How to Apply

Where to Apply

The application deadline for the summer/fall of 2022 has already passed and we are no longer accepting applications. The next application will open in August with a deadline to apply by December 15, 2022 for the academic year that begins in the summer/fall of 2023.

MPH Applications through SOPHAS

MPH applicants apply through SOPHAS, the centralized application for Schools of Public Health.

Deadlines:

December 15 - SOPHAS application deadline
February 1 - FAFSA Financial Aid application deadline
April 15 - deposit due

MPH Applications Codes:

GRE and GMAT please use code: 3975
MCAT please use code: “SOPHAS”
TOEFL please use code: 5688

MPH GRE Requirements

The Yale School of Public Health MPH Program has waived the GRE requirement for this year’s admission cycle.

In previous application cycles, the GRE has been used as a measure to predict success in our MPH program and determine quantitative preparation. To be sure that all admitted students are enrolling in the program with adequate baseline quantitative proficiency or aptitude, we will instead be requiring evidence of quantitative ability. To demonstrate this ability, applicants in all departments except Biostatistics** must submit the following two additional materials.

Description of Quantitative Experience and Ability - this statement (no more than half a page in length) should detail your previous quantitative experience. We would like to hear about courses you have taken (either for credit or not, including online courses), quantitative elements of research/publications you have held an active role in, including what your role was in the project, completed GRE scores and/or relevant professional work experience. Please use this statement to detail what you have accomplished and if applicable, how you have used this outside of the classroom.
Verification of Ability - please provide evidence of this experience or ability. This can be in the following formats and should not exceed 5 pages:*

Certificates of course completions for online courses
Official GRE scores sent to school code 3975. UNOFFICIAL score must also be uploaded here
Research projects or publications - please ONLY provide the abstract and/or a link to access the paper virtually. We WILL NOT review complete thesis/publications/projects
Project deliverables demonstrating analytic/quantitative skill- should you not be able to provide the actual data, please provide a brief description of the project including the tools used and the results

*Transcripts do not need to be provided as they will be included in your application.

Examples found here may be helpful in understanding what we are looking for.

** BIS students have the prerequisite requirement of Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra with a grade of B or better. This course preparation meets our required evidence of quantitative ability therefore no additional materials need to be submitted.

PhD and MS applicants

PhD and MS applicants must apply through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Email our Graduate School Coordinators to request more information for the MS and/or PhD program.

Frequently Asked Questions

MPH Program
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service, SOPHAS. The application will become available in late August and the YSPH deadline is December 15. SOPHAS will verify the information reported and send it electronically to YSPH once complete. The verification process can take 2-4 weeks to complete. We will notify you when we receive your application from SOPHAS. We encourage you to monitor your application in SOPHAS to assure that all documents have been received. SOPHAS does charge an application fee of $140 for the first application and $50 per additional program.
What type of degree is required for admission?
All applicants for our 2-year MPH must have a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree or the foreign equivalent. Our applicants come from backgrounds and experiences across a variety of undergraduate disciplines.

Applicants to the Advanced Professional and Executive MPH should have one of the following:

A doctoral (or international equivalent) degree in a field related to public health (e.g., physicians, dentists, podiatrists, pharmacists, veterinarians, attorneys, and those with a doctorate in the biological, behavioral, or social sciences).

A master’s degree and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.

A bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant work experience for the AP program and 4 years for the Executive.

Completion of the third year at an accredited medical, dental, or podiatric school in the United States.
What components must my application contain?
Completed SOPHAS application

Official transcripts from all schools attended
SOPHAS requires that applicants submit transcripts from ALL schools attended. This includes community college and transfer classes that may already be listed on your primary transcript
Students receiving a degree from an institution outside of the US or Canada must submit a WES evaluation for all transcripts. Please note that WES can take up to 2 months for evaluations and transcripts should be submitted no later than 6 weeks before the application deadline to ensure timely evaluation and consideration.

Description of Quantitative Experience and Ability and Verification of Ability (see above for details)
For GRE and GMAT, please use code: 3975
For MCAT, please use code: “SOPHAS”

Three letters of recommendation

Statement of purpose and objectives

Resume/CV
What are the requirements for international applicants?
Students who studied outside of the US and Canada are required to submit the following items:

WES course by course evaluation for all degree granting programs. Please submit all transcripts to WES at least 6 weeks prior to the application deadline.

