please send a cover letter and statement of purpose to:
Dr. Richard Charnigo
Director of Graduate Studies
College of Public Health
Suite 203, 725 Rose Street
Lexington, Ky 40536 -0082
Phone: 859-218-2072
Fax: 859-257-6430
- a. Statement of purpose -- Describe career and dissertation research interests, along with qualifications for study in this program.
b. 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.
c. 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. Please note, we cannot guarantee that all accepted students who want research assistantships will be offered them.
The US Department of Labor under the Bureau of Labor Statistics Report that the Top 10 Fastest Growing jobs requiring a masters or doctorate are Epidemiology and Epidemiology/Biostatistics. http://www.bls.gov/ces/
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, to be considered for entry during the Fall semester 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 (MHA) Program prepares graduates for positions in complex healthcare organizations that require management and strategic skills. The MHA program is led by faculty in the Dept. of Health Services Management and includes faculty from other UK colleges as well as the healthcare management practice community. The program is structured for full-time students, who can complete the required 54 credit hours in two years plus a full summer internship. Highly-qualified individuals who are working in local healthcare organizations are considered for admission on a part-time basis following a standardized course sequence. |
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
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In Spring 2011, the College conducted an extensive review of student assessment efforts including Core and Concentration-specific competencies for the MPH degree. As a result, CEPH approved and the College has adopted the following set of MPH Core and Concentration Competencies. |
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. MPH Core, Cross-Cutting and Discipline Specific CompetenciesThe MPH program faculty has identified competencies for the core curriculum instruction and related program assessment. All students are expected to have developed the following competencies upon completion of the MPH Program. Five Core courses and CPH 663
Cross-Cutting Competencies
MPH Concentration-Specific CompetenciesDepartments offering concentrations in the MPH program have identified competencies that students concentrating in that area are expected to have developed by program completion. These competencies go beyond the core competencies identified above that all students are expected to have attained. The concentration-specific competencies are the basis of both instruction and assessment. Health Behavior
Epidemiology
Health Services Management
Environmental Health
Biostatistics
Gerontology
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Master of Science in Clinical Research Design (MS)
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. All credits earned for the certificate count toward the MS program as either a required or elective course. |
Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)
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 to complete the program. The program is designed to accommodate non-traditional, working, and part-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 (Ph.D. EPB)
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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. The US Department of Labor under the Bureau of Labor Statistics Report that the Top 10 Fastest Growing jobs requiring a masters or doctorate are Epidemiology and Epidemiology/Biostatistics. http://www.bls.gov/ces/ 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 researchBreheny, 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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The Graduate Center for Gerontology has a University-wide mission and currently supports over 30 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. Click here for the quick fact sheet (pdf format). 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.
Official TOEFL or IELTS scores - All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit one of these scores directly from the testing service. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based) 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Submitted scores must be no more than two years old.
For application to the Graduate School website.
For information about issues common to international students, please consult the Office of International Affairs.
University of Kentucky Graduate School code - R1837
GRE DI Code -1837
Tuition
Scholarship, Fellowship, Assistantship documents
- Application for Financial Assistance (pdf format)
2011-2012 Tuition |
Semester |
Credit Hour |
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The Graduate School |
Resident |
$ 4,933 |
$519 |
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Non Resident |
$ 10,163 |
$1,100 |
Professional Doctoral |
Resident |
$ 6,431 |
$686 |
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Non Resident |
$14,036 |
$1,531 |
Mandatory Fees 2011-2012
- $503 Full time per semester
- $26.50 Part Time per-credit-hour
Graduate Assistantship, Scholarship, & Fellowship Opportunities
Many assistantship, scholarship, and fellowship opportunities are available through the University of Kentucky Graduate School and the University of Kentucky College of Public Health for students enrolled and seeking a degree in one of our many graduate departments. These opportunities each have different purposes and eligibility criteria, so you should read through the information associated with each award carefully.
Many opportunities are DGS–nominated, which means your Director of Graduate Studies decides who from your department to nominate for the award. If you believe that you meet the criteria for an assistantship, fellowship, or scholarship and are interested in being nominated, please complete the Assistantship/Fellowship/Scholarship Application.
