Frequently Asked Questions

RSPH is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. We are also a member of the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH), the only national organization representing the deans, faculty and students of the accredited member schools of public health.

What are the various master's and doctoral degree programs that you offer?

Students pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) are required to complete no less than 42 semester hours of credit and an applied practice experience.  Most students take four semesters to complete the MPH. However there are accelerated MPH programs in the Global Health, Health Policy and Management and Epidemiology departments.

Students pursuing a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) are required to complete 48 semester hours of credit and a required applied practice experience. The MSPH program is a four-semester program.

Students who have completed previous graduate level work must still meet all the degree requirements as described in the RSPH academic catalogue, including the full number of credit hours.

The MSPH is an academic degree designed for students who desire to specialize in methodology.  In general the MSPH programs are more research oriented and quantitatively based than the MPH programs.  As such MSPH programs tend to include extra research modules and more quantitatively based coursework.

Yes, Rollins offers four part-time online programs:

• MPH in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences (BSHES) 
• MPH in Global Environmental Health (GEH) 
• MPH in Global Health (GH) 
• MPH in Health Policy (HPM) 

Visit the Online Part-Time Program information page to learn more about program stucture, cost, and more.

If you have questions related to admissions, campus visits or recruitment, please contact us at:

Phone: 404.727.3956

Email: sphadmissions@emory.edu

Financial aid and merit scholarship inquiries will be accommodated accordingly:

• If you're a prospective applicant, current applicant, or admitted student and have general scholarship questions, contact the Office of Student Affairs at sphadmissions@emory.edu or 404-727-3956.
• If you are a finalist for a merit scholarship and have questions, please contact Emily Lakemaker, Director of Admissions and Recruitment at emily.lakemaker@emory.edu.
• If you are a merit award recipient and need info about award disbursement or financial aid, please contact Jena Black, Director of Academic Affairs and Enrollment Operations at jena.black@emory.edu or 404-727-8739.
• For financial aid, FAFSA, or direct loan questions, please contact Emory University’s Office of Financial Aid at finaid@emory.edu or 404-727-6039.

Other offices that may be helpful to you include:

Enrollment Services - 404-727-8739

Career Development - 404- 727-6482 or rsphcareerdev@emory.edu

We are happy to share more information with you about RSPH! Please visit the following page and introduce yourself to us: RSPH Inquiry Form.

We would love for you to experience our community first-hand. In order to arrange an individual visit, attend a admissions event, or to see where we will be on the road please visit our website.

The application deadline for MPH and MSPH admission is January 5. Applications that are completed by this deadline will receive priority consideration for merit scholarships. Applications will continue to be reviewed after this time on a space-available basis. 

We strongly encourage international applicants to submit their SOPHAS application no later than May 1 to guarantee your application will be reviewed for admission for the upcoming fall semester. International applicants may still expect their applications to be reviewed after May 1, however a recommendation of deferment to the following fall semester may be made.

RSPH uses what is known as a centralized application service. The particular service we use is called SOPHAS (Schools of Public Health Application Service). In order to apply, visit www.sophas.org to complete the application process. For a fee schedule and a list of SOPHAS frequently asked questions please click here. Once your application is complete SOPHAS will forward your file to us. You will be contacted upon receipt of your application. At that time, you will also have the opportunity to add one (1) additional program for admission consideration, so please select your first and second choice programs carefully.

Applicants may select up to two programs for consideration.  Select your top program on the SOPHAS application.  Once your application is received by Emory, you will be given instructions for selecting one additional program for consideration. The order of your program selections CANNOT be changed once submitted, so please select your first and second choice programs carefully.

Applicants are required to provide RSPH with the following items:

• Complete/Verified Application with SOPHAS
• Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (WES Evaluations required for all non-US transcripts and French Canadian transcripts)
• Two Evaluations (SOPHAS requires at least three evaluations, but once two have been received, SOPHAS will automatically submit your application to Rollins for review (if your application and all other admission materials have been completed and verified)).
• Standardized Test Scores The GRE is not required for admission to most of our academic programs and will not be considered as part of the application for admission. The department of Biostatistics offers a GRE optional policy. Students applying to BIOS can submit a GRE score for consideration. The GRE score must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission.
• Personal Statement (1,500 words or less, included with your application)
• Research/Work/Volunteer/Honors/Experience (included with your application)

No. Study-abroad work is generally listed on the primary school transcript.  If the grades and credits are not listed, a transcript from the study-abroad institution is required.

There are no quantifiable statistics comparing the competitiveness of the academic departments. Each academic department has its own eligibility requirements and selection criteria. Rollins selection process is holistic and depends on multiple variables. We strongly encourage applicants to apply to their first-choice department if they meet the prerequisite requirements. Following the selection of your first-choice department within your completed SOPHAS application, we will contact you with instructions to select one (1) additional program, in case you wish to be considered for admission to more than one academic department. Please refer to the preferred academic department(s) webpage to review the degree requirements to learn if you are a candidate for acceptance.

