Admissions

Eligibility

Students come from a variety of educational backgrounds, including economics, political science, public affairs, and sociology. Strong quantitative skills are essential. A health services background is helpful, but not required.

Admission requires a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The admissions committee reviews applicants according to their personal statements, background and experience, record of academic achievement, demonstrated academic potential, letters of recommendation, compatibility of interests with program faculty, and other factors. Test scores and GPAs provide competitive points of reference for admission but are not alone decisive in the admissions review.

Preferred Performance Levels

• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00
• GRE score of 1000 combined verbal and quantitative, and 3.5 analytic writing assessment.
• TOEFL scores of 600 on the paper test or 250 on the computer-based test or 100 on the internet-based (iBT) test for applicants whose native language is not English

Required Entrance Exams and Prerequisites

GRE Scores

No minimum scores are required, however there is a preferred performance level on the combined verbal and quantitative score of 1000 or higher (500/500) and an analytical writing score of 3.5 or higher.

TOEFL Exam (Non Native English Speakers)

Nonnative English speakers must complete the TOEFL exam and obtain a minimum score of 100, 600, or 250, depending on the format of the exam.

Prerequisites

To prepare for the microeconomics course in the MS program, an introductory course or reading a book in basic microeconomics is recommended.

Application Process

Applying for admission to the Master of Science and Doctoral degree programs in Health Services Research, Policy and Administration requires submitting information to SOPHAS, the application service used by the School of Public Health (SPH). For instructions on how to apply, please see the SPH Master of Science or Doctoral Application Information and Directions.

Applications are reviewed holistically. Admission decisions are based on many components including the record of academic achievement, entrance exam scores, personal statement, background and experience, goals, demonstrated academic potential, letters of recommendation, compatibility of interests with program faculty, and other factors.

Application Deadlines for Fall Admission

• Priority: Preceding December 31
• Final: June 15

Complete application packets are reviewed beginning in mid-January by an admissions committee. Applicants are notified in writing by mail of the admissions decision shortly after the committee's decision.