Questions regarding these DGS-nominated awards should be directed to Michelle Lineberry (michellelineberry@uky.edu; 859-218-2017).
Opportunities for which students can self nominate are also available. Students are encouraged to apply for these awards as well, and faculty and staff may be asked by students for letters of recommendation on their behalf.
Awards that include a tuition scholarship are subject to current tuition policies.
These links do not contain all potential funding sources. For more information visit http://www.gradschool.uky.edu/StudentFunding/funding.html.
- DGS-nominated
- Self-nominate
DGS-nominated Opportunities
*This opportunity is awarded through the University of Kentucky Graduate School. Since the Doctor of Public Health is a professional degree program rather than a graduate degree program, DrPH students are not eligible for this award.
Dissertation Year Fellowship*
For Currently Enrolled Graduate Students
Amount: $16,000, plus a tuition scholarship and health insurance
The Dissertation Year Fellowship is a 12-month award from July–June, as long as recipients are enrolled. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the potential to complete the dissertation during the award year.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- The qualifying examination must have been successfully completed on or before the fellowship deadline
- The candidate's record should give evidence of outstanding scholastic and scholarly achievement
- The candidate must include a brief prospectus of the dissertation research project approved by his/her advisory committee
- The candidate must be in residence at the University of Kentucky and devote full-time to dissertation research during the tenure of the fellowship
- Prior recipients of a Dissertation Year Fellowship are not eligible for a second award because the expectation is that students will defend their dissertation at the end of the fellowship year
- Students working on their second PhD or a professional doctorate cannot be nominated
- The candidate should demonstrate the potential to complete the dissertation during the award year
- Fellowship recipients will submit a brief report to the Graduate School after the first semester of the fellowship year that details progress made toward the dissertation
Lyman T. Johnson Awards*
Fellowships are available as matching awards for those applicants holding the equivalent of a half-time teaching or research assistantship in one of UK’s graduate programs. LTJ Fellowships, in combination with an assistantship, provide up to $15,000 a year for the student plus tuition and health insurance. Open to all qualified individuals, the Graduate School will match department contributions up to a maximum of $7,500 per year for stipends. Students must be nominated by their graduate programs. Awards are competitive and made on the basis of GPA, GRE or GMAT scores and letters of recommendation.
Master's students are potentially eligible for two years of funding and doctoral students are potentially eligible for three years of funding, based on availability of funds. The maximum eligibility for the LTJ fellowship is three years for any student. The Graduate School does not match departmental funding for May through August.
Criteria for Eligibility:
New students must be admitted to the Graduate School and continuing students must maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher. However, consideration will be given to applicants who:
- contribute to the University of Kentucky's compelling interest in diversity or,
- first generation college students
Presidential Graduate Fellowship*
For Currently Enrolled Graduate Students
Amount: $15,000, plus a tuition scholarship and student health insurance
Presidential Fellowships are available for continuing students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit and research capabilities in their field of study. Students enrolling for their first term of study in the fall semester are not eligible for this fellowship. Students who are currently supported or have been previously supported by the Dissertation Year Fellowship are also not eligible for this fellowship.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Currently enrolled in a UK graduate program
- Graduate grade point average of 3.7 or above on any previous graduate work
Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati UK Alumni Club Fellowship*
For First Year or Continuing Graduate Students
Amount: $5,000, plus a tuition scholarship and student health insurance for one term
Endowed by a gift from the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati UK Alumni Club, this fellowship will be given to support a full-time, degree seeking graduate student who is a resident of Northern Kentucky or the greater Cincinnati area*. The student may choose to receive the fellowship in the fall term or the spring term.
* Graduated from a high school, or home-schooled, in the club area, specifically: Kentucky counties of Boone, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, and Kenton; and Ohio counties of Hamilton, Clermont, and a portion of Butler County (which includes the geographic area comprised of Zip Codes 45014,45025,45026, 45061 and 45071).
