2021-2022 Academic Catalog

Admission Process

Health Profession Education Certificates:

USU Application (must indicate if applying for full or part-time study).

Current CV.

Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary (undergraduate college and beyond) educational institutions attended. Learners with an advanced degree (e.g., MD, DO, PhD, etc.) and a USU faculty appointment may submit their faculty appointment letter and a picture of their diploma in lieu of transcript requirement.

Results from current (within 3 years) Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Note: Practicing health professionals at the Master’s level or above (e.g. MSN, MPH, MD, DMD, DNP) can request a GRE waiver when submitting application materials. This waiver will be provided by the Director of HPE and directly sent to the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.

Three letters of recommendation (a total of 3 referees) from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic, professional, and/or military service background.

A personal statement describing how the applicant became interested in health professions education and how they envision incorporating the education they would receive in their future careers.

Part-time applicants: A letter of support from the applicant’s direct supervisor is required. The letter must explicitly state that its author is the applicant’s direct supervisor. The supervisor’s letter must also include the supervisor’s current email address and phone number. If the learner’s supervisor changes while enrolled in the program, the new supervisor’s contact information must be provided and a statement of support from the new supervisor must be obtained. It is the learner’s responsibility to update the HPE program regarding changes in their job supervision.

MHPE and PhD in HPE:

USU Application (must indicate if applying for full or part-time study).

Current CV.

Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary (undergraduate college and beyond) educational institutions attended. Learners with an advanced degree (e.g., MD, DO, PhD, etc.) and a USU faculty appointment may submit their faculty appointment letter and a picture of their diploma in lieu of transcript requirement.

Results from current (within 3 years) Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Note: Practicing health professionals at the Master’s level or above (e.g. MSN, MPH, MD, DMD, DNP) can request a GRE waiver when submitting application materials. This waiver will be provided by the Director of HPE and directly sent to the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.

Three letters of recommendation (a total of 3 referees) from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic, professional, and/or military service background.

A personal statement describing how the applicant became interested in health professions education and how they envision incorporating the education they would receive in their future careers.

For MHPE and PhD Applicants: In addition to a personal statement, please also include a research statement describing current research interests.

Part-time applicants: A letter of support from the applicant’s direct supervisor is required. The letter must explicitly state that its author is the applicant’s direct supervisor. The supervisor’s letter must also include the supervisor’s current email address and phone number. If the learner’s supervisor changes while enrolled in the program, the new supervisor’s contact information must be provided and a statement of support from the new supervisor must be obtained. It is the learner’s responsibility to update the HPE program regarding changes in their job supervision.

PhD in Emerging and Infectious Diseases

USU application

Official transcripts- A baccalaureate degree must be obtained from a college, university, or institution located in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada, and accredited by an accrediting agency or association that is recognized for such purpose by the Secretary of Education. Included within this definition are those institutions that are in the process of seeking accreditation and currently have provisional or conditional accreditation, or candidacy status for accreditation. A strong undergraduate training in science is required, and undergraduate studies must have focused on an appropriate scientific discipline, e.g., biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, or physiology. Required courses include college level introductory and organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics. An introduction to molecular biology, molecular techniques, and genetics is highly recommended.

Official GRE Test scores (taken within 2 years). Periodicity can be waived, but the requirement to take the test is only waived under extraordinary circumstances.

Statement of Purpose

Current resume (include relevant research and teaching experience)

3 Letters of Recommendation

PhD in Medical/Clinical Psychology

USU Application

Official transcripts- A baccalaureate degree must be obtained from a college, university, or institution located in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada, and accredited by an accrediting agency or association that is recognized for such purpose by the Secretary of Education. Included within this definition are those institutions that are in the process of seeking accreditation and currently have provisional or conditional accreditation, or candidacy status for accreditation.

Official GRE Test scores (taken within 2 years). Periodicity can be waived, requirement to take the test cannot be waived

Statement of Purpose

Current resume (include relevant research and teaching experience)

3 Letters of Recommendation

Biosketch (see example on departmental website)

Applicants participating in the military track must also complete the questionnaire available on the departmental website

PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology

USU application

Official transcripts- A baccalaureate degree must be obtained from a college, university, or institution located in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada, and accredited by an accrediting agency or association that is recognized for such purpose by the Secretary of Education. Included within this definition are those institutions that are in the process of seeking accreditation and currently have provisional or conditional accreditation, or candidacy status for accreditation. A strong undergraduate training (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in a branch of science that is relevant to Molecular and Cell Biology (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry etc.) is required. Required courses include college level introductory chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics. An introduction to molecular biology, molecular techniques, biochemistry and genetics is highly recommended.

Official GRE Test scores (taken within 2 years). The two year limit may be waived but not the requirement

Statement of Purpose

Current resume (include relevant research and teaching experience)

3 Letters of Recommendation

PhD in Neuroscience

USU Application

Official transcripts- A baccalaureate degree must be obtained from a college, university, or institution located in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada, and accredited by an accrediting agency or association that is recognized for such purpose by the Secretary of Education. Included within this definition are those institutions that are in the process of seeking accreditation and currently have provisional or conditional accreditation, or candidacy status for accreditation. We recognize that Neuroscience students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. A strong undergraduate training in science with completion of courses in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, physiology and psychology is desirable.

