Additional Admissions Information

PhD applicants are asked to submit both a personal essay and a proposed research statement.  What is the difference between the personal essay and the proposed research statement?

The personal essay is similar to what applicants prepare for a master's level program—an overview of their academic and professional background and experiences to date, as well as future career and research goals. The committee will review transcripts and resumes or curriculum vitae (CV), but the personal essay should cover the relevant experiences and goals the applicant wishes to highlight. In addition, the applicant should express why he/she is considering a career in public health, and specifically why he/she is interested in the Epidemiology doctoral program.

The proposed research statement is an 'intellectual' personal essay; it is a detailed description of the specific content area in epidemiology in which the applicant proposes to focus his/her doctoral work, and why this area is of interest.  The proposed research statement is not intended to be as specific as a dissertation statement and will not preclude exploration of other areas of doctoral research.  

The admissions committee expects that doctoral applicants:

• Select and identify the specific track for which they are applying;
• Chose a specific content area within that track;
• Within that content area, have some specific research questions in which they are interested. If appropriate, the applicant can also discuss methodologies related to this specific content area.