How to Apply & Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
MPH Program
- Information for MPH applicants
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.
GRE waiver examples are available.
** 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.
- 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 $150 for the first application and $60 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.
- 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 the Differences between the MPH and MS Degree 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, Implementation Science 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. Learn more about our Joint Degree Programs.
- 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, is available. Please contact our Office of Financial Aid at ysph.financialaid@yale.edu.
- 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 Program
- Information for MS applicants
The MS in Public Health programs are administered through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website. The application portal opens on August 15 and the deadline is December 15th. The full list of application requirements is on the Graduate School site.
In the application portal, please select program: “Public Health” and then the Concentration: "Biostatistics", “Health Informatics”, “Chronic Disease Epidemiology” or “Infectious Disease Epidemiology”.
- How do I apply for a fee waiver?
Please follow the instructions on the Graduate School's Fee Waiver page.
- Can I apply to multiple programs?
Prospective students can apply to the MPH program and the PhD or MS program. Please note that application materials must be sent to both programs. Only one application to the Graduate School is allowed per year, so applicants cannot apply to multiple PhD programs or to a PhD program and an MS program. Additionally, applicants who are not admitted to the PhD program, will not be considered for the MS program in the same cycle. The prospective student would need to apply to the MS program in the next cycle.
- Do you offer on-line courses or allow students to attend on a part-time basis?
The MS program is in-person only, all classes are in a traditional classroom setting. MS students are permitted to be part-time students (with the exception of students in the MS Health Informatics program). Part-time students must complete all degree requirements within 5 years of matriculation.
- What is the minimum GPA required?
There is no minimum GPA required.
- Is a writing sample required?
A writing sample is not required. However, if prospective students choose to upload one, they may do so.
- Do Coursera or edX courses count towards prerequisites?
Coursera and edX courses do not count as college-level credit unless they are affiliated with an accredited university, but they can be included on a CV as additional training.
- What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS score required?
The minimum required score for the English language proficiency tests is a total scores of 100 on the TOEFL and 7 on the IELTS.
The Graduate School does require incoming doctoral students who received a score of 25 or below on the TOEFL Speaking section or a 7.5 or below on IELTS Speaking section to participate in a Summer English Language program at Yale in August prior to matriculation. These students are required to demonstrate English proficiency before they are permitted to teach.
- Can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS?
The TOEFL or IELTS 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.
On the application, enter English as the language of instruction for the undergraduate degree and check the "3 years studying in residence" box. The application system will then automatically waive the TOEFL requirement.
We do not accept Duolingo test results.
Please refer to the Testing Requirements information to learn more about how to submit these test results.
- Information about GRE Tests
GRE scores are not accepted for the following programs: PhD in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Social Behavioral Sciences, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences, and the MS programs in Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Health Informatics, and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases.
- What is the minimum GRE?
There is no minimum GRE. Applications are reviewed holistically, and the admissions committees take into account that the GRE may not be reflective of the student’s skills but should be evaluated in the context of the whole application.
For information about how to submit scores and other questions, please review the testing requirements for the GRE .
- Can I waive the GRE?
The Graduate School does not allow waivers for the tests. If an applicant is not able to take the test before the deadline, they may enter a future test date in the “Test Scores” section of the application. This will allow the applicant to submit the application. If an applicant is then accepted into the program, they will receive a conditional offer and can sit the GRE at that time.
- Do I need to submit an official transcript?
Unofficial transcripts may be submitted online when applying and they must include the applicant’s name, the institution name, course names, and grade information, and any academic comments that would be a part of an official transcript. If the applicant is admitted to the program and chooses to attend Yale, they will be required to have an official transcript sent to the Graduate School before matriculation.
- WES/Transcript Questions
Transcripts that are in a language other than English should be translated into English. The translation must be certified to be an accurate translation of the original and be notarized or otherwise authenticated. Both non-English and translated transcripts should be uploaded.
- Information about Recommendation Letters
Information and FAQs about recommendations letters can be found on the Graduate School website.
- Is financial aid offered?
Students admitted to the M.S. program must consult with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Financial Aid Office for financial aid. There are no merit or need-based scholarships.
- How do I find a student job?
There is a Yale student employment database where on-campus jobs are listed. Access to the database will be open once a student has activated their NET ID.
Students often work with the faculty as part-time research assistants during the academic year. Students should discuss this with their academic advisers and other faculty in their department to see what options are available.
Students seeking teaching positions, should check the Teaching Fellow jobsite that can be accessed once the NET ID is activated. Within YSPH, most faculty prefer to hire a student that has taken the class so first year M.S. students may qualify for Teaching Fellowships in undergraduate courses. It is recommended students only consider a Teaching Fellowship at 10 hours per week for their first semester while they orient themselves to graduate school and expectations for their coursework
PhD Program
- Information for PhD applicants
The PhD in Public Health programs are administered through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website. The application portal opens on August 15 and the deadline is December 15th. The full list of application requirements and a comprehensive FAQ section is on the Graduate School site.
