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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 (MPH), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Science in Clinical Research Design (M.S.), PhD in Gerontology, PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics or professional degree program Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). In addition we also offer joint degree programs MD/MPH and PharmD/MPH.

Why the University of Kentucky for Your Public Health Training?

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The opportunity to study with faculty who generate millions in collaborative research each fiscal year.

  • The opportunity to study on a comprehensive health sciences campus, that also includes Colleges of Dentistry, Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.

  • The opportunity to live and study in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States, the bluegrass region of central Kentucky.

More Information:

Information Request Form
Program brochures

Contact Information

Office of Admissions & Student Affairs
111 Washington Avenue
Lexington, KY 40536-0003
Phone: 859-218-2096
Email: ukcph@uky.edu

Laverne R. Carter
Director of Admissions
859-218-2066

Marilyn E. Underwood
Director of Student Affairs
859-218-2064

Andrea Perkins
Administrative Assistant
859-218-2096


Link to Schools of Public Health Application Service Link to UK Graduate School Admissions

 

Centralized Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS)Link to Centralized Schools of Public Health Application Service

Students applying to the Master of Public Health, the Master of Health Administration, the Doctor of Public Health, and the PhD 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 PhD in Gerontology, and the PhD 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 (MHA)

The MHA 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

  1. Domestic application deadline is May 31.

  2. Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75, minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0.

  3. 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).

  4. 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 (MPH)

The MPH 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

  1. Application deadline: Domestic students is April 1.

  2. Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75, minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0.

  3. 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).

  4. 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. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by WES or similar institution.

  5. GRE scores are waived for applicants who have completed any of the following degrees earned from a U.S. institution - Ph.D, MD, D.M.D, DDS, PharmD, DVM, DO, DNP, DSc 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 (MD, 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. 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.

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 the majority of successful applicants will scores in the 50th percentile range.

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 (DrPH)

The DrPH is a terminal professional degree preparing graduates for public health senior leadership positions. To be eligible for admission to the DrPH 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

  1. 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.

  2. Minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0.

  3. Official GRE scores or equivalent professional exam. Official TOEFL scores (International students only).

  4. A minimum of three years of significant public health or other appropriate work experience is strongly recommended.

  5. A formal interview will college faculty will be arranged for each applicant.

  6. Applicants do not apply to the University of Kentucky Graduate School.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIOSTATISTICS (PhD EPB)

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 PhD 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

  1. Application deadline: Domestic students is February 1. The PhD EPB program does not admit students for the Spring or Summer semesters.

  2. 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.

  3. GRE scores – There is no rigid cutoff score. However, we anticipate the majority of successful applicants will score above the 50th percentile.

  4. 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).

  5. 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.

  6. In addition to submitting all materials to SOPHAS, please send a cover letter and statement of purpose to:
    Dr. Wayne Sanderson
    Interim Director of Graduate Studies
    College of Public Health
    111 Washington Ave.
    Lexington, KY 40536-0003
    Phone (859) 218-2227
    Fax (859) 257-8811
     
  7. 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 PhD 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 (MHA)

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 (MPH)

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 MPH 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 Competencies 

The 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

  1. Assess population-based health problems from the perspective of multiple public health science disciplines.
  2. Propose potential solutions to public health problems based on an understanding of systems theory, essential services, and social, behavioral, environmental, and biological factors that contribute to the problem.
  3. Identify basic theories, concepts and models from a range of social and behavioral disciplines that are used in public health research and practice.
  4. Identify the causes of social and behavioral factors that affect health of individuals and populations.
  5. Identify the main components and issues of the organization, financing, and delivery of health services and public health systems in the U.S.
  6. Apply the principles of planning, staffing, managing and evaluation in organizational and community initiatives.
  7. Apply quality and performance improvement concepts to organizational performance.
  8. Explain the importance of epidemiology for informing scientific, ethical, economic and political discussion of health issues.
  9. Use basic terminology and definitions of epidemiology.
  10. Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic purposes.
  11.  Calculate basic epidemiologic measures and draw appropriate inferences.
  12. Describe the federal and state regulatory programs, guidelines, and authorities that control public health.
  13. Describe the genetic, physiologic, and psychosocial factors that affect susceptibility to adverse health outcomes following exposure to environmental hazards.
  14. Explain approaches for assessing, preventing, and controlling environmental hazards that pose risks to human health and safety.
  15. Describe basic concepts of probability, random variation, and commonly used statistical probability distributions.
  16. Apply and interpret common statistical methods for inference.
  17. Recognize the assumptions and limitations of common statistical methods and choose appropriate approaches for analysis.

Cross-Cutting Competencies

  1. Organize and deliver effective written and verbal communications about public health activities using appropriate communication strategies to professionals, labor, industry, the general public and the media.
  2. Use evidence based principles and scientific knowledge effectively when involved in evaluation and decision-making in public health.
  3. Manage potential conflicts of interest encountered by practitioners, researchers, and organizations.
  4. Collaborate in interprofessional partnerships to implement organizational initiatives at the individual, organizational, and community level.
  5.  Apply ethical principles to public health program planning, implementation and evaluation.

 MPH Concentration-Specific Competencies

Departments 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

  1. Utilize a basic planning framework (Precede Proceed) and demonstrate proficiency in applying this to theories, concepts and models used for intervention at the individual-level, the community-level, and the societal-level.
  2. Utilize qualitative and quantitative methods to identify disparate health outcomes and develop culturally relevant strategies for preventing and/or eliminating them.
  3. Demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and critical reasoning needed for health promotion research and practice, and describe the “nested nature” of public health behavior problems and programs.
  4. Assess the effectiveness of an existing program through the application of evidence-based approaches as they pertain to the development and evaluation of social and behavioral science interventions.

