Application Opens: August 17, 2023
Priority Deadline*: November 1, 2023
Final Deadline: December 1, 2023
*Applications must be submitted and verified by SOPHAS by December 1. We encourage applicants to apply by November 1, 2023 in order to meet the December 1 final deadline.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e., social/behavioral sciences, epidemiology, management, biological sciences, or health professions) or substantial coursework in these fields.
Specific previous coursework required:
Minimum of one semester of calculus and one semester of statistics, each with a grade of B or better
EP713, Introduction to Epidemiology or equivalent and BS704, Introduction to Biostatistics or equivalent with a grade of B or better
A graduate degree (or graduate work in process) in a relevant field is strongly encouraged, though the PhD program will consider exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Experience:
At least 1–2 years of research experience is strongly encouraged.
A GRE score is not required for application to BU School of Public Health and will not be considered if submitted.
International applicants must submit an English language proficiency exam. Applicants may submit the TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS exams are considered valid for two (2) years from the date the exam was administered.
English language proficiency exam
English is the language of instruction at Boston University. You must be able to understand rapid, idiomatic English and express yourself clearly in speech and writing.
English Proficiency Exams
International students whose native language is not English must provide official results of the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Only official TOEFL and IELTS score reports will be accepted and must be submitted using the appropriate reporting code through SOPHAS. Photocopies of test scores or unofficial records will not be accepted
Boston University School of Public Health does not accept Duolingo English Test results.
Test and Required Minimum Score
TOEFL ibt: 100 or higher
TOEFL pbt: 600 or higher
IELTS – Academic Exam Only: 7.0 (total band score)
TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the date of examination.Applicants who do not meet the required minimum score will not be considered for admission.
Waivers
If an international applicant’s WES ICAP evaluation states that English was the language of instruction for a completed degree, the TOEFL/IELTS requirement will be waived automatically by SPH Admissions.
SPH Admissions will also automatically waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for International applicants who have earned a previous degree in any of the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or Ireland.
One (1) year of study in a bachelor’s degree in the US or in any of the countries above doesnotqualify. The majority of the bachelor’s degree program (at least 2+ years) must be completed in one of the countries above to be considered for this waiver.
If you do not meet either of the criteria above but believe the TOEFL/IELTS requirement should be waived for you, please submit the following to SPH Admissions:
Official supporting documentation demonstrating English proficiency sent directly from the university or institution on official letterhead. We cannot accept supporting documentation directly from applicants.
Reporting codes for TOEFL and IELTS
TOEFL
Institution Code: 5688*
Dept. Code: Any www.ets.org
IELTS
Please have a score report submitted through SOPHAS.
Applicants may submit the TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS exams are considered valid for two (2) years from the date the exam was administered.
Academic Transcripts or WES ICAP Evaluation
Applicants must have official transcripts for all registered coursework submitted from each institution directly to SOPHAS using their Official Transcript Request Form. This documentation must be sent from the registrar or designated school records official directly to SOPHAS. Official transcripts will not be accepted from the applicant. Photocopies of official transcripts or unofficial records will not be accepted. International transcripts, including study abroad transcripts, may have additional requirements. International applicants should submit a WES ICAP evaluation.
If you are currently in a degree program, you are required to submit a current official transcript showing all completed coursework and all work in progress. If you are accepted for admission, a final official transcript after degree conferral must be submitted directly to Boston University prior to matriculation.
SPH reserves the right to reevaluate your application for admission upon receipt of the final official transcript.
Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
SPH requires three letters of recommendation as documentation of academic skills and interest for the application to be considered complete. The committee will be especially interested in references from former undergraduate or recent graduate program professors and former supervisors of health- or research-related employment. SOPHAS provides an electronic submission process for all letters of recommendation.
Statement of Purpose and Objectives
Applicants must provide evidence of their preparedness, interest, and elementary understanding of the health services research field in the form of a concise personal statement. This statement should include the following elements:
Reason for studying health services research
Desired area of study within the department
Anticipated value of health services research training at Boston University to the candidate’s personal career plans
Relevance of prior education and experience to pursuing this degree
CV or Résumé
A current curriculum vitae or résumé is required. This document should be uploaded directly to your SOPHAS application.