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Arnold School of Public Health

Physical Activity and Public Health

If you would like to apply to the Physical Activity and Public Health Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, you will need to submit your application through The Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS).

In Fall 2019, the Arnold School of Public Health launched our redesigned MPH programs to meet new accreditation criteria from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). 

Physical Activity and Public Health MPH applicants must apply through The Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS). Please visit SOPHAS for further details.  

Admissions Information

Special Note: Contact the program graduate director at [email protected] for permission before applying after the deadline date.

International applicants and applicants seeking a fellowship or graduate assistantship should apply early for consideration.


Admission Requirements

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in exercise science, kinesiology, biology, chemistry, pre-med, nutrition, health sciences, physiology, psychology, public health, physical therapy, medical doctor, from an accredited institution  
  • Academic prerequisites: Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher
  • GRE scores are not required but recommended
  • For international applicants, a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 80 internet-based, 230 computer-based, or 570 paper-based - or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Course Type 2 exam - minimum overall band score of 6.5.  This requirement may be waived for applicants that have earned a prior degree from a US institution.
     

Application Requirements

  • Resume or CV
  • Statement of Purpose and Objectives describing your academic interests, relevant work experiences, academic/professional goals and objectives which demonstrates a broad educational background that indicates public health interests and experiences in physical activity
  • At least three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources; at least one of these letters must be from an academic source.
  • Official transcripts from all schools or colleges previously attended
  • Non-US institution transcripts must be verified by World Education Services (WES) or equivalent evaluation service.  Please submit a comprehensive course-by-course evaluation (WES ICAP)
  • GRE scores are not required but recommended
    • Institution code: 0780 (U of South Carolina Sch Pub Hlth SOPHAS)
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for those whose native language is not English
    • TOEFL: Scores should be submitted electronically using the USC Institutional code: 5818
    • IELTS: Scores should be mailed directly to the USC Graduate School: 
      The Graduate School
      University of South Carolina
      1705 College Street, Suite 552
      Columbia, SC 29208

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