The 4 week Summer Program in Epidemiology integrates mathematics and quantitative methods to provide students with an understanding of the skills and processes necessary to pursue a career in public health.  The breadth and scope of public health is vast and requires an interdisciplinary approach, which can encompass various fields ranging from immunology to nutrition to environmental research.

The summer program curriculum consists of three parts: introductory coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics; formal lectures, which are provided by faculty members with different foci in epidemiology; and a group research project where students will investigate a question of public health relevance that interests them.  Students who participate in the program are able to meet with students matriculating through various programs at Harvard School of Public Health. In addition, students have the opportunity to meet with faculty and administrators individually, and the chance to explore the city of Boston. Participants receive summer salary, housing, and funded travel.

Eligibility:

 In order to take advantage of this opportunity, applicants must meet all of the criteria below:

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S;
• Applicants must be from an underrepresented group in biomedical research, which includes:  First generation college students; students with disabilities; students from an economically disadvantaged background (this requires additional supportive documentation)*, students from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented, such as: Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders;
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or above;
• Applicants must be from a quantitative science background OR have taken several quantitative classes beyond intro level courses;
• Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in public health, specifically epidemiology.

Exclusions: Individuals interested in pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) are ineligible to apply.  The program is for students interested in pursuing the following degree types: Master of Science (MS), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or Doctor of Science (ScD).  If you are unsure about degree types, please visit the HSPH Admissions’ website.

Individuals already accepted into a graduate program are ineligible to apply.

To Apply

The deadline for applications has been extended to March 1, 2013.

Download and complete the application, then send the necessary supporting documentation, mentioned below, to Felisa Nobles, Outreach Manager at fnobles@hsph.harvard.edu:

• Resume or CV
• Transcript(s): Must be sent from your institution’s Office of the Registrar.
• Two letters of recommendation from professors at your current institution who can speak to your capabilities within their courses (please do not submit recommendations from high school teachers, or individuals who do not know you in an academic capacity). The letters can either be mailed to the physical address provided below or emailed tofnobles@hsph.harvard.edu directly from the recommender.
• A personal statement describing your academic and professional interests, your reason for applying to the Summer Program in Epidemiology, the insight you hope to gain from the program, and the ways the program will influence your academic trajectory. The typed statement should be a minimum of 500 words.

Mailing Address:

Felisa Nobles
Harvard School of Public Health
677 Huntington Ave
Kresge Suite 506
Boston, MA 02115

*If you have questions about the program please email fnobles@hsph.harvard.edu or jpaulson@hsph.harvard.edu or call 617-432-1498.