Epidemiology PhD Admissions

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the Epidemiology PhD program, you must have a bachelor’s degree. Nearly all students admitted to the program have master’s degrees. Though a master’s degree specifically in epidemiology is not required, preference is given to applicants who have backgrounds in environmental health; epidemiology; the health sciences, including behavioral medicine; medicine; a public health discipline or statistics.

Prerequisite Courses

You will need to have completed graduate coursework in data analysis, epidemiology, research methods and statistics. Coursework in behavioral, natural and social sciences will also improve your chance of admission.

Potential Program Mentors

Students are required to contact potential faculty mentors the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics to discuss their areas of interest and opportunities for mentored research before applying to the program.

Application

You will apply using SOPHAS Centralized Application Service. The documents required below will all be submitted through the SOPHAS system.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators who can provide insight into the applicant's academic abilities and talents, as well as comment on the applicant's aptitude for doctoral-level study and research. Recommendations from college/university faculty members are preferred.

Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all the undergraduate and graduate institutions you’ve attended. Please mail all of your official transcripts to the following address.

SOPHAS Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471

Statement of Goals

In no more than 750 words: 1) describe important academic and research achievements and interests, and 2) specify how your research interests relate to your ultimate career goals in the field of Epidemiology and to ongoing work by faculty members affiliated with the PhD in Epidemiology program. The match between faculty and student interests is important in the admissions decision. Be sure to articulate clearly the linkages among your training goals, the expertise of our faculty, and the training emphasis of the PhD program. For a description of faculty interests, visit the webpages of the Potential Program Mentors linked above.

Writing Sample

Scholarly articles, technical reports or academic professional papers of which the applicant is the first author are preferred. Unless it is a published work, the writing sample should be no more than 10 pages.

Résumé

A current résumé or CV is required.

Laptop Requirement

Laptops are integrated into the curriculum at the Barnett College of Public Health to improve opportunities for active learning and provide greater access to specialized software and required tools in and out of the classroom. Incoming students are required to have a laptop that meets certain minimum hardware specifications. Review full laptop requirements.

Additional Requirements for International Students

For applicants whose native language is not English, the TOEFL is required with a minimum score of 79 on the iBT. These scores should be sent officially to SOPHAS using the SOPHAS-specific TOEFL code 5688.
A WES Evaluation is required for applicants who completed their degree outside of the United States. This can be requested and submitted through SOPHAS.

Application Deadline

Fall Priority: Dec. 15

Applying by December 15 enables students to be nominated for fellowships. Applications must be submitted AND complete (i.e., all required materials must be received and verified by SOPHAS) by December 15 to be considered.

Temple University

Admissions