Frequently
Asked Questions
Q. What financial aid/assistantships are available?
The MPH and PhD are graduate degrees so assistantships and fellowships are available through the guidelines set out by the Graduate School. A link to the Graduate School website is available under the Admissions section of this site. Though assistantships cannot be guaranteed prior to matriculaion, students are notified, as they are known, of the several assistantships that are available through faculty with research grants. Students in the Dr.P.H. also have access to fellowships and limited scholarship resources. In addition, all public health students may apply for federal financial aid to supplement institutional aid.
Q. How long does it take to complete a M.P.H.? A Dr.PH?
A fulltime student can expect to
complete the MPH in 4 semesters and a summer session.
Fulltime Dr.P.H. students can expect to complete the
curriculum in 3 years. To complete the PhD takes a minimum
of 3 years.
Q. What are the GRE requirements? Can the requirement be
waived?
Admissions policies do not list a
minimum GRE score. The Admissions Committees consider the
strength of the application by looking at all components –
GPA, Personal Statement, References, work and life
experiences, GRE scores, etc. All GRE scores submitted, for
any of the programs, must have been taken within 5 years of
the application deadline for the planned semester of
entry. In some instances GMAT may be acceptable in lieu of
the GRE, depending on the area of public health
concentration selected. GRE scores may be waived for Dr.P.H.
applicants with advanced degrees, i.e., MD, DMD, PhD, Pharm
D. The GRE requirement will be waived for MPH applicants
who have completed any of the following advanced degree
programs - Ph.D, M.D., D.M.D, D.D.S., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.O.,
D.N.P., D.Sc. Also, the results of the MCAT can be used for
MPH applicants who are considered for the existing MD/MPH
combined degree program.
Q. When can I expect a decision on my application?
The application deadline for the MPH is
April 1 for the fall semester and March 1 for the Dr.P.H.
fall entering class, and February 1 for the Ph.D. in
Gerontology. The Admissions Committees will review
applications periodically and as they are completed.
Applicants should be aware that each program has limited
enrollment. Therefore, the committees will stop admitting
and create an alternate list once the classes are full.
Early completion of the application is strongly recommended.
Q. Can I transfer credits from other institutions?
Applicants to the MPH can transfer up to
a maximum of 9 credit hours from other institutions or from
post baccalaureate status. Copies of appropriate course
descriptions/syllabi must be submitted to the Director of
Graduate Studies to determine if courses from other
institutions meet program requirements. In general, a
maximum of 12 credits from other institutions can be
transferred toward completion of the Dr.P.H. degree.
However, only credit hours that did not count toward another
degree can be transferred.
Q. Is there opportunity for students to complete courses
through distance learning?
At this time, distance learning methods
for the public health curricula are in the developmental
stage. On-line courses and availability of core courses at
affiliated universities are being planned. Late afternoon
and evening courses are available for those who are
part-time and/or commuting students.
Q. What career opportunities are available to those who
hold degrees in public health?
Public Health is a very broad and
exciting field. Anyone who has, at a minimum, a bachelor’s
degree and a sincere interest in public health issues can
find an area of public health that is consistent with
her/his background and career goals. Public Health
professionals work in county, state, and federal public
health facilities, community organizations, colleges and
universities, private industry, Center for Disease Control,
health care organizations, and many other venues. For more
specific careers in public health, visit the Association of
Schools of Public Health (ASPH) through the “Public Health
Links” available at this website.
www.asph.org
Q. May I visit the University of Kentucky college of Public
Health to discuss my specific career goals and academic
preparation?
We strongly encourage that applicants
and potential applicants meet with someone in the Office of
Admissions and Student Affairs to get information and
clarification regarding their specific situation. Also,
with appropriate notice, we will make arrangements for you
to meet with a student(s) and/or faculty member, at your
request. Appointments can be made by calling (859)
218-2096.
Q. Are there joint degree programs available?
Presently, students who have been
accepted to the UK College of Medicine may apply for a
combined MD/MPH degree. Also, under consideration is a
proposal for a PharmD/MPH beginning in the 2008-2009
academic year. Combined degree programs with several other
professional and graduate degrees are anticipated in the
near future.
Q. Is there an international health area of concentration?
At this time, we have 5 areas of
concentration, and none are in international health.
International health issues are considered across the
curriculum and there are limited opportunities for
international travel, but students desiring an emphasis in
international health should look closely at the course
descriptions provided at this website to determine if the
College’s curriculum effectively addresses their career
goals.
