Application to the MHS program, regardless of the emphasis area, consists of several steps.  These steps are described below. 

1. Arrange for an in-person meeting (or, if applicant is outside of southwestern Idaho, a telephone call) with the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Tedd McDonald (tmcdonal@boisestate.edu; (208) 426-2425).  This meeting is sometimes described as a “personal interview,” however, the purpose of it is for the Program Director to discuss the MHS program, to learn about each potential applicant’s interests in the program, and to help each potential applicant discern whether the MHS program is a good fit for him or her.
2. Complete a Graduate Admission Application.  Before applicants can apply directly for the MHS program, they must apply first to the Graduate College of Boise State University.  Students who are not accepted by the Graduate College are eliminated from consideration for the MHS program (in other words, students can only be considered for admission to the MHS program if they are first accepted by the Graduate College).  Students can complete a Graduate Admission Application online at http://www.boisestate.edu/gradcoll/0001.html, or can complete a paper copy that is found inside the front cover of the Graduate Catalog.  A $55 non-refundable application fee must be submitted along with the Graduate Admission Application.  Students must also submit with their application official transcripts, sent directly from each post-high school institution they have attended (students do not have to submit transcripts from BSU, as these can be obtained electronically by the Graduate College).  The Graduate College bases admissions criteria on the following:
   1. Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA).  Successful applicants to the Graduate College must have either a cumulative (i.e. “four year”) undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4-point scale) or a GPA of at least 3.00 for the most recent 60 credits (i.e., the “last two years”).
   2. Official TOEFL results, for international students only.  The TOEFL is a test of English language proficiency.  In addition, international students must also complete an International Student Graduate Application available through the International Students Office (http://admissions.boisestate.edu/international/), and provide documentation to demonstrate adequate financial resources to cover one year of living expenses, tuition, and fees.
3. Complete application materials for admission to the MHS program.  If an applicant meets the basic criteria for admission to the Graduate College, his or her application file is sent to the Program Director of the MHS program (it is very important to understand that admission to the Graduate College does not guarantee admission to the MHS program).  Before the MHS Program Director and other reviewers make a decision on a student’s application, the following materials must be submitted directly to the Program Director (these materials should be delivered by hand to Dr. Tedd McDonald in the Health Sciences Riverside Building, Room 104, or mailed to: Director, Master of Health Science Program, College of Health Sciences, Department of Community and Environmental Health, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1835):
   1. Three letters of recommendation.  These should be mailed directly to the Program Director.  Ideally, at least one should be from a former professor (although this may not be possible for applicants who have been out of college for many years).  Other suitable references include employment supervisors, volunteer coordinators, and the like.
   2. A formal statement of at least 250 words explaining the applicant’s educational and career background and future objectives, and how these objectives correspond to the MHS program.
   3. A current copy of the applicant’s resume or curriculum vita.

Application review for students applying for the Spring semester will begin November 15^th.  Application files that are completed by that date will receive priority review.  If remaining seats in the program exist, files completed after that date will be reviewed.  Application review for students applying for the Fall semester will begin April 15^th.  Application files that are completed by that date will receive priority review.  If remaining seats in the program exist, files completed after that date will be reviewed.