Admissions

Students admitted to the program hold advanced degrees in related fields. Individuals whose highest degree is a baccalaureate degree are encouraged to apply for one of our M.P.H. degrees. Applicants should have prior coursework in biological or behavioral sciences.

Also, because of this program’s strong emphasis on methodology, quantitative aptitude is very important, as demonstrated by achieving a 70th percentile on the quantitative section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and satisfactory grades in college-level courses such as statistics, algebra, calculus, or trigonometry. Demonstrated excellent writing skills are also desirable.

Essay and Research Statement

Ph.D. applicants are asked to submit both a personal essay and a statement of research interests. The statement of research interests is intended for the applicant to demonstrate a strong interest in a specific epidemiologic area and, if possible, to indicate interest in particular methodologies or study designs. It is where you should describe, in some detail, the specific content area in which you propose to focus in your doctoral work, and why this area is of interest to you. It is not intended to be as specific as a dissertation statement and will not preclude your exploring other areas during your doctoral work.

The admissions committee expects that doctoral applicants have chosen a specific content area within their desired field of study, and within that content area, have some specific issues in which they are interested. If appropriate, you can also discuss methodologies related to this content area. Familiarity with the field is essential for successful application to the program.

Submit your statement

All serious candidates to the doctoral program are encouraged to contact the major coordinator at least several weeks prior to completing the application materials to obtain additional information about the application process.

Ph.D. applicants can expect to receive admission decisions about eight weeks after submitting a completed application to SOPHAS.

Applying to Our School

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