Individuals who are near completion of a baccalaureate (or higher) degree may apply during their final year and submit incomplete transcripts. However, an acceptance is not final until the applicant's final transcript, which clearly documents the completion of the degree, is received before Fall registration starts.

International students are also required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores with their application. Additionally, all international transcripts must be evaluated and verified by World Education Services (www.wes.org) and an official WES ICAP evaluation must be sent to SOPHAS. Upon being admitted into a program, international students will also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a financial verification form and a visa information form.

The TOEFL Institution Code for SOPHAS is 5688. Applicants who elect to take the IELTS should make this selection under the Standardized Tests section on the SOPHAS application, a new TRF Number field will appear for you to complete. To send official IELTS scores to SOPHAS, applicants must use a predetermined IELTS code. You can view received test scores under the Check Status tab in the application.  You may self-report scores on the SOPHAS application.

If the primary native language of your country of citizenship is not English you will be required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score report. In addition, if you were born internationally but are a permanent resident of the United States or you have completed a degree at a U.S. institution, you do not need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Students who are citizens of the following English-speaking countries are exempt from sending TOEFL or IELTS scores: Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

RSPH welcomes applications from students from a variety of fields. However, applicants must be able to articulate a strong interest in the area of public health. Furthermore, preference will be given to those students who have advanced training and applied experience in the field. Each department may also have specific qualifications or course work that it prefers.

RSPH prefers references from an undergraduate/graduate advisor, faculty in the major field of study and/or a recent employer. Professional colleagues are acceptable as a third reference, although those listed above are preferred.

The GRE is not required for admission to most of our academic programs and will not be considered as part of the application for admission. The department of Biostatistics offers a GRE optional policy. Students applying to BIOS can submit a GRE score for consideration. The GRE score must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission.

PLEASE NOTE—The GRE is not required for admission to most of our academic programs and will not be considered as part of the application for admission. The department of Biostatistics offers a GRE optional policy. Students applying to BIOS can submit a GRE score for consideration. The GRE score must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission.

Other than a minimum required TOEFL score (550 (paper); 213 (CBT); 79-80 (iBT)) and IELTS score (6-Overall) for international students, RSPH does not have standardized minimum requirements for acceptance into our programs.  A minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred; however, it is important to note that the GRE and/or GPA are evaluated in the context of the overall application. A variety of factors play into the success of an application.

The Institution Code for the Rollins School of Public Health is 4223. This code will forward your scores to SOPHAS and we will receive them as a part of your application.

RSPH will forward your application to the specified department for review upon receipt of an unofficial copy or fax of your test score report. However, all admissions decisions will remain provisional until official scores are received directly from the administering test service.

The GRE is not required for admission to most of our academic programs and will not be considered as part of the application for admission. The department of Biostatistics offers a GRE optional policy. Students applying to BIOS can submit a GRE score for consideration. The GRE score must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission.

Yes. Within the SOPHAS application, navigate to the "Additional Experiences" section. There is an area where applicants may write a 600-word description of any other relevant information not already expressed in other areas of the application, for the admissions committee to consider. 

In addition to applying to RSPH, MPH students interested in pursuing a dual degree must make a separate application to the respective school housing the other degree of choice. Acceptance into one degree program does not ensure acceptance into the other.  Both schools will require a separate application.  If you are admitted into RSPH and are not admitted to the other school, you may still enroll in our school.  All dual degree applicants should apply to RSPH through SOPHAS except internal MD/MPH students.  Internal MD/MPH students must apply through our RSPH web application.  All applicants who are currently pursuing professional degrees (MD, MSW, MSN, DVM, DDS, DMD, JD, MBA, Pharm.D, DO, MDiv, or MTS) in an institution external to Emory should apply through SOPHAS.

Internal MD/MPH students must apply through our RSPH web application.

All new applicants must apply for fall entry as RSPH does not accept spring applicants.

In order to defer your acceptance simply submit the Enrollment Decision Form indicating your intent to defer and pay your $600 enrollment deposit via check or online payment. Your seat in the next year's class cannot be held without the receipt of a tuition deposit. RSPH allows applicants to defer for one year.  After that time, if an applicant wishes to attend RSPH, he or she must complete the application process again.

The deferral deadline is May 15.

You must submit the deposit by this date in order to defer. Students who do not defer by the deadline will be required to reapply for enrollment in a future term. Deposits may be paid online through OPUS using a U.S. checking or savings account. Credit cards are accepted with a 3% convenience fee. The deposit payment will be credited toward your first semester's tuition.