TOEFL exam IF the language of instruction for their degree was not English. For international education instructed in English, there is no formal TOEFL waiver, the TOEFL simply does not need to be submitted. WES evaluations sent to SOPHAS will indicate the language of instruction (even if the copy sent to the student does not)

At this time, we are only able to accept the TOEFL and cannot accept the IELTS exam.
Please note that our minimum TOEFL requirement is a combined score of 100.*

Applicants who submit a TOEFL will also be required to complete brief video questions. You will be contacted by the Office of Admissions with these questions after submitting your application.

*Due to the limitations of in-person testing as a result of COVID-19, we will be accepting the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test.
What is the difference between the MS in BIS and the MPH in biostatistics?
The MPH degree emphasizes the application of biostatistics and provides training for a career in public health. Students apply to this program through SOPHAS.

The MS degree emphasizes the theoretical mastery of biostatistical skills. It is designed to train professional statisticians to work in the technology industry, biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, and healthcare organizations. Students apply to the MS program through the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. For more information visit our MS program page.
What factors does the Admissions Committee consider in making decisions?
In reviewing applications, our Admissions Committee equally considers academic ability, public health experience and a strong commitment to the field. The fit with our school and focus of your interest in public health should be clear. Experience does not have to be paid, professional work experience, rather it can be any experience that has informed your decision to pursue your MPH. Please note that we do not have a minimum GPA or test score requirement. That being said, our program does have heavy quantitative requirements and we do recommend applicants aim for GRE scores above the 50th percentile.
Are there any course prerequisites for application?
Our Biostatistics department is the only department that requires prerequisite coursework for application. Biostatistics applicants must have completed a course in multivariate calculus (Calculus III or the equivalent) with a grade of B or better and a course in linear algebra with a grade of B or better.

While other departments do not require specific coursework for application, strong quantitative ability as demonstrated by test scores and coursework is important for every department. Departmental reviewers will also look to coursework that is relevant to your area of study. For example, reviewers in the Social and Behavioral Sciences department may strongly consider your grades in your social science coursework, while reviewers in the Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases department may weigh your science coursework more heavily.
What is the word limit for the statement of purpose and objectives and what should it include?
The statement of purpose and objectives is one of the most important components of your application. It is your opportunity to make the case for why we should admit you. Tell us your public health story, highlighting the formative experiences you have had in public health, what these experiences have taught you and how they are informing your decision to pursue your MPH studies at Yale. Your area of interest or the public health question you wish to explore should be clear. We also would like to know your plans for how you hope to use your degree. And, of course, anything you can tell us about what you bring to the classroom is also helpful. We do encourage you to remember that application reviewers will also be viewing your resume and the statement SHOULD NOT just reiterate your experiences. It is intended to help us understand more about your influences and goals. We highly recommend that personal statements be no longer than 2 pages in length.
What is the deadline for my application?
The application deadline is December 15. This simply means that the application itself must be submitted to SOPHAS on that date. All supporting materials (including transcripts, WES evaluations, and letters of recommendation) may come in after the December 15 deadline.
How can I verify that my documents and application have been received?
You should regularly check the status of your application through the SOPHAS portal. SOPHAS will indicate when your application has been completed and our office will notify you when we have received your application from SOPHAS. At this time, we will confirm if your application is complete or is missing any documents. Please note that SOPHAS completion status does not mean that your application is complete here at YSPH and we may still require additional materials. While we do offer a grace period for documents such as transcripts and recommendations to come in after the December 15th deadline, we require that all materials be in process by this deadline. This means that all recommendation requests need to be submitted, all tests taken with scores being sent and all transcripts and WES evaluations requested by the deadline. Additionally, documents including resumes cannot be updated after they have been submitted.
When can I expect to hear about my decision?
Admissions decisions will be sent out on a rolling basis beginning in late November. We hope to have all decisions released by late February/early March.
How do I study Global Health at YSPH?
The uniqueness of Yale’s Global Health program is that it is available to all of our students. Because we believe that global health is public health, we encourage our students to broaden their public health education in various departments with the perspectives and experiences the Global Health Concentration offers. Students complete the Global Health Concentration through course, internship and thesis requirements.
Are there other ways in which I can enhance my expertise while at YSPH?
The Yale School of Public Health encourages students to complement their departmental studies through a variety of interdisciplinary concentrations, tracks and programs. Read more about our Global Health Concentration, Public Health Modeling Concentration, Regulatory Affairs Track, US Health and Justice Concentration, Climate Change and Health Concentration and Maternal Child Health Promotion Track to explore ways to customize and enhance your degree. Additionally, students at YSPH can use their elective credits to take courses across Yale’s 13 graduate schools and programs. Finally, YSPH offers multiple joint degree options across the University.
How do departments, concentrations and tracks work?
All students apply to a specific department at YSPH when applying for admissions. The seven different areas of study ensure a solid grounding in the basic and applied sciences, as well as a focus on a specific area of public health work. Students in all departments complete a core curriculum, a departmental curriculum and a selection of electives. The concentrations and tracks are designed to complement and enhance the departmental curriculum. Each is comprised of a set of courses in addition to a practical experience and these courses typically fulfill the elective requirements of each departmental program.
Is it possible to enroll as a part-time student?
Yes, it is possible to enroll as a part-time student however approvals to do so are granted on a case-by-case basis as the program is intended to be completed full time. Part-time student status is granted to students taking fewer than 4 course units per term. Part-time students are encouraged to take at least 2 course units per term and must complete all course requirements (including the thesis) within five years of matriculation. For the AP MPH program, all degree requirements must be completed within three years of matriculation. Those considering part-time study should be aware that YSPH does not offer evening, weekend or summer classes. The school also offers a two-year Executive MPH for students who wish to pursue a degree part-time that is mostly online, with three five-day intensives on the Yale campus over the course of the two years.
Will I have opportunities to conduct research or volunteer at Yale?
YSPH houses numerous interdisciplinary research centers and programs that afford students the opportunity to work and conduct research. Learn more about these centers on the research section of the school's website. Research and educational opportunities are also available throughout the Yale community. Community service is encouraged and our students volunteer with groups such as: HealthCore, the Haven Free Clinic and the Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE). The Student Association Yale School of Public Health (SAYPH) includes a Community Service Committee that focuses on finding projects for students throughout Yale and the New Haven community.
What should I consider when applying for a joint degree with another Yale professional school?
Joint degree candidates must apply to and be admitted by each school. In addition, joint degree students must fulfill degree requirements for both programs. Advisors from the respective schools will assist students with mapping curriculum. Please contact admissions offices at both programs to learn about admissions requirements and deadlines. For a complete list of our joint degree programs visit our Education and Training site.
How do I contact an Admissions representative or schedule a visit?
Questions or scheduling a visit may be arranged by contacting our office at ysph.admissions@yale.edu or (203)785-2844.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Detailed information including the financial aid application may be found on the financial aid webpages. Please contact our Director of Financial Aid, Jennifer Farkas by phone (203) 785-5417 or email.
What are the demographics of the MPH students?
The incoming class of 2022:

