How to Apply to the Ph.D. Program in Health Services Research & Policy

Step 1: Complete an online application to the University of Georgia Graduate School.

Application materials submitted directly to the Graduate School (Domestic and International):

  • UGA Graduate School online application and application-processing fee ($75 Domestic / $100 International)
  • One unofficial transcript (official academic records for international applicants) from each institution of higher education attended. If accepted, UGA will require one official transcript to be sent. Do not mail official transcripts until offered admission.
  • 3 letters of recommendation. These letters must be submitted from practitioners (academic, industry, for-profit, non-profit, and government sector) who can reflect upon the applicant’s prior academic and professional performance. At least one from experts in academia. List the names of recommenders along with their e-mail addresses. They will receive a link to access a secure page where they can submit your recommendation quickly and easily via the Web.
  • [OPTIONAL] A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is not required, but is encouraged (GMAT scores may be substituted for GRE). **

International Applicants – additional information is required:

  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores** (if applicable – see country-specific requirements here for more information).
    • The minimum English proficiency scores required can be found on  the UGA Graduate School website. If prior academic experience in the U.S. illustrates that the student is proficient in English, this requirement may be waived with concurrence from the UGA Graduate School.
  • Certificate of Finances (COF) form
  • Financial Certification Statement and Visa Information

**Note: UGA institutional code for ETS reporting: 5813.

Step 2: Complete supplemental application materials for the Department of Health Policy & Management

  • A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé
  • A one-page statement on their career goals with a focus on the applicant’s research interests and how the PhD program will help in achieving these goals
  • Scholarly/academic writing sample

Short-listed applicants may be interviewed by departmental faculty members to ensure that the applicant will be a good fit with the ongoing research interests of the faculty members.


Please visit the following pages for detailed application information for our Department’s master’s and doctoral programs:

Have questions?

We encourage prospective students to reach out to our office for more information about the degree programs in the College of Public Health. Please contact the Janani Thapa at [email protected].