Epidemiology

  1. Assess public health problems in terms of magnitude, person, time and place.
  2. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiologic reports.
  3. Identify basic ethical and legal principles pertaining to the collection, maintenance, use and dissemination of epidemiologic data.
  4. Identify the principles and limitations of public health screening programs.

Health Services Management

  1. Organize the work environment with defined lines of responsibility, authority, communication, and governance.
  2. Evaluate organizational performance and outcomes in relation to the organization’s policies, goals, and objectives
  3. Select appropriate principles of budgeting and financial management to apply to the operation of public health organizations and agencies.
  4. Design action plans for building public and political support for programs and policies.
  5. Implement strategic planning processes.

Environmental Health

  1. Prepare small scale studies that evaluate interventions that reduce occupational and environmental risks to targeted populations.
  2. Critique scientific literature in occupational and environmental health to determine its relevance to advancing practice-based strategies that reduce threats from environmental and occupational hazards.
  3. Propose engineering, educational, policy and enforcement strategies that reduce occupational and environmental health risks in populations.
  4. Summarize the role of policy, regulation and enforcement to prevent, modify and remove environmental and occupational hazards and risks.
  5. Construct working groups and teams from different backgrounds to improve the public’s health when threatened by environmental and occupational health hazards.

Biostatistics  

  1. Apply the basic concepts of probability, random variation, and commonly used probability distributions.
  2. Apply and interpret common univariate and multivariate statistical methods for inference.
  3. Recognize the assumptions and limitations of common statistical methods and choose appropriate approaches for analysis.
  4. Develop written and oral presentations based on statistical analyses for both public health professionals and educated lay audiences.

Gerontology

  1. Identify basic theories, concepts and models of aging and human development over the course of life.
  2. Analyze the implications of the interrelationships between demography, societal change, and the health of aging populations.
  3. Assess historical, social, cultural, environmental, and social justice influences on the status and health of older adult populations.
  4. Communicate effectively gerontological information to public and professional audiences.
  5. Apply evidence–based approaches in the ethical development and evaluation of public health-related programs for older adults.

 

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 (DrPH)

The DrPH 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 DrPH 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 MPH 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 DrPH 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 DrPH Program.]

Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (PhD EPB)

 

Background on program

The PhD 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 program

Students 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 research

Breheny, Patrick (PhD, Iowa, 2009), assistant professor of biostatistics (joint appt in statistics): analysis of high-dimensional data; penalized regression; computational statistics; visualization; genomics.

Browning, Steve (PhD, UNC, 1994), assistant professor of epidemiology: injury, occupational, and environmental epidemiology; cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease; epidemiologic methods.

Bush, Heather (PhD, Kentucky, 2006), assistant professor of biostatistics: patient registries; longitudinal and/or correlated data structures; applications in women's health and injury prevention.

Caldwell, Glyn (MD, Missouri, 1966), assistant professor of epidemiology: infectious disease, cancer, environmental health and radiation epidemiology.

Charnigo, Richard (PhD, CWRU, 2003), associate professor of biostatistics (joint appt in statistics): mixture modeling; nonparametric regression; applications to cardiology, psychology, engineering, and public health.

Fardo, David (PhD, 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 (PhD, 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 (PhD, 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 (PhD, 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 (PhD, Kentucky, 1997), assistant professor of biostatistics: data management and biostatistical analysis.

Tucker, Thomas (PhD, 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 (DrPH, Kentucky, 2008), assistant professor of epidemiology: violence prevention, developing statewide surveillance and reporting systems, and system evaluation.

 

Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology (PhD)

The Graduate Center for Gerontology has a University-wide mission and works 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 website. 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.

PhD Curriculum Requirements

The curriculum of the Gerontology PhD degree consists of a minimum of 43 hours of course work and subsequent research credit within a program of study that involves six 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,
  • grounding in public health concepts
  • 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 led 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.

Photo of Intertantional representation at UKCPHRecognizing 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

Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by WES or similar institution.

Tuition

2012 – 2013 Tuition   Semester Credit Hour

The Graduate School

Resident

$5,229

$552
  • Master of Health Administration
  • Master of Public Health
  • PhD

Non Resident

$10,773

$1,168

Professional Doctoral

Resident

$6,817

$728
  • Doctor of Public Health

Non Resident

$14,878

$1,624

Mandatory Fees 2012 – 2013

  • $533 Full time per semester
  • $30.00 Part Time per-credit-hour

Graduate Assistantship, Scholarship, & Fellowship Opportunities

The College of Public Health in conjunction with the Graduate School has a limited number of assistantships, scholarships, and fellowship opportunities for the academic year.

To be eligible for any opportunities offered by the College please answer Yes as indicated on the financial assistance portion of your SOPHAS application. Questions should be directed to Marilyn Underwood via email or 859-218-2064.

Information about the Donovan Scholarship in Gerontology can be found here.

For information concerning opportunities offered by the Graduate School, please visit, http://www.gradschool.uky.edu/StudentFunding/funding.html.

 

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 matriculation, students are notified, as they are known, of the several assistantships that are available through faculty with research grants. Students in the DrPH 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 MPH, a DrPH or a PhD?

A full-time student can expect to complete the MPH in 4 semesters and a summer session. Full-time DrPH 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?

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 MD, DMD, DDS, PharmD, DVM, DO, DNP, DSc, or PhD

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 DrPH 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 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, 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.

 

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Student Organizations

The University of Kentucky College of Public Health, an institution that admitted the first MPH and DrPH 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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