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Arnold School of Public Health

Health Services Policy and Management

If you would like to apply to the Health Services Policy and Management Master of Public Health (MPH) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, you will need to submit your application through The Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS).  Master of Health Administration (MHA) prospective applicants can apply through SOPHAS or the Health Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application Service (HAMPCAS). Master of Health Administration Professional Format (MHA), Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH), Master of Public Administration / Master of Public Health (MPA/MPH), and Doctor of Law/Master of Healthcare Administration (JD/MHA) applicants will need to apply through the USC Graduate School. 

MPH and PhD applicants must apply through The Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS). Please visit SOPHAS  for further details.  MHA applicants can apply though SOPHAS or the Health Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application Service (HAMPCAS), but should select one application or the other, not both.  More information can be found at:  HAMPCAS.  MHA Professional Format, MSW/MPH, MPA/MPH, and JD/MHA prospective students will apply through the USC Graduate School.  

 

Admissions Information by Degree

Special Note: All international applicants should contact the MHA Program Director (Dr. Nabil Natafgi) before applying. Also, applicants wishing to submit an application after the deadline should contact the Program Director (Dr. Nabil Natafgi) at nnatafgi@mailbox.sc.edu before applying in SOPHAS or HAMPCAS.

Admission Requirements

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
  • Baccalaureate degree grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher
  • The GRE is not required for admission to the MHA program. However, the program does offer a GRE/GMAT optional policy whereby students applying to the MHA can submit a GRE or GMAT score for consideration. If the applicant opts to include their GRE/GMAT score for consideration during the admission process, their GRE/GMAT score must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission.
  • 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
  • Personal Statement: The personal statement is a great opportunity to express your unique qualifications, experiences, and reasons for applying to the MHA program.  Prepare your letter carefully by using details and specific examples to describe your distinctive qualities. Describe your academic interests, relevant work experiences, as well as academic/professional goals and objectives in the context of the questions listed below:
    • Why are you applying to this program?
    • How will this program contribute to your projected career?
    • What is your experience working in teams and what can you contribute to a team?
    • Is there any additional information that will help us evaluate your application
  • At least three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources
  • 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 or GMAT scores (optional)
    • Institution code: 0780 (U of South Carolina Sch Pub Hlth SOPHAS)
    • GMAT ETS DI code: 5861; Program code Master of Health Administration JV2-JW-12
  • 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

The Department of Health Services Policy and Management (HSPM) at the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health is pleased to offer a coupon code to eligible US citizens or permanent US residents applying to our MHA program. Codes are available on a first-come-first-serve basis to those who qualify. 

  • SOPHAS charges $150 for the first program and $60 for each additional program you apply to. The coupon code fully covers the $60 cost of applying to the MHA program as an additional program. 
  • HAMPCAS charges $115 for the first program and $40 for each additional program you apply to. The coupon code fully covers the $40 cost of applying to the MHA Program as an additional program.

Note: Coupon codes must be requested after you have designated USC HSPM’s MHA Program and before you submit your application. We cannot reimburse application fees. Applicants who receive a coupon code must submit their MHA application for the Traditional Track by January 15, 2025.

Special Note: All international applicants should contact the  MHA Program Director before applying.

Applicants wishing to submit an application after the deadline should contact the Program Director  at nnatafgi@mailbox.sc.edu before applying.

Admission Requirements

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
  • A minimum of three years of professional work experience in a healthcare setting
  • Baccalaureate degree grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher
  • The GRE is not required for admission to the MHA program. However, the program does offer a GRE/GMAT optional policy whereby students applying to the MHA can submit a GRE or GMAT score for consideration. If the applicant opts to include their GRE/GMAT score for consideration during the admission process, their GRE/GMAT score must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission.
  • 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
  • Personal Statement: The personal statement is a great opportunity to express your unique qualifications, experiences, and reasons for applying to the MHA program.  Prepare your letter carefully by using details and specific examples to describe your distinctive qualities. Describe your academic interests, relevant work experiences, as well as academic/professional goals and objectives in the context of the questions listed below:
    • Why are you applying to this program?
    • How will this program contribute to your projected career?
    • What is your experience working in teams and what can you contribute to a team?
    • Is there any additional information that will help us evaluate your application?
  • At least three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources
  • 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 will not be required for the 2021-2022 application cycle
  • 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

