GHS Admission Requirements and Application Information

Information regarding admission requirements for both the Master of Science (MS) in Global Health and the Graduate Certificate in Global Health can be found below. Please note that international students must meet additional requirements as outlined below.

• Application Fee Waiver Instructions

  The Global Health Studies program is currently waiving application fee waivers. The waiver is not automatically applied, so it is important to be sure to follow the steps outlined here to qualify.

  1. Send an email to globalhealth@msu.edu. The subject line should indicate that it is an application waiver request and must include your last name. The email content should include:
     • Application ID number
     • First and Last Name
  2. Upload all application materials into the admissions application system.
     • Select "review" at the end of the application.
     • Ignore the pop-up window indicating payment is required and the notification that the application will not be submitted. The program office can see that the application has been submitted and will process a waiver on your behalf. It is important that the applicant not pay the fee themselves as application fees are non-refundable.

• Bachelor, Professional or Equivalent Degree

  Requirements

  • The degree must be from an accredited college or university.
  • One official copy of all records of previous education (mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.) must be submitted directly from each institution via the National Student Clearinghouse or other secure transcript service. Transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be considered official.
  • Records must show courses and grades earned.

  
  

  International Applicant Additional Requirements

  • All documents must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. If a document is translated, it must be certified as accurate and correct by an appropriate public or school official, or government or sponsoring agency. The original records should be also be included.
  • Both the official transcript and an attested copy of the diploma must be included. 
  • International transcripts may not be submitted electronically. Only official documents within sealed envelopes from the issuing institutions will be accepted. Documents must be sent directly from the institution and cannot be delivered via the applicant.

  
  

  Submission Instructions

  Domestic: Applications should be sent electronically from the institution to the MSU Global Health Studies Office email (globalhealth@msu.edu). Most domestic institutions are now able to submit documents electronically; however, if a domestic institution does not participate in electronic transcript verification, they should send hard copies to the address listed for international applications below.  

  International: Applications must be sent via mail to the address below. It is strongly encouraged that the applicant obtain a tracking number for the parcel.

  MSU Global Health Studies Program
  Michigan State University
  Attn: Wendi Winston
  909 Wilson Rd, B215C
  East Lansing, MI 48824

   

• Two Letters of Reference

  Requirements

  • Two professional references are required. Personal references will not be accepted.
  • Letters should address the applicant's:
    • work ethic
    • leadership qualities
    • professional/academic capabilities
    • ability to be successful in the completion of gradate level work
    • any additional information, including accomplishments
      
      

  Submission Instructions

  • Within the application system, the applicant is asked to provide the email addresses of those they wish to request letters of recommendation. The application system automatically sends a request to the recommender via email, which will include instructions for submitting the letter.
  • Letters submitted by an applicant will not be accepted.
  • It is advised that the applicant reach out to the potential recommenders before entering their email addresses. This allows them to confirm their willingness to write the letter and lets them know they will be receiving an email.
  • The applicant will receive notification that a letter has been submitted, but will not be able to see the letter.
• Minimum 3.0 Cumulative GPA

  Requirements

  • A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required (demonstrated via official transcripts - see the Bachelor, Professional or Equivalent Degree section.
    • Applicants that do not meet this requirement should address their concerns any any extenuating circumstances within the Personal Statement. They may also provide documents describing work experience, references, etc., for further evaluation.
    • Applicants not meeting the 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA requirement may be admitted provisionally. This could be a requirement of taking one course per semester for a designated period of time to demonstrate ability. Provisional acceptance does not quality for federal financial aid.
• Personal Statement

  Requirements

  Applicants are expected to complete a personal statement that addresses each of the following aspects. Responses should be no longer than 500 words and should be thoughtful and detailed.

  • Why are you interested in global health?
  • What are your career goals following graduation, and how will a degree in global health help you meet those goals?
  • What additional information would you like to share in consideration for admission?
    
    

  Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 should also include an explanation for the lower GPA and any additional information to demonstrate capability to excel in a master's degree program.
  
  

  Submission Instructions

  The personal statement is submitted by the applicant by uploading it into the Personal Statement section as a .doc or .pdf file.

• Resume or CV

  Requirements

  A current resume or CV is required.
  
  

  Submission Instructions

  This document is submitted by the applicant by uploading it into the application system as a .doc or .pdf file.

• English Language Proficiency Examination (International Students Only)

  Requirements

  If English is not the applicant's first language, an English language proficiency examination is required. Information regarding English language competency requirements is available through the MSU Graduate School.