Who should apply?

Individuals intrigued by thinking about the causes of illness and death who want to contribute to improving health and healthcare systems.

Why apply?

The M.S./Ph.D. Program in Population Health is an ideal option for those considering a broad array of fields including epidemiology, public health, health policy, health economics, health services research, and more. According to Fast Company these areas are some of the hottest growth areas for future employment.

Do I need a biology degree to enter the program?

Although many of our applicants have undergraduate degrees in bio-medical fields, at least as many enter and succeed with backgrounds in sociology, education, psychology, economics, actuarial science and other fields.

Is a master’s degree required before applying to the Ph.D. program?

Students with bachelor’s degrees may apply for admission to the master’s or doctoral degree programs.

What courses would I need to take before applying to the program?

Applicants must have completed calculus or statistics with a grade of "B" or better prior to applying for full admission

What funding options are available to graduate students?

The primary form of financial assistance for graduate students is graduate assistantships, which are granted for participation in research projects with specific faculty members in the Department of Population Health Sciences. An assistantship is granted based on compatibility of the student's and the faculty member's research interests. Students typically work between 13 and 20 hours per week (depending on their appointment level) and receive tuition remission, health insurance, and a stipend.  Refer to awards and funding for further information.

What if I am admitted without funding? What should I do?

We encourage you to contact professors with whom you share interests to look for assistantships as opportunties open throughout the year. In addition, contact other departments for opportunities (such as the Biology Department if you majored in biology). The University also posts some open graduate assistantship positions on their student employment website.  Also refer to information about awards and funding.