Admission to Degree Programs
The admissions information in this section pertains to applications for degree programs offered by the Harvard School of Public Health. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office for complete instructions. Information on HSPH minimum entrance requirements can be found in the respective department/program sections of this catalog. Note that the application for PhD programs, offered under the auspices of the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), is different from that used by applicants to programs administered by HSPH; the application must be obtained directly from GSAS.
This section contains information on the following:
- HSPH Application Deadlines
- Application Procedures and Requirements
- Application Review
- Matriculation
- Tuition Deposit and Financial Certification
- Admission to Nondegree Status
- Affiliates
- Special Students
- Subsequent Application for Degree Candidacy
Applications may be submitted beginning on September 15, 2011.
December 15, 2011, is the deadline for complete applications for HSPH doctoral (SD and DPH), master of public health (MPH), and master of science (SM) programs except as explained below. December 15 is also the deadline for applications to the SM in health care management programs in the priority admission cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by November 27, 2011, to allow time for all their credentials to arrive by the December 15 deadline.
February 15, 2012, is the deadline for completing applications to the SM in health care management program for review in a second cycle. Applicants should be aware that this degree program may fill to capacity during the priority admission cycle.
Participants in the Summer Clinical Effectiveness and Summer Session programs matriculating in the 2012 summer program and wishing to apply for degree candidacy must meet the application deadlines outlined above.
Applicants to the MPH program who wish to participate in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency must apply by October 5, 2011.
Application Procedures and Requirements
Application to the Harvard School of Public Health is made through the centralized Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). For more information about this process, please consult the HSPH admissions website.
Required application materials consist of the following:
- A completed and signed application form, a résumé, and a statement of purpose written by the applicant. The statement should describe the applicant’s academic and professional history, area of interest at HSPH, reasons for wanting to enroll in the degree program, and professional or academic career plans upon completion of the program. The SM in health care management, MPH, and JD/MPH programs have specific requirements for the statement of purpose. Please visit the admissions website for more information.
- Official transcripts from all colleges, graduate schools, and/or professional schools attended, whether or not the courses taken appear to be relevant to a degree in public health. Applicants are expected to have a distinguished undergraduate record, as well as excellent performance in any graduate work undertaken. Certified English translations must be submitted when applicable.
- Letters of recommendation from at least three people who are well acquainted with the applicant’s academic work and/or professional experience (recommendation forms are provided in the SOPHAS application).
- Official scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. While GRE scores are strongly preferred, some other tests may be substituted in circumstances specified in the application. The requirement for scores from a standardized test will not be waived on the basis of academic or professional background.
- Official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if applicable. Applicants (including those who have been U.S. citizens or permanent residents for less than one year) from countries where English is not the language of instruction must submit a score from the TOEFL. Those who have already taken the TOEFL may submit the score so long as it is not more than two years old. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam will be accepted if the applicant’s score is 7.0 or above.
- A nonrefundable application fee to SOPHAS (the amount will vary according to the number of schools designated to receive the application). HSPH does not charge an application fee.
- Applicants may apply to only one degree program and must satisfy the requirements of the department or program to which they are applying. Those applying to the JD/MPH joint degree program with Harvard Law School, the MD/MPH combined degree program with Harvard Medical School or another medical school, or the joint degree programs with Simmons College must satisfy the entrance requirements to both schools. Applicants to doctoral programs must demonstrate the ability to undertake original research. All prospective students must apply for either full- or part-time status. Most international students are eligible for full-time study only.
Admission is granted for the summer (for summer programs) or the fall semesters of a particular year (currently September 2012). Students unable to enroll at that time may request a deferral but may be required to reapply.
Applicants are notified as soon as possible (in writing or electronically) about the status of their application. The decision of the Committee on Admissions and Degrees is final and is not subject to appeal.
For all HSPH programs the Committee on Admissions and Degrees considers the academic ability of applicants, the relevance of their previous education and experience, and their overall qualifications for graduate education in public health, including those qualities of character that reflect on an individual’s suitability to be a public health professional. In decisions about admission and financial aid, HSPH does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability. The increased participation of underrepresented groups in public health practice and research is essential to the advancement of health, and the school is committed to expanding the diversity of its faculty, staff, and student body.
As a matter of policy, students may enroll in only one degree program at a time except for the following approved programs: MD/MPH, JD/MPH, and SM/MSN. Students scheduled to begin a degree program at HSPH in 2012 must show proof of degree conferral for all prior degrees that are required for admission (qualifying degrees) to the respective HSPH degree program. If an incoming student has not completed the necessary qualifying degree(s) and has not submitted the degree conferral documentation to the Admissions Office by June 1, 2012, the student will need to request a deferral to begin studies at HSPH in 2013. In the case of extenuating circumstances, please contact the Admissions Office, without delay.
Tuition Deposit and Financial Certification
Applicants who are granted admission must submit a $500 tuition deposit when confirming acceptance of the offer of admission. This deposit, which is nonrefundable, will be applied toward the student’s tuition and fees.
Accepted applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must demonstrate that sufficient funds are available in U.S. currency to pay the costs (tuition, fees, and living expenses) of the full period of their academic program. International students supported by personal, family, or sponsor’s funds not paid directly to Harvard University are required to deposit and retain adequate funds in a Boston-area bank in an account bearing the student’s name. Students bringing their families to the United States must transfer and certify adequate funds for their support as well. (Please see estimated student expenses for an estimate of living expenses in the Boston area.)
