Applications and Admissions

students

FALL 2025 Application PRIORITY Deadline is January 10

No GRE Required

Apply Here!

We continue to review applications submitted after January ​10 until the Fall class is complete.

However, for best consideration applications should be completed before January 10.

Completing applications before January 10 is especially important for applicants who want to be considered for assistantships, or fellowship opportunities.

Admissions

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­What do we look for in an applicant?

  • A strong academic background and public health or research relevant experience.
  • Interest in the social and behavioral sciences and their influence on health and health outcomes.
  • A master’s degree in public health or related field (such as psychology, sociology, gerontology, nursing, social work, allied health professions, and others)

For fullest consideration, all materials must be submitted to the Graduate School by January 10 for admission to the Fall semester.

  • This deadline is especially important for applicants who want to be considered for assistantships or fellowship opportunities.
  • Admissions occurs only once per academic year.

For further information, please consult the Student Handbook.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must complete an online application to the Graduate School. The minimum admission requirements for the program are as follows:

  1. A master’s degree in public health or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in all graduate work. Students who have not completed a master’s degree in public health may be required to take additional courses as determined by the Ph.D. Review Committee upon review of current CEPH requirements. Such courses will be specified at the time of admission into the program.
  2. GRE scores are optional. GRE scores, if submitted, are one of many factors considered when evaluating applications. GRE scores are highly recommended for applicants who do not have a strong record of relevant quantitative coursework.
  3. Non-native speakers of English that do not hold a degree from a US university must demonstrate English language proficiency. Please visit the Graduate School website for accepted standardized tests and minimum scores.
  4. All applicants are required to submit a personal statement explaining why they want to pursue the Ph.D. in their specific area of research at UNC Charlotte.
  5. In addition to the personal statement, a writing sample is required for all applicants applying to the Ph.D. program.
  6. Three letters of recommendation, including at least two letters from former professors familiar with the applicant’s graduate work. Exceptions should be discussed with the program director.
  7. A copy of transcripts from all prior universities or colleges. (note: official transcripts will be needed at the time of matriculation).
  8. Resume/CV

We look at an application in its entirety to determine a person’s strengths and relative fit to our program; availability of advisors, areas of research interest, and academic history are important considerations, as is research and public health practice work experience

The University Catalog, application forms and materials can be obtained from:

Graduate Admissions
UNC Charlotte
Cato 210

9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte NC 28223-0001
704‑687‑5503 (Phone)
704‑687‑3279 (Fax)

Contact

Ahmed A. Arif, PhD
Professor, Director of PhD Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences
Department of Epidemiology and Community Health
College of Health and Human Services
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28223
Phone: 704-687-8742