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above
- Graduate grade point average of 3.2 or above on any previous graduate work
- Northern Kentucky or greater Cincinnati area residency as defined above
James Still Fellowship for Graduate Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences*
For First Year Graduate Students
Amount: $15,000, plus a tuition scholarship and student health insurance
Endowed by a gift from the Bingham Fund and named to honor author James Still, the James Still Fellowship is available for graduate study in the humanities and social sciences at the University of Kentucky for an entering graduate student who graduated from a high school in the Appalachian region. Eligible programs include: Accounting, Art Education, Agricultural Economics, Art History, Anthropology, Art Studio, Business Administration, Classics, Communication, Diplomacy, Economics, Administration & Supervision, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational & Counseling Psychology, Special Education, Vocational Education, English, Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation, Exercise Science, Family Studies, French, Geography, German, Health Administration, Interior Design, Hospitality & Dietetics Administration, Historic Preservation, History, Library Science, Public Administration, Merchandising Apparel & Textiles, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Sociology, Social Work, Hispanic Studies, and Theatre Arts. Non-traditional students and those with financial need (as demonstrated in the student statement) are encouraged to apply. The award is potentially renewable for a second year (Master's students) or for a total of three years (Doctoral students).
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Graduate from a high school in the Appalachian region (for a list of qualifying counties, please refer to the Appalachian Regional Commission website)
- Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above
- Graduate grade point average of 3.2 or above on any previous graduate work
Jeffrey Research Fellowship for Tobacco Research*
For First Year or Continuing Graduate Students
Amount: $15,000, plus a tuition scholarship and student health insurance
The Jeffrey Fellowship was established by Mrs. Helen Lasby Jeffrey in memory of her husband, Dr. Robert N. Jeffrey. The primary purpose of the Jeffrey program is to provide financial support to a graduate student engaged in research on tobacco at the University of Kentucky.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Active engagement in or specific proposal for research pertaining to tobacco or intend to commit to research pertaining to tobacco in fulfilling graduate degree
- Undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or above
- Graduate grade point average of 3.6 or above on any previous graduate work
Cralle Foundation/Joan Cralle Day Fellowship*
For First Year Graduate Students
Amount: $15,000, plus a tuition scholarship and student health insurance (for students in graduate school programs)
Endowed by a gift from the Cralle Foundation, named to honor Joan Cralle Day, the Cralle Foundation/Joan Cralle Day Fellowship is available for graduate or professional study at the University of Kentucky for an entering student who is a graduate of one of the 20 four-year independent colleges and universities in the Commonwealth affiliated with the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities. The eligible independent institutions are: Alice Lloyd College, Asbury College, Bellarmine University, Berea College, Brescia University, Campbellsville University, Centre College, Georgetown College, Kentucky Christian University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Lindsey Wilson College, Mid-Continent University, Midway College, Pikeville College, Spalding University, St. Catharine College, Thomas More College, Transylvania University, Union College, and University of the Cumberlands. Preference will be given to candidates graduating from Bellarmine College, Georgetown College, Lindsey Wilson College, or University of the Cumberlands.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Senior at a baccalaureate-granting institution.
- Undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or above
Daniel R. Reedy Quality Achievement Fellowship Award*
For First-Year Graduate Students
Amount: $3,000 per year as an add-on to a full assistantship or fellowship
The Daniel R. Reedy Quality Achievement Fellowship Awards are intended to enhance the competitive ability of UK programs to attract outstanding first-year graduate students. Awards are available to be used as “add-on” funding to supplement full fellowships or assistantships. The awards are potentially renewable for a second year for master's students or for a total of three years for doctoral students (students going from a master’s degree to a doctoral degree will be eligible for a second year renewal, but not a third). Reedy Quality Achievement Awards will be disbursed to the recipient’s student account as two lump sum payments, $1500 in August, and $1500 in January.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- 90th percentile or above on one portion of the GRE or GMAT
- Undergraduate grade point average of 3.5 or above
- Graduate grade point average of 3.5 or above on any previous graduate work at other institutions
- Must have the equivalent of either a full-time fellowship or full-time assistantship in order to receive this award
NOTE: Students who currently hold Daniel R. Reedy Quality Achievement Fellowship Awards should not be re-nominated. The Graduate School Funding Office will review students who are eligible for renewal and award accordingly, as long as the student continues to meet eligibility requirements, remains in good standing, and is making significant progress towards their degree.
