Application

Virtual information session for prospective PhD students!

APPLICATION INFORMATION

The Department of Population Health Sciences accepts students from a wide range of disciplines. The PhD in Population Health Sciences is a STEM designated field and eligible for STEM OPT Extension for international students (CIP Code 26.1311).

All application materials (letters of recommendation, transcripts, and English proficiency test scores) must be submitted by the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted. Please be sure to read all the application requirements below and upload all documents to your online application PRIOR to submitting your application. Once an application is submitted information and documentation cannot be changed.

The Department of Population Health Sciences only accepts applications submitted to the Graduate School.

2025 Application (open September 2024)

Fall 2025 Admissions	Deadline
International Applications	December 1, 2024
Domestic Applications	January 1, 2025

*Applications received after the deadline will only be reviewed if sponsored by a PHS faculty member.

Requirements

Application Requirements

Unofficial transcripts of undergraduate and graduate coursework. Official transcripts will be required upon admission into the program.
For international students, demonstration of English proficiency. Approved tests and required test scores are set by the Office of Graduate Admission.
A current Curriculum Vitae
Three letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s potential for success in a doctoral program
Research Statement (refer to Research Statement tab for additional details)
The non-refundable graduate application fee is $55 for domestic applicants and $65 for international applicants. The application fee must be paid in order to consider your application complete. Eligible applicants can request an application fee waiver (refer to Application Fee tab for additional details)

The Department of Population Health Science utilizes a holistic admission review process. The Graduate Entrance Exam (GRE) is NOT required (submitting scores is optional).

Admission Requirements

Admission to the PhD in Population Health Sciences will require:

Meet admission requirements as set by the Graduate School at the University of Utah
- Graduate applicants to the University of Utah are students who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. four-year Bachelor’s degree at either a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an institution recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education in their home country.
- At least a 3.0 or higher undergraduate weighted mean GPA on a 4.0 scale. If the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, applicants must have received a post-baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
- International GPAs are evaluated by the Office of Admission and converted to a 4.0 scale.

Prerequisites will vary based on program emphasis and an applicant's educational background.

It is recommended that all applicants have previous research experience.
Applicants applying for an emphasis in either Clinical and Translational Epidemiology or Health Systems Research are required to have passed a graduate-level biostatistics course with a B grade or better. It is also recommended that applicants have experience in STATA statistical computing.
Biostatistics emphasis applicants are required to have passed with a B grade or better Calculus III (or three semesters of calculus) and Linear Algebra.

Research Statement

As part of your application, you must upload a research statement specific to the emphasis you are applying to.

Please write a paragraph for each question below. The statement should be no more than two pages maximum (~250 words per question) and single spaced.

Biostatistics

Describe your academic background, research or professional experiences (e.g., team work, interdisciplinary projects), and achievements so far.
Your purposes and objectives (career goals) in pursuing graduate study in PHS and how will admission to this interdisciplinary program will help you obtain your career goals.
Please elaborate on how your interest in biostatistics developed, including any specific methodological areas or population health issues that have captured your attention.

Clinical and Translational Epidemiology & Health Systems Research

Describe your academic background, research or professional experiences (e.g., team work, interdisciplinary projects), and achievements so far.
Your purposes and objectives (career goals) in pursuing graduate study in PHS and how will admission to this interdisciplinary program will help you obtain your career goals.
Please include a brief summary of your primary research areas of interest, in priority order.

Application Fee

The non-refundable graduate application fee is $55 for domestic applicants and $65 for international applicants. The application fee must be paid in order to consider your application complete. Applicants can request an application fee waive before submitting your application.

To request an application fee waiver*, emailing PHSPHD@hsc.utah.edu and include the following documents:

Current CV
Unofficial undergraduate transcripts
Research Statement as requested for the PHS application

*To be eligible for an application fee waiver, applicants much have a cumulative undergraduate GPA above 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and clear research experience stated on their CV.

Once an application is submitted, the application waiver cannot be applied. Please ensure your application includes the application fee waiver code before submitting your application. Applicants that have already have paid the application fee will not receive a refunded.

Requests for application fee waivers must be made by the following dates:

International applications: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 by 12:00 PM MST
Domestic applications: Friday, December 27, 2024 by 12:00 PM MST

Timeline

Applications are due by the posted deadline. Applicants should ensure that all letters of recommendation, transcripts, and English language test scores have been received. Applicants may check their application progress by visiting the link emailed to you upon application submission.
Applicants can send a reminder to an online recommendation provider, by clicking "Edit" next the recommendation status and clicking on the "Send Reminder" button . This will automatically generate a reminder email, along with the link to upload.
Applications will be reviewed by the Admission Committee starting in early January. Top applicants will receive a request for an interview sometime in February.
Applicants will be notified no later than April 15.

Funding Opportunities

Funding opportunities are available on an individual basis for both domestica and international students. The majority of admitted students receive full funding. Funding is through the University of Utah’s Graduate School’s Tuition Benefit Program (TBP). The TBP offers eligible students a full tuition waiver, subsidized health insurance, and a yearly stipend based on employment as a Graduate Research Assistant (RA) or Graduate Assistant – Research Focus (GR). The department does not offer Teaching Assistant positions. Students in the PHS program are paid through positions in research groups.