Special Note: All international applicants should contact the MHA Program Director (Dr. Nabil Natafgi) before applying. Also, applicants wishing to submit an application after the deadline should contact the Program Director (Dr. Nabil Natafgi) at nnatafgi@mailbox.sc.edu before applying in SOPHAS or HAMPCAS.

Admission Requirements

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution 
  • Baccalaureate grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher
  • The GRE is not required for admission to the MHA program. However, the program does offer a GRE/GMAT optional policy whereby students applying to the MHA can submit a GRE or GMAT score for consideration. If the applicant opts to include their GRE/GMAT score for consideration during the admission process, their GRE/GMAT score must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission.
  • 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
  • Personal Statement: The personal statement is a great opportunity to express your unique qualifications, experiences, and reasons for applying to the MHA program.  Prepare your letter carefully by using details and specific examples to describe your distinctive qualities. Describe your academic interests, relevant work experiences,  as well as academic/professional goals and objectives in the context of the questions listed below:
    • Why are you applying to this program?
    • How will this program contribute to your projected career?
    • What is your experience working in teams and what can you contribute to a team?
    • Is there  any additional information that will help us evaluate your application?
  • At least three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources
  • 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 or GMAT scores (optional)
    • Institution code: 5818 (U of South Carolina Columbia)
    • GMAT ETS DI code: 5861; Program code Master of Health Administration JV2-JW-12
  • 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

Applicants must be separately accepted by the Law School and the MHA program as per their respective admission criteria. Combination Degree - administered jointly by the Arnold School of Public Health Department of Health Services Policy and Management and the USC School of Law.

Special Note: Contact the MPH program director, Elizabeth Crouch, in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management at 803-576- 6055 or crouchel@mailbox.sc.edu for permission before applying after the deadline date.

Admission Requirements

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution 
  • Grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher
  • GRE Scores will not be required
  • 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 and research interests, relevant work experiences, academic/professional goals and objectives in the context of the questions listed below
    • Why are you applying to this program?
    • How will this program contribute to your projected career?
    • What is your experience working in teams and what can you contribute to a team?
    • Please provide any additional information you think will help us evaluate your application
    • The Statement of Purpose and Objectives is a great opportunity to express your unique qualifications, experiences and reasons for applying to the MPH program. Prepare your letter carefully by using details and specific examples to describe your distinctive qualities.
  • At least three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources
  • Official transcripts from all schools or colleges previously attended 
  • GRE Scores will not be required
  • 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)
  • 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

Special Note: Contact the MPH program director, Elizabeth Crouch, in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management at 803-576-6055 or crouchel@mailbox.sc.edu for permission before applying after the deadline date.

Admission Requirements

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution 
  • Grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher
  • 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 and research interests, relevant work experiences, academic/professional goals and objectives in the context of the questions listed below
    • Why are you applying to this program?
    • How will this program contribute to your projected career?
    • What is your experience working in teams and what can you contribute to a team?
    • Please provide any additional information you think will help us evaluate your application
    • The Statement of Purpose and Objectives is a great opportunity to express your unique qualifications, experiences and reasons for applying to the MPH program. Prepare your letter carefully by using details and specific examples to describe your distinctive qualities.
  • At least three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources
  • 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)
  • 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

Special Note: Contact the MPH program director, Elizabeth Crouch, in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management at 803-576-6055 or crouchel@mailbox.sc.edu for permission before applying after the deadline date.