In the application portal, please select program: “Public Health” and then the Concentration: "Biostatistics”, “Chronic Disease Epidemiology”, “Environmental Health Sciences”, “Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases”, “Health Policy and Management” or “Social and Behavioral Sciences”.
- How do I apply for a fee waiver?
Please follow the instructions on the Graduate School's Fee Waiver page.
- Can I apply to multiple programs?
Prospective students can apply to the MPH program and the PhD or MS program. Please note that application materials must be sent to both programs. Only one application to the Graduate School is allowed per year, so applicants cannot apply to multiple PhD programs or to a PhD program and an MS program. Additionally, applicants who are not admitted to the PhD program, will not be considered for the MS program in the same cycle. The prospective student would need to apply to the MS program in the next cycle.
- Do you offer on-line courses or allow students to attend on a part-time basis?
The PhD program is in-person only, all classes are in a traditional classroom setting. Students seeking the PhD degree are required to be in residence in the New Haven area for at least three academic years and must be studying on a full-time basis.
- Do you offer a DrPH degree?
There is no DrPH degree program offered in Public Health.
- Do I need to contact faculty members in advance of submitting my application and secure a mentor?
Applicants do not need to secure a commitment from an adviser before applying. They are welcome to contact faculty members before applying.
- 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 for prospective students to write about their research interests and the faculty members they would like to work with in the Statement of Academic Purpose. There is also a list of faculty members affiliated with each department and each applicant can list up to three faculty members they wish to work with if admitted.
- How are applications reviewed?
Each department within Public Health has a committee of faculty that review all the applications in that specific department.
- Is there an on-campus interview?
The top PhD candidates will be invited to interview. This interview date is usually in February.
- How do I connect with current students?
To connect with our students, navigate to the “Current PhD student” section on each of the PhD pages and click on the student’s email.
- What is the minimum GPA required?
There is no minimum GPA required.
- Is a writing sample required?
A writing sample is not required. However, if prospective students choose to upload one, they may do so.
- Do Coursera or edX courses count towards prerequisites?
Coursera and edX courses do not count as college-level credit unless they are affiliated with an accredited university, but they can be included on a CV as additional training.
- What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS score required?
The minimum required score for the English language proficiency tests is a total scores of 100 on the TOEFL and 7 on the IELTS.
The Graduate School does require incoming doctoral students who received a score of 25 or below on the TOEFL Speaking section or a 7.5 or below on IELTS Speaking section to participate in a Summer English Language program at Yale in August prior to matriculation. These students are required to demonstrate English proficiency before they are permitted to teach.
- Can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS?
The TOEFL or IELTS 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.
On the application, enter English as the language of instruction for the undergraduate degree and check the "3 years studying in residence" box. The application system will then automatically waive the TOEFL requirement.
We do not accept Duolingo test results.
Please refer to the Testing Requirements information to learn more about how to submit these test results.
- Information about GRE Tests
GRE scores are not accepted for the following programs: PhD in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Social Behavioral Sciences, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences, and the MS programs in Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Health Informatics, and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases.
- What is the minimum GRE?
There is no minimum GRE. Applications are reviewed holistically, and the admissions committees take into account that the GRE may not be reflective of the student’s skills but should be evaluated in the context of the whole application.
For information about how to submit scores and other questions, please review the testing requirements for the GRE .
- Can I waive the GRE?
The Graduate School does not allow waivers for the tests. If an applicant is not able to take the test before the deadline, they may enter a future test date in the “Test Scores” section of the application. This will allow the applicant to submit the application. If an applicant is then accepted into the program, they will receive a conditional offer and can sit the GRE at that time.
- Do I need to submit an official transcript?
Unofficial transcripts may be submitted online when applying and they must include the applicant’s name, the institution name, course names, and grade information, and any academic comments that would be a part of an official transcript. If the applicant is admitted to the program and chooses to attend Yale, they will be required to have an official transcript sent to the Graduate School before matriculation.
- WES/Transcript Questions
Transcripts that are in a language other than English should be translated into English. The translation must be certified to be an accurate translation of the original and be notarized or otherwise authenticated. Both non-English and translated transcripts should be uploaded.
- Information about Recommendation Letters
Information and FAQs about recommendations letters can be found on the Graduate School website.
- Is financial aid offered?
All PhD students admitted to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are offered a financial aid package that includes a stipend, full tuition, comprehensive health insurance, including hospitalization coverage and specialty care, for students, their legal spouse, and their children, and a family support subsidy for graduate students with children under the age of 18. This package is guaranteed for 5 years for all PhD students in the School of Public Health. The annual stipend and further information can be found on the Graduate School website.
Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), Yale Public Safety publishes its annual security report . Obtain a copy of the annual report online, or by contacting Yale Public Safety at 203-432-4400.