Social and Behavioral Sciences application instructions

Minimum Admission Requirements

The PhD in Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration adheres to the minimum standards set forth by the University of Florida Graduate School, including:

• A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4-point system) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework based on the semester system.
• A recognized baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution.
• International applicants: English proficiency exam with a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or a minimum IELTS score of 6. Visit the UF International Graduate Admissions website for a list of countries that are exempt from this requirement.
• Submission of all required application materials.

Application materials

All applicants must submit the following documents:

• UF graduate application
• Transcripts from prior institutions
  • International applicants should submit a WES evaluation in lieu of official transcripts
• Resume or CV
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• International applicants: TOEFL or IELTS scores

Application Instructions

1. Complete the Graduate School online application and pay the non-refundable $30 application fee.

• Under Program of Study select College of Public Health and Health Professions
• Then select Public Health Degree Name – Doctor of Philosophy
• Select Fall 20XX for the term (no other matriculation terms are available)
• Click “save” and under Additional Information for concentration select Social and Behavioral Sciences
• You may leave the Program Specialization and Department Contact name blank
• Please note:
  • Do not leave the self-reported GPA empty
  • Keep the username and password that you create in order to log in and edit your application

2. Arrange to have one set of official transcripts from each institution attended sent to the University of Florida (address listed below)

• All international applicants must submit a World Education Services (WES) evaluation in lieu of official transcripts

3. Arrange to have three Letters of Recommendation submitted.

4. Submit a one-page professional Statement of Purpose that outlines your career objectives and details how you believe the philosophy and focus of the program you have selected will help you achieve those goals. You should also indicate your research interests and faculty you are interested in working with. The statement of purpose should not be used to repeat information that is already available on your CV unless it helps to explain why you think our program is a fit for you. The statement should be no longer than one page, single spaced, 11 point font, 1 inch margins.

5. Submit a Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

6. International Students Only: Arrange to have official TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores submitted. The University of Florida’s TOEFL code is 5812.

Application decisions

Ph.D. faculty members evaluate and rank the applicants. Each evaluation focuses on academic achievement and the applicant’s overall potential for success. Following the initial review, applicants may be invited to participate in an interview. After the interviews, a decision will be made on each applicant.

Admitted students will receive a letter of offer detailing financial assistance and responsibilities on or after April 15.