Class size: 299

Average age: 28

Undergraduate schools represented: 191

Under-represented minorities: 25%

Diversity 53%

International students: 34%

States represented: 40

Countries represented(citizenship): 30
MS and PhD Program
How do I apply for the MS or PhD program?
The MS and Ph.D. programs are administered through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website. The deadline for application is December 15th.

GRE and/or TOEFL scores must be sent to institution code 3987. The Graduate School requires the General GRE tests (no GMAT scores are accepted). MCAT scores are accepted ONLY for the MS programs in Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Health Informatics and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases.

TOEFL scores are required for all applicants whose native language is not English. This requirement is waived only for applicants who will have received a baccalaureate degree, or its foreign equivalent, prior to matriculation at Yale, from a university or college where English is the primary language of instruction. Applicants must have studied in residence at the baccalaureate institution for at least three (3) years to receive the waiver. A waiver will not be granted based on an advanced degree (M.A./M.S. or Ph.D.) from any institution. Scores from this examination must be "released" to Yale University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (code 3987). Paper copies are not acceptable and scores released to other schools of Yale University cannot be transferred or used.

For more information, please contact our Graduate School Coordinators.
Do you offer a DrPH degree?
No, we currently do not have a DrPH degree program; we only offer a Ph.D. in Public Health. The six academic programs within our department that offer a Ph.D. are: Biostatistics, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
What is the difference between the MS in BIS and the MPH in biostatistics?
The MPH degree emphasizes the application of biostatistics and provides training for a career in public health. Students apply to this program through SOPHAS.

The MS degree emphasizes the theoretical mastery of biostatistical skills. It is designed to train professional statisticians to work in the technology industry, biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, and healthcare organizations. Students apply to the MS program through the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. For more information visit our MS program page.
Do I have to take the TOEFL if English is not my native language?
The TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. This requirement is waived only for applicants who will have received a baccalaureate degree, or its foreign equivalent, prior to matriculation at Yale, from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction. Applicants must have studied in residence at the baccalaureate institution for at least three (3) years to receive the waiver. The test should be taken as early as possible to ensure that your scores are received in time to be incorporated in your file. Normally TOEFL scores will not be released if they are older then two years. If you took the TOEFL before and ETS will release those scores then you should not have to retake the examination.