Emory encourages all students to use the online payment option. In situations where a mailed payment cannot be avoided, please ensure your student ID is listed on the check, made payable to Emory University, and mail to:

Emory University
Attn: Student Accounts and Billing Office
200 Dowman Drive
101 B. Jones Center
Atlanta, GA 30322

Applicants wishing to apply for another term must complete the full application process with SOPHAS. SOPHAS does have a re-applicant process that carries some data from your past application into your new application. You can read about this process in the SOPHAS application instructions and FAQs. There will be no re-activation of student applications by RSPH.

In order to keep track of your application status you will need to sign into OPUS.  If you have not already obtained your Emory network ID and password please visit this website in order to do so. If you experience problems obtaining your log in credentials, please contact the RSPH Office of Admission at sphadmissions@emory.edu or 404-727-3956.

After you have obtained your login information, please visit www.opus.emory.edu and login. Once in OPUS you will be able to view any outstanding items required for your Emory application under the 'To Do List' link. Please log in periodically to check for required items and updates from offices such as admissions and financial aid.

Your decision status will also be updated in OPUS.  Only final 'admit' and 'decline' decisions can be viewed on this portal. If your file is waitlisted or redirected to your second or third choice department, you will receive an email from us notifying you of this action.

To access the online decision area:

• Login to O.P.U.S. at www.opus.emory.edu

The deadline for admitted students to provide a decision confirmation is April 15th. To ensure proper time is given to compare choices without undue pressure, this deadline date is used by the schools of public health and public health programs within the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). Click here to learn more.

Students admitted after April 15th (domestic and international students) will have 2 weeks to either deposit or defer.

To find your student ID number simply login to OPUS. Your student ID number will be displayed at the top of the page next to your name in parentheses.

The PhD programs in Public Health are administratively housed in the Laney Graduate School.  RSPH Admission does not manage the PhD admissions process. You may contact the Graduate School by phone at 404.727.0184 or via email at lgsadmissions@emory.edu.

Yes. In order to take courses at RSPH without being admitted into a degree program you must complete the Special Standing Student application process. To complete this process simply submit the online application which can be found on this website and submit it along with official transcripts documenting the receipt of a Bachelor's degree. The cost per credit hour for academic year 2023-24 is $2,080 per credit hour plus additional fees.

The deadline for admitted students to provide a decision confirmation is April 15th. To ensure proper time is given to compare choices without undue pressure, this deadline date is used by the schools of public health and public health programs within the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). Click here to learn more.

Students admitted after April 15th (domestic and international students) will have 2 weeks to either deposit or defer.

Up to six semester hours of transfer credit may be allowed for relevant graduate-level courses taken at other academic institutions within the three previous years, provided that these credits were not used toward another degree.  The transcript must reflect a grade of an A or B for transfer credit to be granted.  You may transfer up to nine credits if the coursework was completed  a non-degree seeking student (Special Standing) at Rollins.  The request for transfer credit must be approved by the department chair where the course is taught as well as  the executive associate dean for academic affairs.

In order to be considered full-time, a student must be registered for at least nine semester hours. Domestic students are permitted to attend part time. If you are a student who will attend under part-time status, please indicate this in the supplemental questions portion of the SOPHAS application.  Part-time status does impact tuition/fees and financial aid. Please review the following page for tuition costs for part-time students: RSPH Tuition and Fees. International students are required to attend full time due to visa stipulations.

Yes, as a degree-seeking student, you may take courses at other schools within the university with permission from the instructor at no additional cost. You should also check with your department advisor to verify whether or not the course will apply toward your degree requirements.

RSPH offers several scholarships on a competitive basis to incoming students. Need based financial assistance is coordinated in collaboration with Emory University's Office of Financial Aid. We invite you to visit the following pages to learn more funding your education:

• Tuition and Aid
• Funding Opportunities
• Cost of Living in Atlanta

The cost of attendance at RSPH varies based upon the program you pursue. The following figures represent the tuition costs for the 2024-25 school year and is subject to change for 2025-26. Other fees are further explained on our website: RSPH Tuition and Fees.

[1] All full-time degree-seeking students (with an exception of the distance program) are charged the semester rate.

[2] The full-time semester rate is based on enrollment of nine credit hours or more.

[3] During summer semesters, the hourly rate goes into effect when students sign up for coursework above the three or four semester-program plans, or if they enroll in eight credit hours or less.

 *Pending approval of tuition structure in February 2025.

These costs are variable and depend largely on your choices. We strongly encourage you to review our Cost of Living Guide to review budgets and worksheets that will help you in planning: Cost of Living Guide.

On-campus graduate student housing is available through The Ridge at Emory. To learn more about this on-campus option, visit The Ridge at Emory website. There are also a number of apartment communities in the area surrounding Emory where many of our students live. Some students live at Campus Crossings at Briarcliff, a complex of furnished apartments designed for graduate students. The Office of Residential Services hosts an off-campus housing finder at offcampushousing.emory.edu.