Admission Requirements

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution 
  • Grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher
  • 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 and research interests, relevant work experiences, academic/professional goals and objectives in the context of the questions listed below
    • Why are you applying to this program?
    • How will this program contribute to your projected career?
    • What is your experience working in teams and what can you contribute to a team?
    • Please provide any additional information you think will help us evaluate your application
    • The Statement of Purpose and Objectives is a great opportunity to express your unique qualifications, experiences and reasons for applying to the MPH program. Prepare your letter carefully by using details and specific examples to describe your distinctive qualities.
  • At least three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources
  • 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)
  • 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

Combination Degree - administered jointly by the Arnold School of Public Health Department of Health Services Policy and Management and the USC Department of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences.

Special Note: Contact the MPH program director, Elizabeth Crouch, in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management at 803-576-6055 or crouchel@mailbox.sc.edu for permission before applying after the deadline date.

Admission Requirements

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution 
  • Grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher
  • 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 and research interests, relevant work experiences, academic/professional goals and objectives in the context of the questions listed below
    • Why are you applying to this program?
    • How will this program contribute to your projected career?
    • What is your experience working in teams and what can you contribute to a team?
    • Please provide any additional information you think will help us evaluate your application.
    • The Statement of Purpose and Objectives is a great opportunity to express your unique qualifications, experiences and reasons for applying to the MPH program. Prepare your letter carefully by using details and specific examples to describe your distinctive qualities.
  • At least three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources
  • 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)
  • 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

Combination Degree - administered jointly by the Arnold School of Public Health Department of Health Services Policy and Management and the USC College of Social Work.

Special Note: Applicants wishing to submit an application after the deadline should contact the program graduate director at 803-576-6797 or bchen@mailbox.sc.edu.

The Department of Health Services Policy and Management (HSPM) at the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health is pleased to offer a coupon code to eligible applicants of our Ph.D. program. SOPHAS charges $150 for the first program and $60 for each additional program to which you apply. The coupon code fully covers the cost of applying to HSPM’s Ph.D. program as an additional program.

Note: Coupon codes must be requested after you have designated USC HSPM’s PhD and before you submit your application. We cannot reimburse application fees.

If you are interested in receiving the coupon, please let us know

Admission Requirements

  • While applicants with only a baccalaureate degree will be considered, strong preference is given to applicants with a Master’s degree in public health, health administration, business administration, public administration, public policy, or a related field.
  • The Ph.D. degree requires an approved program of 60 hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students with a relevant master’s degree may complete the PhD in Health Services Policy and Management by completing at least 46 additional credit hours (including 12 credit hours of dissertation preparation). A student without a prior master’s degree will be required to complete a minimum of 60 graduate credit hours to graduate.
  • A grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher is required on previous undergraduate and graduate coursework. 
  • 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 who have earned a prior degree from a US institution. 

Application Requirements

  • Resume or CV 
  • A personal statement that explains why you are interested in pursuing your PhD outlines your research interests and describes what appeals to you about our program, including potential faculty with whom you would like to work.
  • Three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources 
  • 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).
  • Scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are optional.
  • 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: 

An interview with departmental faculty is required.  After reviewing the application, the department will contact the eligible applicants by e-mail to arrange the interview. 

 

MHA Coupon Code for Prospective Students

The Department of Health Services Policy and Management (HSPM) at the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health is pleased to offer a coupon code to eligible US citizens or permanent US residents applying to our MHA program. Codes are available on a first-come-first-serve basis to those who qualify. 

  • SOPHAS charges $150 for the first program and $60 for each additional program you apply to. The coupon code fully covers the $60 cost of applying to the MHA program as an additional program. 
  • HAMPCAS charges $115 for the first program and $40 for each additional program you apply to. The coupon code fully covers the $40 cost of applying to the MHA Program as an additional program.

 

Note: Coupon codes must be requested after you have designated USC HSPM’s MHA Program and before you submit your application. We cannot reimburse application fees. Applicants who receive a coupon code must submit their MHA application for the Traditional Track by January 15, 2025.

 


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