Statement of Purpose

Official GRE Test scores (taken within 2 years). Periodicity can be waived, requirement cannot. The General Test is required. Additionally the subject tests in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, or Chemistry is highly recommended

Current resume (include relevant research and teaching experience)

3 Letters of Recommendation

Master of Public Health

USU Application

Preference for admission goes to medical, dental, and veterinary officers on active duty in the Uniformed Services, as well as to other Uniformed Services officers possessing doctoral degrees in health-related fields. Applicants without a doctoral degree in a health-related field may also be considered for admission. Active-duty Uniformed Services personnel must obtain the sponsorship of their parent organization and should indicate the status of obtaining this sponsorship. Civilian applicants may be considered for admission in special circumstances subject to an approval process, with preference given to physicians and other health professionals sponsored by other U.S. government agencies.

All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. or Canadian College or University, and must complete the USU graduate programs application, including official transcript, GRE scores, three letters or recommendation, resume and personal statement. GRE scores are not required for applicants who possess a MS, PhD or MD degree.

PhD in Public Health

USU Application

Admission to this program will be preferentially offered to active duty military officers with a background in a health-related field. Other applicants will be considered for admission with preference given to health professionals sponsored by other U.S. government agencies. Applicants are expected to have at least a Master’s degree in a related field with an outstanding academic record (undergraduate and graduate transcripts and GRE scores), some public health experience, and demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in public health. Civilian PhD students may be eligible for USUHS graduate student stipends if they meet the University eligibility criteria. Active-duty Uniformed Services personnel must obtain the sponsorship of their parent organization and should indicate the status of obtaining this sponsorship.

All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. or Canadian College or University, and must complete the USU graduate programs application, including official transcript, GRE scores, three letters or recommendation, resume and personal statement.

Master of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

USU Application

The MTM&H program is restricted to physicians with a medical degree from an accredited institution and at least one year of post-doctoral clinical training. The sponsoring Service or agency will be responsible for funding the travel and per diem for overseas travel completed as part of the MTM&H practicum and for verifying the applicant's professional credentials and unrestricted privilege to practice medicine.

All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. or Canadian College or University, and must complete the USU graduate programs application, including official transcript, GRE scores, three letters or recommendation, resume and personal statement.

Master of Health Administration and Policy

USU Application

Preference for admission goes to medical service corps, medical, dental, nurse, applied science, and veterinary officers on active duty in the Uniformed Services. Applicants from federal agencies and specific Partner/Host Nations may also be considered for admissions. Applicants without a background in health care and/or policy may also be considered for admission.

Active-duty Uniformed Services personnel must obtain the sponsorship of their parent service and should mention in their admission packet where they stand in the process of securing sponsorship.

All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. or Canadian College or University, and must complete the USU graduate programs application, including official transcript, GRE scores, three letters or recommendation, resume and personal statement.

Master of Science in Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health

USU Application

Admission into the MSPH program in EOH will be preferentially offered to active duty uniformed personnel in one of the preventive medicine/public health disciplines. Civilian applicants may be considered for admission in special circumstances subject to an additional approval process, with preference given to health professionals sponsored by other U.S. government agencies. Active Duty applicants must have evidence of Service support.

Applicants should possess, at minimum, a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution before matriculation at USU in one of the biological or health science disciplines or in engineering, an outstanding academic record, some health-related experience, and demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in public health.

All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. or Canadian College or University, and must complete the USU graduate programs application, including official transcript, GRE scores, three letters or recommendation, resume and personal statement. GRE requirement may be waived for students with a prior professional doctorate, with permission of Graduate Program Director.

PhD in Environmental and Occupational Health

Qualified active duty uniformed officers serving in fields’ related to environmental health and authorized for full-time duty-under-instruction education by their sponsoring service will be preferentially reviewed for admission to the PhD programs in Environmental Health Science. At a minimum, applicants must have a Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution before matriculation at USU with an outstanding academic record and documented successful completion of rigorous coursework related to their desired area of graduate study. Active Duty applicants must have evidence of Service support.

All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. or Canadian College or University, and must complete the USU graduate programs application, including official transcript, GRE scores, three letters or recommendation, resume and personal statement. GRE requirement may be waived for students with a prior professional doctorate, with permission of Graduate Program Director.

Master of Science in Public Health: Vector Biology and Parasitology

Admission to the MSPH program in Vector Biology and Parasitology will be preferentially offered to uniformed active duty personnel in one of the preventive medicine/public health disciplines.  Applicants should possess, at a minimum, a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution in the US in one of the biological or health science disciplines, an outstanding academic record, some health –related experience, support from their Service, and demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in public health.  Civilian applicants may be considered for admission in special circumstances subject to an approval process, with preference given to health professionals sponsored by other US government agencies.  .

All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. or Canadian College or University, and must complete the USU graduate programs application, including official transcript, GRE scores, three letters or recommendation, resume and personal statement.

Active Duty students must have evidence of support from their Service.

PhD in Vector Biology and Parasitology

Qualified active duty uniformed officers serving in fields related to environmental health, public health and vector biology (medical entomology) will be preferentially reviewed for admission to the PhD program in Vector Biology and Parasitology. Civilian applicants are considered on a space available basis with preference given to health professionals sponsored by U.S. government agencies. Matriculates should have a Master's degree in an appropriate field of biology that includes sufficient foundational coursework in the track they will be studying. Only under the most exceptional circumstances will individuals with only a Baccalaureate degree be considered for admission to the program. Applicants must have an outstanding academic record and documented successful completion of rigorous coursework related to their desired area of graduate study.

All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. or Canadian College or University, and must complete the USU graduate programs application, including official transcript, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, resume and personal statement.

Global Health Distance Learning Certificate

USU Application

Completion of a baccalaureate degree