PhD Applicants

You must submit official copies of your transcripts from every institution you have attended with your application. Applicants should plan on having all transcripts from any non-US colleges or universities they have attended evaluated by World Education Services.

You ​must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate and graduate coursework. If your GPA is below a 3.00, you should include an explanation of why it fell below the minimum requirement and how you plan on addressing prior academic deficiencies. ​

GRE Code: 7844. See program-specific requirements below to determine whether this is required.  

Please submit official copies of your GRE scores with your SOPHAS application using the code above.

Your statement of purpose and objectives should be two pages in length, single-spaced. It should describe your past experience(s) as they relate to your interest in public health, career goals, skills that you will bring to the program, purpose for submitting your application, and how the program will benefit you.   

Please also identify the faculty member with whom your research interests align.  ​

Include a copy of your current resume or curriculum vitae (CV). It should outline your professional work experience, volunteer experience, academic credentials, professional affiliations, and any awards, honors, scholarships, or other recognitions received. ​​​

Three letters of recommendation are required. While not required, it is highly encouraged that at least one letter of recommendation come from a faculty member who can attest to your academic performance.

In addition to the general admissions requirements listed above, the PhD in Biostatistics program requires the following prerequisite coursework: 

• Three semesters of calculus (differential, integral, multivariable) 
• One semester of linear algebra 
• One previous statistics course 
• Experience with some statistical software (R, SAS, etc.)

In addition to the general admissions requirements listed above, this program requires the following prerequisite coursework: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields with quantitative preparation
• All prerequisite coursework must be completed at or above the undergraduate level
• Master's degree or equivalent work experience for two or more years in a related field

Additional, preferred (not required) prerequisites

• One semester of calculus with a grade of B or higher
• A previous biostatistics course with a grade of B or higher
• Previous coursework or experience with some statistical software, e.g. SAS, R, etc

The GRE is not required for applicants to the PhD in Climate and Human Health program.

In addition to the general admissions requirements listed above, the PhD in Epidemiology program requires the following prerequisite coursework: 

• One semester of calculus with a grade of B or higher
• A previous biostatistics course with a grade of B or higher
• Previous coursework or experience with some statistical software, e.g. SAS, R, etc
• Prior coursework in biological sciences
• All prerequisite coursework must be completed at or above the undergraduate level
• Master's degree or the equivalent work experience

The GRE is not required for applicants to the PhD in Epidemiology program.

Master’s degree and/or relevant experience is preferred but not required. GRE scores are optional. GRE scores, if submitted, are one of many factors considered when evaluating applications. GRE scores may bolster applications without a strong record of relevant coursework or relevant work experience.

In addition to the general admissions requirements listed above, the PhD in Health Services Research program requires the following prerequisite coursework: 

• Two semesters of calculus (differential and integral) each with a grade of B or better. One semester may be at the AP-level.
• A previous upper-level statistics or biostatistics course with a grade of B or better   
• Previous coursework or experience with some statistical software, e.g. SAS, R, Stata etc.       ​