PhD in Health Services Research
Application Deadline
  Fall 2012 Admission: January 15, 2012
Prerequisites
 Applicants should hold a Master's or Bachelor's degree in a field related to health services research (i.e. social/behavioral sciences, epidemiology, management, biological sciences, or health professions) or should have completed substantial coursework in these fields.

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.

All applicants must have completed a minimum of one semester of college level calculus and one semester of college level statistics, each with a passing grade of B or better. For the Health Economics field, applicants should have knowledge in multi-variate calculus, linear algebra, probabilities and statistics, and differential equations, as well as intermediate level micro-economics.

At least 1-2 years of research experience is strongly encouraged.
Test Scores Accepted
  • All applicants to Boston University School of Public Health must submit a standardized test score with their application. Applicants may only submit the GRE for this program. Please review our test specific reporting codes.
An official score is required regardless of prior degree(s) obtained.
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:
  • the candidate's reason for studying health services research
  • her/his desired particular area of study within the department
  • the anticipated value of health services research training at Boston University to the candidate's personal career plans
  • the relevance of her/his prior education and experience
Official Transcripts
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.

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.

*The School of Public Health reserves the right to re-evaluate your application for admission upon receipt of the final official transcript.
Letters of Recomendation
BUSPH requires three letters of recommendation as documentation of academic skills and interest for the application portfolio 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.
CV or Resume
A current curriculum vitae or resume is required. This document is uploaded directly to your SOPHAS application.