LSU - School of Public Health - Frequently Asked Questions

A baccalaureate degree from a college or university approved by a regional accrediting agency;
A grade point average of 3.0 for undergraduate and graduate work based on a 4-point grading scale;
A minimum combined score of 1000 on the Verbal and Quantitative components of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); and
Satisfactory standing at the most recent education institution attended.

International applicants are also required to score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) a minimum of:
550 paper-based
213 computer-based
79 internet-based.

Although these are the minimum requirements for admission to the LSUHSC School of Public Health, some programs may require higher GPAs and examination scores. Please check the web for additional information on the individual programs: http://publichealth.lsuhsc.edu/AcademicPrograms.html

What documents must be submitted for application?

A completed, signed application form along with a $30 registration fee. Make checks or money orders payable to “LSU Health Sciences Center.” If applicants wish to apply to additional programs, an additional fee of $30 is required for each additional program selected;

An official report of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Scores are sent directly to LSUHSC SPH by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The codes are 1316 for LSUHSC institution code and 0616/GRE for Public Health School department code;

Official transcripts from all Colleges and University previously attended. It is required that the transcripts be sent from the Registrar’s Office of your previous colleges and universities to this office. Please note transcripts issued to students are not considered official;

Original Goal Statement or Statement of Purpose which should include long-term and/or short-term goals related to your program of study. The statement should be brief and not more than one page in length as well as written in the applicant’s own words. If quotes are used, they must be cited with the source. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism, which is an immediate cause for rejection of an application;

Resume or CV; and

Three forms and/or letters of recommendations. Forms can be downloaded at this website: http://publichealth.lsuhsc.edu/ApplicationInstructions.html

International applicants are also required to submit:

A World Education Services (WES) report or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) report;
A Copy of passport (and if available copy of visa);
A letter, on bank letterhead, dated (within six months) and signed by a bank official, attesting to adequate funding (in US Dollar equivalents) for one year of study, or a letter of sponsorship from a recognized sponsoring agency (on agency letterhead); and
A signed, dated letter of support by the owner of the bank account, if account is not in the applicant’s name.

You may also refer to our website for additional information on admissions requirements: http://publichealth.lsuhsc.edu/AdmissionRequirements.html

Where do I mail my documents?
Mail your application package to:
LSU Health Sciences Center
School of Public Health
1615 Poydras Street, Suite 1400
New Orleans, LA 70112

What are the application deadline dates?
Fall Semester
International Students March 31st
Domestic Students May 31st

Spring Semester:
International Students October 1st
Domestic Students October 31st
PLEASE NOTE: Applications must be complete by these deadlines; no materials may be missing.

Questions regarding to MPH programs

Can I apply for spring admission?
Admission to the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Programs is only available in the fall semesters. Behavioral Community Health Sciences admits part-time students in the spring. Students may enter the Environmental/Occupational Health Sciences and Health Policy & Systems Management programs in both the fall and spring semesters.

While studying for the MPH degree in the LSUHSC School of Public Health, may I apply to the LSUHSC School of Medicine?
No, this is not permitted. Once students matriculate into the MPH program, they may not enroll in any other professional school or training program until they have completed the MPH program.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Do you offer scholarships for graduate students and what about financial aid?
The School of Public Health offers Graduate Assistantships, Research Assistantships, and Fellowships to selected fulltime students for an academic year.

Can I get financial aid?
Information about Student Loans is available from the Student Financial Aid Office, 504-568-4820 and at: http://www.lsuhsc.edu/no/students/financialaid/.

International Students

How old should the bank statement and letter of sponsorship? Do I have to get recent ones?
The bank statement and letter of sponsorship should be no more than 6 months old from date submitted.

When will I be required to submit transcripts from the university I am presently attending?
Transcripts must be received prior before international students admission into the MPH.

Could you accept my official ECE evaluation report in lieu of WES report?
Yes, we accept official copies of both the ECE report and the WES report.

What are the TOEFL requirements?
For international applicants, a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based or 213 on the computer based or 79 on internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL.

Questions Regarding Residency

I am a full time international student with an F1 visa, my child was born in New Orleans. Is my child considered a US citizen and a resident of Louisiana? Can I be considered a Louisiana resident, since I have a child born here?
An applicant’s residency status is not affected by the fact that his or her child is a US citizen and a resident of Louisiana.

For more clarification regarding residency please see: http://www.lsuhsc.edu/no/Administration/pm/pm-31.aspx.

LSU Health Sciences Center

Last Updated 9/15/09