PROSPECTIVE STUDENT INFORMATION

Doctoral Admission Requirements

When we make our admissions decisions, we evaluate the applicant’s entire file in relation to the pool of applicants that year. We also evaluate whether the applicant’s needs and goals fit well with our department’s strengths and resources.

The admission process for all master’s degree programs follow those of The Graduate School and the Arnold School of Pubic Health:

1. Online Application via www.sophas.org.
2. At least two letters of recommendation.
3. An updated Resume’ or CV.
4. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work previously undertaken.
5. Official copies of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
6. A statement that addresses research or practice interests and long-term objectives.

International applicants whose native language is not English and who have not earned a degree in an English speaking country are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the University of Cambridge’s International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Course Type 2 exam. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 230 (computer-based) or 570 (paper-based) or 88 (Internet-based). The minimum acceptable overall band score on the IELTS Academic Course Type 2 exam is 6.5. Proficiency in English sufficient to undertake graduate study is expected upon entry. Students who do not meet proficiency levels established by The Graduate School and the department will be expected to take additional work to raise their level of performance. Also, any transcript from a non-US institution will need to be verified by World Education Services (WES). WES is an organization that provides international credential evaluation and checks documents for validity and accuracy. WES also offers an analysis of an individual's degrees and transcripts and will provide equivalents for each credential. For more information contact WES at: www.wes.org or 212-219-7330.

An electronic application packet should be submitted to SOPHAS as early as possible and will not be processed until all the required credentials have been received & verified. Electronic applications can be submitted via the Internet. For information on how to apply electronically see the Arnold School of Public Health’s admissions website. Departmental courses are sequenced so that students may begin their program of study only in the fall semester. Applications for fall admissions must be received by February 15.

For the Doctor of Public Health (Ph.D.) program, applicants must have a master’s degree in Public Health from an approved school of public health or an equivalent advanced professional degree.  Applicants must have at least three years of post-baccalaureate work experience in the field of public health or another health‑related field.

Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy (Dr.P.H.) programs must have a master's degree in the appropriate major area (Epidemiology) or (Biostatistics or Statistics) from an approved school of public health.  Applicants with a master's degree in another area may be admitted with additional course work, as determined by the department faculty.  Prior professional work experience is considered an asset but is not a requirement.