Test of Spoken English (TSE). All applicants who accept offers of admission to Ph.D. programs and whose native language is not English are strongly encouraged to present TSE scores by the time of enrollment in the fall. Students who do not demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English may be retested and/or asked to take English courses. A high level of proficiency is required for students to serve as teaching fellows.

Please have the TOEFL scores sent Yale University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences using the code 3987. If required on the TOEFL Standardized Test, please use code 99 (Undecided) as your department and/or major field code.

Official IELTS Academic scores may be used to fulfill the English Language Test requirement. We will only accept official scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center via the E-Delivery service.

When you take this test, please specify Yale University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (also known as the Office of Graduate Admissions) as a score recipient. Our address, to identify us in the IELTS system, is Warner House, 1 Hillhouse Avenue, Room 302, New Haven, CT 06511. Please do not send paper score reports to this address.

We do not accept paper Test Report Forms nor do we verify Test Report Forms (TRF's).

We accept only IELTS Academic test scores. The IELTS General Training module is not accepted.
Where do I send my GRE scores and do I have to take Subject Tests?
At the time of your GRE test, you should indicate Yale University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences using the code 3987. We do not require Department or Program codes. If required on the GRE Standardized Test, please use code 0000 (Undecided) as your department and/or major field code.

We do not require Subject Tests.
May I submit my MCAT scores?
The MS programs in Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, and Health Informatics will accept the MCAT in lieu of the general GRE.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is December 15th.
Is a writing sample required?
A writing sample is not required. However, if you choose to upload one, you may do so.
Do I need to submit an official transcript?
Unofficial transcripts may be submitted online when applying. If you are admitted to the program and choose to attend Yale, you will be required to have an official transcript sent to the Graduate School before you matriculate.
Can I apply to multiple programs?
You can apply to the MPH program and the Ph.D. or MS program. Please note that we do not share credentials, therefore you must send everything to both programs. You cannot apply to multiple Ph.D. programs at Yale. Nor can you apply to the Ph.D. program in Public Health and the MS program. Additionally, if you are not admitted to the Ph.D. program, you will NOT automatically be considered for the MS program.
Do all students (including international students) receive funding?
All students accepted into the Ph.D. program will receive funding that consists of a stipend, full tuition, and health insurance. MS students accepted into the program do not receive this financial package.
Do you hold an open house for prospective students?
No, we do not host any events for prospective applicants. If you are in the area or plan to be in the area, you can contact us at 203-785-4257 or 203-785-6383 to schedule an appointment.

Prospective Ph.D. applicants may be invited to campus in February for an interview once the applications are reviewed.
Do you offer online courses or allow students to attend on a part-time basis?
We do not offer online courses in the MS and PhD programs. All classes are traditional classroom setting. PhD students are not allowed to attend on a part-time basis. MS students are permitted to be part-time students. Part-time students must complete all degree requirements within 5 years of matriculation.
After I submit my application, can I check the status of my credentials?
Yes, please log into your online application to review which materials have been received. Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for submitted materials to appear online as received.
What is the deadline for admission to the Ph.D. and M.S. program?
The deadline is December 15th each year. We review all applications at the same time; hence we do not have rolling admissions.
Is financial aid offered?
All Ph.D. students admitted to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are offered a financial aid package that includes: full tuition, basic individual health coverage, and a stipend. This package is guaranteed for 5 years for all Ph.D. students in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health. Some of the funding sources available for incoming students are from N.I.H. Training Grants, therefore only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for these funding sources. However, there are alternative funding sources for international students.

Students admitted to the M.S. program must consult with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Financial Aid Office. Unfortunately, we do not offer merit or need-based scholarships.
Do I need to contact faculty members in advance of submitting my application and secure a mentor?
You do not need to secure a commitment from a mentor before applying. You are welcome to contact faculty members before applying, but since it is hard for them to commit without seeing the entire applicant pool they may not always respond.
How are applications reviewed?
Each department within Public Health has several faculty that review all the applications in that specific department.
How do I indicate my area of interest and the faculty members that I would ideally like to work with if admitted?
It is appropriate to mention the research interest and the faculty members you would like to work with in your personal statement.
Is there an on-campus interview?
The top Ph.D. candidates will be invited to campus to interview. This interview date is usually in February. Alternate arrangements will be made for applicants that cannot attend on the specific date or that cannot attend at all.
Where do I apply and how can I get more questions answered?
Please visit the website for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for the online application. Please visit the Graduate School website. On this website, there is a link for Frequently Asked Questions. Many topics are covered here.

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