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Admissions

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the Epidemiology PhD program, you must have a bachelor’s degree. Nearly all students admitted to the program have master’s degrees. Though a master’s degree specifically in epidemiology is not required, preference is given to applicants who have backgrounds in environmental health; epidemiology; the health sciences, including behavioral medicine; medicine; a public health discipline or statistics.

Prerequisite Courses 

You will need to have completed graduate coursework in data analysis, epidemiology, research methods and statistics. Coursework in behavioral, natural and social sciences will also improve your chance of admission.

Potential Program Mentors

We recommend that students contact potential faculty mentors the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics to discuss their areas of interest and opportunities for mentored research before applying to the program.

Application

You will apply using SOPHAS Centralized Application Service. The documents required below will all be submitted through the SOPHAS system.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit three letters of recommendation from professors, employers or colleagues who can speak to your academic abilities. One of these letters should be from a previous professor, advisor or research supervisor.

Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all the undergraduate and graduate institutions you’ve attended. Please mail all of your official transcripts to the following address.

SOPHAS Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471

Statement of Goals

Write a 500- to 1,000-word statement of purpose articulating your background, academic and professional goals, and how your interests relate to the PhD program. Express which labs and professors you are interested in working with and why.

Writing Sample

Submit a paper or excerpt that explores an academic topic in some depth, e.g., a thesis chapter, senior or master’s level research paper, or conference paper.

Résumé

A current résumé or CV is required.

Laptop Requirement

Laptops are integrated into the curriculum at the College of Public Health to improve opportunities for active learning and provide greater access to specialized software and required tools in and out of the classroom. Incoming students are required to have a laptop that meets certain minimum hardware specifications. Review full laptop requirements.

Additional Requirements for International Students

  • For applicants whose native language is not English, the TOEFL is required with a minimum score of 79 on the iBT. These scores should be sent officially to SOPHAS using the SOPHAS-specific TOEFL code 5688.
  • A WES Evaluation is required for applicants who completed their degree outside of the United States. This can be requested and submitted through SOPHAS.

Application Deadline

  • Fall Priority: Dec. 15
  • Fall Regular Decision: Jan. 10

Applying by December 15 enables students to be nominated for fellowships. Applications must be submitted AND complete (i.e., all required materials must be received and verified by SOPHAS) by December 15 to be considered.