1. What is the difference between the PCE and the Summer Session in Public Health Studies?
2. Are there separate applications to the PCE and the Summer Session in Public Health Studies?
3. When are the application deadlines?
4. Can I choose which courses I take?
5. Can I take fewer than 15 credits?
6. Can I take more than 15 credits?
7. Do I have to submit separate applications if I want to apply to a Master’s degree program at the Harvard Chan School at the same time as to the PCE?
8. If I am accepted into the PCE, will I be automatically accepted into the Harvard Chan School Master’s degree programs to which I apply?
9. Can I be accepted into the MPH in Clinical Effectiveness concentration without acceptance by the PCE?
10. How long can I wait to apply to the Harvard Chan School after completing the PCE to have the credits counted toward a degree?
11. Are international students eligible to apply?
1. What is the difference between the PCE and the Summer Session in Public Health Studies?
The PCE is designed for physician researchers and other clinical researchers, fellows, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and faculty who are seeking quantitative and analytic skills needed for clinical research or interested in health care administration. Students currently take 15 credits, which includes the core daily morning Epidemiology and Biostatistics courses and afternoon electives.
The Summer Session in Public Health Studies contains a series of courses open to all qualified students. Students may enroll in one or more of these courses, up to a maximum of 15 credits. For more information, please visit: Summer Session in Public Health Studies.
2. Are there different applications for the PCE and the Summer Session in Public Health Studies?
Yes. Both Summer Session and PCE applicants must apply online through the SOPHAS Express. The online applications and application materials for the two programs differ.
Applicants to the PCE must submit a CV, personal statement, the PCE supplement application form, and three letters of recommendation online. Letters of recommendation should be from individuals familiar with your research potential, and one should be from your division/department head verifying your affiliation during the Summer Program. For more information, see PCE Application Process and Summer Session in Public Health Studies.
3. When are the application deadlines?
The 2024 degree application deadline was December 1, 2023*; the non-degree application deadline is February 1, 2024. Applications are not reviewed by the PCE Admissions Committee until all components are received. Late applications or applications with late components will be reviewed only if space is still available. Please note, the PCE often fills to capacity by the non-degree application deadline. Late applications may incur a late application fee.
4. Can I choose which courses I take?
Yes and no. The two introductory courses in Clinical Biostatistics and Epidemiology are required courses. Students do choose two afternoon elective courses (one for Summer I and one for Summer II). For more information, see Summer Course Schedule.
5. Can I take less than 15 credits in the first year?
No. Students must take 15 credits, which includes the core Epidemiology (5 credits) and Biostatistics courses (2.5 credits each) plus two electives (2.5 credits each).
6. Can I take more than 15 credits in the first year?
No. The PCE workload is demanding. In addition to three classes daily, participants will have computer labs some afternoons and have considerable homework; 20% of last summer’s participants spent on average, over 20 hours each week on homework assignments. Due to the heavy workload, participants must be free of all clinical responsibilities throughout the Program.
7. Do I have to submit separate applications if I want to apply to a Master’s degree program at the Harvard Chan School at the same time as to the PCE?
No. Degree applicants need not submit a second application or duplicate supporting documentation for the PCE, but the PCE Application Supplement Form must submitted online. For full application details, please see PCE Application Process. If you have questions regarding your application to a degree program, please contact the HSPH Admissions Office at 617-432-1031.
8. If I am accepted into the PCE, will I be automatically accepted into the Harvard Chan School Master’s degree programs to which I apply?
No. Acceptance to the summer PCE is not a guarantee of acceptance into degree programs. Application requirements and application review processes are different for the programs.
9. Can I be accepted into the MPH in Clinical Effectiveness concentration without acceptance by the PCE?
No. Applicants to the MPH in Clinical Effectiveness concentration must also be accepted by the PCE Admissions Committee to gain entry to that degree program.
10. How long can I wait to apply to HSPH after completing the PCE to have the credits counted toward a degree?
Applicants interested in pursuing the PCE and a Harvard Chan School degree program may:
- Apply to both programs simultaneously; or
- Apply for the degree after completing the PCE.
- Students must apply to and be admitted to the degree program within 5 years of completing non-degree credits to have (a maximum of 20) non-degree credits counted toward the degree.
11. Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes! The PCE program encourages all eligible persons to apply and believes that diverse perspectives improve the caliber of the program.
For more information, please feel free to contact Harvard’s International Office or the Harvard Chan’s International Office advisor, Elizabeth Capuano, for more details.
