Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Health Policy PhD program must have a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Nearly all admitted applicants have a master’s degree, and preference is given to those with backgrounds in the health sciences or public health.  For applicants who do not have an MPH, prerequisite course requirements include the completion of graduate courses covering theories of biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health behaviors and health policy, and political and economic aspects of health (the five core courses of the MPH curriculum).

Program admissions are highly competitive; only a small number of well-prepared students are admitted each year. We recommend that students contact faculty in the Department of Health Services Administration and Policy to discuss their areas of interest and opportunities for mentored research before applying to the Health Policy PhD program.

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 of: 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

This deadline 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 Dec. 15 to be considered.