Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) in
Health Behavior Research

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Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Requirements

A minimum of a baccalaureate from an accredited institution is required. Proficiency in the English language is essential. Students selected must meet minimum requirements for admission to the University (overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and a combined GRE Verbal + Quantitative score of 1000). However, a GPA of 3.5 and a combined GRE V/Q score of 1250 are preferred.

All international students must submit TOEFL scores even if they received a master’s degree from an English speaking country. The minimum TOEFL score is 250 for the computer-based test (equivalent to scores of 100 for the Internet-based test or 600 for the paper test). When requesting that scores be sent to USC, the University’s ETS code of 4852 must be used. The department does not have a separate code.

The application package should consist of:

• TOEFL score (international applicants)
• Transcripts from all schools attended
• GRE scores (cannot be waived )
• Three letters of reference (two must be academic references)
• A statement of interest (1-2 pages). The statement should include a description of your interest in the program and your career goals. It could also include the ways in which your experiences and/or coursework have influenced your development and interest in this field.
• Complete this brief survey(required): click here
• If available, a resume should be included.

Applications can be obtained online at http://www.usc.edu/admission/graduate. An application fee of $85 for both domestic and international students is also required. There is no separate application for the doctoral program. Complete the on-line application and follow the directions for payment of the fee and submission of documents.

The deadline for admission is February 1st for consideration for admission for the following fall term. If applying for a University fellowship, the deadline is December 1st. There are no admissions for spring term.

Application checklist

The following documents must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office, using the online application system:
	Application and application fee
	Transcripts
	GRE scores
	TOEFL scores
The remaining information can be submitted online or sent directly to the department:
	Statement of interest (can be submitted online)
	Three letters of recommendation (can also be submitted online)
	Copies of GRE and TOEFL scores (if available)
	Survey (is submitted online to the department)

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