Although SOPHAS allows for a higher word count, the statement of purpose and objectives for Harvard School of Public Health should not exceed 600 words. If you have questions or concerns about this statement, please contact the Admissions Office at 617-432-1031 or at admisofc@hsph.harvard.edu. In your statement, please describe the following:

1.  Your academic and/or professional preparation for a career in public health
2.  Your reasons for wanting to enroll in the degree program and department to which you are applying
3.  Your career plans upon completion of the program at HSPH

Note any relevant strengths or weaknesses in your background or in your ability to carry out your professional responsibilities.
Do not underestimate the importance of this statement. It is your opportunity to inform the faculty reviewers of your qualifications, motivation, and potential to make a contribution to the field of public health.

Statement for applicants to the nonresidential, part-time SM in health care management for physician and dental executives:

Applicants to the nonresidential, part-time SM in health care management for physicians and dental executives who have questions about the essay requirment may contact Sharon O'Brien, administrative director, at 617-432-4324. This statement should not exceed 1,000 words.

1. Briefly describe the organization where you are employed in terms of its purpose, its services and client population, and its scope of operation (state, county, etc., if relevant). Also provide several relevant measures of its size (e.g., annual budget and revenues; number of employees or full-time equivalents; patients or beds; and number of years in existence if less than five years old). If available, attach the most recent organizational chart.
2. Describe your role in the organization, including title/position of groups or individuals to whom you report; current responsibilities; number and type of groups or individuals to whom you report; number and types of individuals you supervise; size of budget(s) you control; and names of principal committees on which you sit.
   
3. Summarize your career development, describe the broad areas of endeavor in which you have engaged, and distinguish between professional (e.g., teaching, research, clinical practice) and management activities
4. With reference to your present and future responsibilities and development, describe what you are primarily interested in learning as a result of participating in the program. Please note subject areas in which you are well versed and those in which you feel you need improvement.

Statement for applicants to the JD/MPH joint degree only:

Please submit an essay: typed, double-spaced and up to 750 words in length. Any questions about this statement may be directed to the Admissions Office at 617-432-1031 or at admisofc@hsph.harvard.edu. There is no prescribed format for the essay, but it should include information about the following:

• Your focused interest within the field of public health
• Your previous academic, professional, and/or extracurricular experiences that demonstrate your interest in public health or health-related issues
• Your reasons for wanting to enroll in the joint JD/MPH degree program
• Your career plans upon completion of the joint degree program

Please do not underestimate the importance of this statement. It is your opportunity to inform the reviewers of your qualifications, motivation, and potential to make a contribution to the fields of public health and law. The essay should persuasively establish (1) your preparation to undertake this intense course of study, (2) your understanding of the MPH curriculum, and (3) a good fit between the curriculum and your interests and goals.