Ezra Gillis Graduate Tuition Scholarship*
Beginning with fall 2009, newly admitted out-of-state master's and doctoral students may be eligible for the Ezra Gillis Graduate Tuition Scholarship. Awardees receive $2500 per semester (fall and spring only) up to a maximum of four semesters, if nominated by their Director of Graduate Studies. Gillis Scholarship recipients must be full-time students without other funding; thus, programs may utilize it for students who will not have assistantships or fellowships in their first or second year of study.
Gillis Scholarships are potentially renewable up to four terms. If the student maintains a 3.5 grade point average after the first year of study, the DGS can nominate the student for an additional year of support. Thus, this is a potentially renewable scholarship with a maximum award of $10,000, for both master's and doctoral students.
Academic Excellence Scholarship*
To qualify for the Academic Excellence Scholarship program, the applicant must be enrolled in the University of Kentucky College of Public Health for the current academic year (2 semesters). Minimum graduate/doctoral GPA for consideration is 3.0 (on a minimum of 12 credit hours). Minimum undergraduate GPA for those without graduate/doctoral grades to report is 3.0. In addition to GPA, applications for the Academic Excellence Scholarship are considered based on statement of public health career goals and aspirations.
Enhancement Scholarship*
Applicants for the Enhancement Scholarships are considered based on academic performance, leadership experience, extramural activities, awards and recognition, community service, and contribution to diversity including first-generation college students. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents or citizens of the United States.
Environmental Health Scholarship*
To qualify for the Environmental Health Scholarship, the applicant must be a MPH student either currently enrolled or qualified for admission into the College of Public Health. Research is supportive of air quality and/or environmental health. Consideration will be given to students with special interest in developing countries or whose native country is considered a developing nation.
Wiggs Scholarship
To qualify for the Wiggs Scholarship, the applicant must be a MPH or MD/MPH student and have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. The Wiggs Scholarship is renewable for two years provided the student maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition to GPA, applications for the Wiggs scholarship will be considered based on statement of experience overcoming personal and/or familial obstacles.
Graduate 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.
Self-Nominated Competitive Opportunities
*This opportunity is awarded through the University of Kentucky Graduate School. Since the Doctor of Public Health is a professional degree program rather than a graduate degree program, DrPH students are not eligible for this award.
University of Kentucky Woman’s Club Endowed Fellowship*
For Currently Enrolled Graduate Students
Amount: $2,000
Students are invited to apply for a fellowship offered by the University of Kentucky Woman’s Club, in conjunction with the Graduate School. These awards are made possible by generous donations from UK Woman’s Club members as well as support from the Research Challenge Trust Fund. Preference is given to female candidates age 30 or over who are underrepresented in their field of study. Selection is based on both academic achievement and financial need.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Currently enrolled, full-time or part-time Ph.D., Ed.D., D.M.A., or D.S. students; professional degree students are not eligible
- Successful completion of qualifying exam by nomination deadline
- Kentucky residency
- Graduate grade point average of 3.2 or above
Nomination Packet Documents Required (to be submitted either with the original nomination form or as an email attachment sent to grad.fellowships@uky.edu):
- Nomination form
- Two letters of recommendation
- The student’s curriculum vitae
- 2-page student statement, including information about area of concentration within field of study, obstacles overcome, aspirations, personal characteristics, and how the candidate might benefit from this fellowship
University of Kentucky Woman’s Club Fellowship Application Form
Association of Emeriti Faculty Endowed Fellowships*
For Currently Enrolled Graduate Students
Amount: $2,000
Applications are invited to apply for fellowships offered by the University of Kentucky Association of Emeriti Faculty, in conjunction with the Graduate School. These awards are made possible by generous donations from UK emeriti faculty members as well as support from the Research Challenge Trust Fund. These fellowships express the commitment of emeriti faculty to the preparation of outstanding future college and university teachers.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- Currently enrolled, full-time, fully admitted Ph.D., Ed.D., D.M.A., or D.S. students
- At least two semesters completed in current Graduate School academic program
- Preparing for career in college/university teaching
Nomination Packet Documents Required (to be submitted either with the original nomination form or as an email attachment sent to grad.fellowships@uky.edu):
- Nomination form
- Two letters of recommendation
- The student’s curriculum vitae
- 2-page student statement, including information about area of concentration within field of study, obstacles overcome, aspirations, personal characteristics, reasons for selecting a career in college teaching, and how a candidate might benefit from this fellowship.
