Application, admission, and degree-granting requirements and regulations shall be applied equitably to all individuals, applicants and students regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or national origin.
Certificate in Public Health
Certificate requirements
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, you must complete coursework in the five core areas of public health and earn a grade of “B” or better in your courses in order for the coursework to count toward the necessary hours for graduation. All public health courses require authorization before registering. Please call (317) 278-0337 to obtain authorization.
Admission criteria
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college.
- Minimum of one year of undergraduate mathematics (e.g. algebra, statistics, or finite math).
- Competent written and oral communication skills.
- Students meeting these requirements are not guaranteed admission. Other admission factors include references, work experience, the personal statement, and personal interview (if applicable).
Instructions
Application deadlines
Fall semester deadlines
U.S. applicants
- Application deadline for fall: July 1
- Application deadline for spring: November 1
International applicants
- Application deadline for fall: April 1
- Application deadline for spring: September 15
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Public Health may apply directly through the SOPHAS Express application. SOPHAS Express is meant to facilitate the collection of common application materials and general information.
Upon offer of admission, applicants will need to complete the IU Graduate CAS, a secondary application, by using the coupon code and link provided with the admission offer. The IU Graduate CAS application resembles the SOPHAS application. To apply, unofficial transcripts earned at bachelor's, master's, or doctorate-granting institutions must be uploaded.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GRE scores are not required for admission. To strengthen the application, GRE scores are strongly recommended if the cumulative GPA from all undergraduate institutions attended is below 3.0. Official GRE test scores taken within the past 5 years are acceptable. Applicants must submit GRE scores to SOPHAS Express.
The admission committee does not list expected minimum scores.
Personal statement
The personal statement should be up to 500 words in length and can be uploaded to the online application. In your own words, describe experiences that have shaped your interest in public health. Indicate why you are interested in the Graduate Certificate in Public Health.
Please also indicate why you feel our program would be an appropriate fit for your professional goals; both immediate and long term. In your personal statement, it is imperative that you cite your sources if you include any statements or quotes that are not your original thought. All personal statements will be submitted by the FSPH to turnitin.com to ensure originality and proper citation.
Résumé
Applicants must submit a résumé. For each position on the résumé, provide the job title, employing agency, dates employed, and responsibilities held. Indicate any additional strengths or skills such as fluency in foreign languages, research experience, teaching experience, community service, and demonstration of leadership skills. Include professional certifications, honors, and awards.
Your résumé should be mailed to the following address:
IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
Student Success and Admissions
Health Sciences Building RG 6016
1050 Wishard Blvd., Floor 6
Indianapolis IN 46202-2872
Transcript
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Your undergraduate cumulative GPA will be calculated based on all undergraduate transcripts. If you attended any Indiana University campus, you do not need to send transcripts for your IU credits.
Transcripts should be mailed to the following address:
IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
Student Success and Admissions
Health Sciences Building RG 6016
1050 Wishard Blvd., Floor 6
Indianapolis IN 46202-2872
Recommendations
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health program expects that at least three letters of recommendation will be submitted from professional sources that can provide an unbiased critical assessment of your abilities, skills, and strengths and weaknesses.
Examples of professional and academic sources are academic advisors, professors, preceptors, or immediate supervisors. Examples of sources that are not acceptable include coworkers, colleagues, classmates, and relatives.
Please note that all recommenders are required to provide an email address for online submission. If electronic submission is not possible, download a PDF version of the recommendation form.
Interview
At the discretion of the admissions committee, some applicants are invited for an interview.
International students
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Applicants who are not native English speakers or who received their bachelor’s degree outside the U.S. must submit official TOEFL scores or proof of English proficiency.
Scores can be sent to IU Indianapolis School code 1325 or mailed to:
IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
Health Sciences Building (RG)
1050 Wishard Blvd., Floor 6
Indianapolis IN 46202-2872
Applicants are required to submit official TOEFL scores from exams taken within the past two years. The following TOEFL score is expected of applicants to the MPH program:
- Internet based TOEFL: minimum score of 106
- Computer based TOEFL: minimum score of 263
- Paper based TOEFL: minimum score of 620
- IELTS: minimum score of 7
For more information on IU Indianapolis TOEFL requirements, review The Office of International Affairs section on English proficiency for graduate students. For more information about the TOEFL exam:
IU Indianapolis English Placement Test
International students who reside in the U.S. at the time of application must submit either TOEFL, ILETS or IU Indianapolis EAP (English for Academic Purposes) exam scores.
International applicants who do not reside in the U.S. at the time of application must submit their TOEFL or ILETS scores with their application and, if admitted to the certificate program, must also complete the EAP exam upon arrival to Indianapolis.
The USMLE and ECFMG do not fulfill the required proof of English proficiency when applying to the Certificate in Public Health program. Applicants who have passed the USMLE or ECFMG must also submit TOEFL, ILETS or EAP scores.
Apply now
We'll notify you by email once your application has been received. If you have questions about the application process, contact our office of student success at (317) 274-2000.