Admissions Requirements | PhD Rural Health Sciences

Thank you for your interest in the Ph.D. in Rural Health Sciences at Mercer University School of Medicine.

This three-year program prepares students to improve health outcomes in rural communities through research, leadership, and evidence-based strategies. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty from diverse disciplines, and access to applied research opportunities, students receive a rigorous and personalized education.

Below you’ll find important information about our admission requirements and application process.

Interested applicants must possess a master’s or terminal degree, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in prior graduate/professional work, and have a clear dedication to rural health issues.
While no specific major is required to gain admission, students who do not have a health-related degree or work experience may be required by the admissions committee to complete an online prerequisite course (RRL 801: Biological Basis of Disease) prior to beginning the program in fall.

To apply for admission, applicants must submit a completed online application, including a statement of purpose, a resume/CV, official copies of all transcripts, and at least three (3) letters of recommendation from faculty members or supervisors.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 for domestic applicants and $75.00 for international applicants is due when your application is submitted.
The Statement of Purpose should be a 1,000-word maximum response to the following prompt: “Please describe your interest in pursuing a career focused on rural health and how the Ph.D. program will help you achieve your professional goals.”
At least three (3) Letters of Recommendation should be digitally submitted by the letter writers through the application system, or emailed directly from the letter writer as a PDF to Tracy Lancaster’s attention at musmadmissions@mercer.edu.
Official transcripts should be submitted for all post-secondary level work completed to earn a baccalaureate and master’s degree from an accredited college or university, regardless of time attended or if that work was transferred in to another institution. Also submit official transcripts for any work completed beyond the undergraduate and master’s degree, i.e. doctoral or terminal degree work.
- Official transcripts should be submitted electronically directly from the institution to musmadmissions@mercer.edu or by mail to: MUSM Admissions, Mercer University School of Medicine, 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207.
- Former and current Mercer University students do not need to request a Mercer University transcript but will need to submit all other transcripts.
- Applicants who completed all or part of their education abroad are required to have their foreign educational credentials evaluated by an independent evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). A Course-by-Course and Grade Point Average Equivalent Evaluation is required for admission. Official reports should be submitted electronically directly from the evaluation service to musmadmissions@mercer.edu or by mail to: MUSM Admissions, Mercer University School of Medicine, 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207.

Applicants applying as an international student should contact Mercer University’s International Student Services.
Applicants who completed all or part of their education abroad are required to have their foreign educational credentials evaluated by an independent evaluation service such as World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators. A Course-by-Course and Grade Point Average Equivalent Evaluation is required for admission.
- Official reports should be submitted electronically directly from the evaluation service to musmadmissions@mercer.edu or by mail to: MUSM Admissions, Mercer University School of Medicine, 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207
International students must also submit scores from one of the following:
- TOEFL examination. The University’s minimum proficiency level is a score of 20 on each section of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum composite TOEFL score is 80 (Internet-Based TOEFL), 213 (Computer-Based TOEFL) or 550 (Paper-Based TOEFL).
- An IELTS score of 6.5 English proficiency.
- Duolingo score of 115.
Applicants must meet all other specific eligibility requirements and expectations as defined by the program and department.

For questions regarding the Ph.D. Rural Health Sciences program at Mercer University School of Medicine, please email musmadmissions@mercer.edu or complete the Inquiry Form.

Mercer University COVID-19 Policy for Health Science Programs
In compliance with Mercer University’s immunization policy, all School of Medicine students must have a COVID-19 vaccine or an approved exemption upon enrollment.