Association of Emeriti Faculty Fellowship Application Form
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Minority Doctoral Scholars Program
Beginning with the 2009-10 academic year, new Southern Regional Education Board fellowships carry a combined stipend of $20,000 per year plus tuition at the standard graduate school rate, health insurance, and a stipend for research expenses. The awards are typically given for three to four years. Students should apply directly to SREB. Information is available in 203 Gillis Building or at www.sreb.org.
*only students with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency need apply*
For further assistance please contact Anna Allen-Edwards, Director of Multicultural Affairs, (859) 257-4555, come2uk@uky.edu.
Donovan Scholarship in Gerontology
The Donovan Scholarship in Gerontology was established on the 25th Anniversary of the Donovan Scholars Program. Since 1991, deserving graduate and undergraduate students have received scholarships to enable them to continue their studies and to pursue a career in the area of aging. The annual amount of the scholarship depends upon the interest earned by the Donovan Scholarship in Gerontology fund. In recent years, $2,000 per year has been available for each of the scholarship recipients.
To apply, visit Donovan Scholarship in Gerontology website. Your application to the Donovan Scholarship in Gerontology, 658 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40506-0442 must be received no later than March 16. For additional information call (859) 257-2657 or e-mail.
To view the answer please click on the question.
Q. What financial aid/assistantships are available?
The M.P.H. and Ph.D. 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 matriculation, 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.P.H. or a Ph.D.?
A full-time student can expect to complete the M.P.H. in 4 semesters and a summer session. Full-time Dr.P.H. students can expect to complete the curriculum in 3 years. To complete the Ph.D. takes a minimum of 3 years.
Q. What are the GRE requirements? Can the requirement be waived?
Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), showing verbal and quantitative scores at the 50 percentile or better. The Admissions Committee considers the strength of the application by looking at all components – GPA, Personal Statement, References, work and life experiences, GRE or GMAT scores, etc. All scores submitted, for any of the programs, must have been taken within 5 years of the application deadline for the planned semester of entry. The MCAT may be acceptable in lieu of the GRE or GMAT for the MPH program. Scores are not required for applicants with an M.D., D.M.D., D.D.S., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.O., D.N.P., D.Sc., or Ph.D.
Q. What are the University of Kentucky Graduate School & TOEFL Codes?
University of Kentucky Graduate School code - R1837
GRE DI code - 1837
Q. When can I expect a decision on my application?
The Admissions Committee will make a decision within two weeks of receiving a completed application. Applicants should be aware that each program has limited enrollment, therefore, early completion of the application is strongly recommended.
Q. Can I transfer credits from other institutions?
Applicants to most degree programs 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 Admissions 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 program can be transferred into any CPH program.
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 M.D./M.P.H. degree . We also offer combined Pharm.D./M.P.H. 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, an international health area of concentration is not available, but we do offer a Graduate Certificate in Global Health. International health issues are considered across the curriculum and there are limited opportunities for international travel. Students desiring an emphasis in international health should look closely at our course descriptions 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, 111 Washington Avenue, Suite 120, Lexington, KY 40536. Phone: 859-218-2096. E-mail: 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 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, fund-raising, and communication.
University of Kentucky Academy Health Student Chapter
Academy Health 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.
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