Master of Science in Public Health

A Degree for Specialized Skills in Public Health Disciplines

The Master of Science (MS) degree program in Public Health is designed with an emphasis on mastering research and technical skills in biostatistics, epidemiology, or health informatics. The biostatistics program focuses on the theory and application of statistical methodology in biomedical science. The epidemiology program focuses on the methodologic foundations of epidemiologic research and its application to infectious, chronic, and environmental health. The Health Informatics program focuses on the practice of informatics across clinical and public health domains. All programs are suited for students interested in entering the workforce, continuing their education in PhD programs, and clinicians.

Applicants wishing to pursue an MS in Epidemiology can choose between three sub specialization Tracks: Infectious, Chronic, and Environmental Epidemiology - each anchored in a Yale department dedicated to those fields. All three share a common core in epidemiologic methods and biostatistics; the track determines the specialized coursework and capstone project (i.e., integrated learning experience).

Unless stated otherwise, students can enroll full-time or part-time.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Select program: "Public Health" and your Concentration: Biostatistics (MS), Epidemiology (MS), or Health Informatics (MS).

The GRE and TOEFL code for Yale GSAS is: 3987. A writing sample is not required.

The application deadline, beginning with applicants applying for Summer or Fall 2027 admissions, is December 1st.

Funding

Students in the MS program file their applications and financial aid materials through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

MS students are allowed to serve as Teaching Fellows or Research Assistants. Teaching Fellowships are generally available to MS students in the 2-year program in Public Health during their second year after they have taken classes and become familiar with the Public Health coursework. However, it is also possible to obtain a Teaching Fellowship in a department outside of Public Health. Many first year MS students have found Teaching Fellowships within Yale College in languages, math, statistics or science departments.

Research Assistant positions are also available on a part-time basis. Faculty in Public Health are generally familiar with various research projects that are in need of a research assistant. We suggest you begin your search for a research assistant position by asking your faculty adviser for suggestions. There are also many positions posted on the Student Employment website.