Frequently Asked Questions

• A two-year, part-time MPH in Epidemiology with online and On Campus
• Three types of Master of Science degrees: An 80 Credit Master’s in Epidemiology, a 42.5 Credit Academic Year Master’s in Epidemiology and a 42.5 Credit Summer Only Master’s Degree in Clinical Epidemiology
• One type of PhD in Population Health Sciences with a field of study in Epidemiology

The Chan School offers multiple options to obtain Masters level training in quantitative methods for epidemiologic and other clinical research through a Master of Science in Epidemiology or Masters in Public Health.

Programs are tailored for those with varying levels of experience and different scheduling requirements. We have traditional academic year (September through May) programs, as well as summer-only and blended online/on-campus programs.

Selecting a program that fits your needs and aligns with your current experience in Public Health and related fields is the first step in the application process. We hope that our Degree Flow Charts, one for those with a prior advanced degree, and one for those without a prior advanced degree, will help you select the best program for your needs. Once you have selected one or more that meets your needs, we encourage you to reach out to the appropriate staff member as indicated on the flow charts if you have additional questions.

• For applicants that are applying into the PhD in Population Health Sciences check out this checklist.
• For applicants that are applying into any of the Master of Science in Epidemiology or the Master in Public Health in Epidemiology check out this checklist.

No, but for some areas of specialization, it might be preferred.

No, however most successful applicants score above the 70th percentile on the quantitative section of the GRE.

December 1st, each year for all applicants.

Master of Science programs: No

PhD in Population Health Sciences: Although interviews are neither required nor guaranteed during our Admissions deliberations, some 2024 Cohort applicants may be contacted via e-mail/phone in December or January to schedule a remote interview with one or more Harvard Faculty reviewers via Zoom, Skype, or phone. Please do not contact PHS, our Fields, or our Faculty to schedule an interview – unless you have been contacted first by a representative of our program.

Students matriculating into the PhD in Population Health Sciences receive full funding (tuition, stipend, and health insurance) for four years with the option to apply for 5th year funding in exchange for additional Teaching or Research responsibilities. The funding can come from a variety of sources with stipulations and other requirements. Admitted students will be given additional information about their funding in early spring.

Harvard Chan School tuition scholarship opportunities and Department of Epidemiology tuition reward opportunities which all masters students are considered for.

Many research opportunities can be found at the Harvard Chan School, affiliated hospitals and research institutes. It is wise to discuss these research opportunities with your academic advisor.

Yes, there is an MD/PhD program available (Doctor of Medicine & Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health Sciences dual degree); Applicants should apply through Harvard Medical School (HMS).

• Academic Year 42.5 credit master’s program = 1 Academic Year, approximately 9 months, culminating experience required
• Summer Only 42.5 credit master’s program = 2 summers of coursework, then additional thesis work until completion which taxes approximately 9 months
• 80 credit master’s program = 2 academic years
• Doctor of Philosophy program = 4-5 academic years

All course requirements can be found in the HSPH Epidemiology Student Handbook.

No, you may not transfer credits from a previous degree or institution. However, you may waive a required course in your current academic program if you provide proof that you have completed and passed a course with similar requirements in a previous program.

Yes.

No, an academic advisor will be chosen for you during the process of admission based on your research interests.

Yes, you may change who your academic advisor is in the program, especially if you decide to change your research area of concentration.

Alumni of our programs typically find jobs in the fields of industry, education, government, non-profit organizations, academia/research and consulting.