www.ohio.edu/healthsciences

The multidisciplinary graduate certificate in health policy addresses the educational needs of graduate students and professionals in health care and related industries who have already earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. You might be interested in completing the Health Policy Certificate if you work or plan to work in business, government, health sciences, hearing and speech sciences, medicine, nursing, nutrition, political science, physical therapy, psychology, or social work.

The health care industry is currently undergoing radical modifications in order to provide services to the general population that are fair, humane, and cost efficient. The academic requirements for the certificate are not only timely but essential to individuals who will influence policy decisions in this vital area.

Eligibility to Apply

The Health Policy Certificate Program accepts students in two categories: those who have been admitted to an advanced degree program at Ohio University and those who possess a bachelor’s or advanced degree but are not currently in a degree program at Ohio University.

If you are not currently seeking an advanced degree from Ohio University, you must meet the following requirements to be considered for unconditional admission to the graduate certificate program:

1. Earned bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university
2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on last 90 quarter hours or last 60 semester hours (undergraduates) or an earned graduate or professional degree
3. Satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission (GMAT) scores if you do not possess a graduate or professional degree.

Application

Degree-seeking graduate student

If you are currently enrolled as a graduate student seeking an advanced degree at Ohio University, obtain an Application for Update of Program(s) from Graduate Studies, any dean’s office, or the coordinator of the Health Policy Certificate Program. After completing the application and obtaining your advisor’s and the program coordinator’s signature, turn the form in to Graduate Studies. Each quarter on your DARS (Degree Audit Report System) you will be able to track your progress in the certificate program.

Non-degree student

Note: you must request official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) be sent directly from the testing agency. Student-supplied photocopies are not accepted as official, but may be included for review and to assist with official score matching. The Ohio University reporting code is 1593. This requirement is waived for applicants who have already earned a graduate or professional degree.

When you submit an ONLINE APPLICATION, you need to provide printed copies of the following materials to complete your application. You will need two separate envelopes for these materials.

In envelope #1 put items 1-3 (as applicable). Mail this envelope to: Graduate Studies, McKee House, 44 University Terrace, Athens, OH 45701.

1. Copy of Application Submission page or the application transaction (order) ID. When completing the application, indicate admission as non-degree in the Health Policy Certificate program.
2. Two copies of official transcripts from each U.S. postsecondary institution attended. (Official transcripts are those in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution). Ohio University transcripts will be obtained by the Office of Graduate Studies on your behalf.
3. Two copies of official or registrar certified transcripts/mark sheets and two certified English translations for each non-U.S. postsecondary institution attended (in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution, if possible). Transcripts must reflect all courses taken, including courses that were repeated or taken outside a degree program.
   
   In envelope #2 put items 4-6. Mail this envelope to: Health Policy Certificate Coordinator; Grover Center E317; College of Health and Human Services, Athens, OH 45701.
    
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation from people who are qualified to evaluate your capability for graduate study, in envelopes sealed by the person writing the recommendation. These letters are to be on the form available through the Office of Graduate Studies (www.ohio.edu/graduate). Please make certain to include the program you plan to pursue on the form prior to giving the form to the person providing the reference.
5. An essay identifying your career goals and objectives.
6. A resume, including your educational background and professional work experience.

NOTE: if submitting an online application, do not submit a paper copy of the application for the same term/degree program.

When you submit a PAPER APPLICATION, you need to provide printed copies of the following materials to complete your application. You will need two separate envelopes for these materials.

In envelope #1 put items 1-7 (as applicable). Mail this envelope to: Graduate Studies, McKee House, 44 University Terrace, Athens, OH 45701.

1. One completed, signed application (Form 1). Indicate admission as non-degree in Health Policy Certificate program.
2. One completed, signed In-State Tuition Rates Form (Form 2).
3. One completed, signed Background Information & References Form (Form 3)
4. Non-refundable application fee (check, cash or money order) payable to Ohio University.
5. Two copies of official transcripts from each U.S. postsecondary institution attended. (Official transcripts are those in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution). Ohio University transcripts will be obtained by the Office of Graduate Studies on your behalf.
6. Two copies of official or registrar certified transcripts/mark sheets and two certified English translations for each non-U.S. postsecondary institution attended (in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution, if possible). Transcripts must reflect all courses taken, including courses that were repeated or taken outside a degree program.
7. International applicants who need a certificate of eligibility, include one completed, signed Financial Affidavit of Support (Form 4).
   
   In envelope #2 put items 8-10. Mail this envelope to: Health Policy Certificate Coordinator; Grover Center E317; College of Health and Human Services, Athens, OH 45701.
    
8. Three (3) letters of recommendation from people who are qualified to evaluate your capability for graduate study, in envelopes sealed by the person writing the recommendation. These letters are to be on the form available through the Office of Graduate Studies (www.ohio.edu/graduate).
9. An essay identifying your career goals and objectives.
10. A resume, including your educational background and professional work experience.

All documents received by the University in connection with an application for admission become the property of Ohio University. They will not be returned or forwarded to another agency or college/university.