Admissions FAQ | School of Public Health

Each year we receive many requests for information about our program, many of which are similar. We have therefore compiled a list of the most common questions that potential students pose. These questions are grouped below under general issues that they address. Review this material to learn more about our program. If a specific issue is not covered, let us know and we can address it for you.

For Students Applying or Considering Application

Requirements (SOPHAS, Pitt Public Health, Epidemiology Department)

Do I need to have the admissions prerequisites done before I am accepted/come to the school?

Yes. You will need to have completed the specified pre-requisites before you start your program in the Department of Epidemiology.

What standardized test scores are required, and how should my scores be submitted?

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

The GRE is optional for all applicants across all our degree programs. For applicants who choose to submit scores, the MCAT can be substituted for the GRE. Scores on the GRE or MCAT exam cannot be older than five years.

Submit official GRE scores to the School of Public Health code 4234, with no department code. Submit official MCAT scores to SOPHAS.

TOEFL, IELTS & Duolingo Exams

Most international students must submit an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or the Duolingo English Test. Refer to the school-wide website for further instruction.

I have education from outside of the United States. How can I submit my transcripts?

WES evaluations are required for ALL education from outside of the U.S. Applicants should request WES evaluations early due to the length of time sometimes required to receive and review transcripts. Evaluations should be submitted directly to SOPHAS.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

There is not a minimum GPA requirement, but applicants should have demonstrated academic aptitude at a level that indicates a potential to succeed in a graduate program.

When are the application deadlines?

Please visit the application deadlines page to learn more about our application deadlines, which are subject to change. Contact the Office of Student Affairs with additional questions.

What does the epidemiology admissions committee look for in an application?

Our admissions process considers the following areas of the application very strongly:

your past academic performance
your GRE scores (if submitted)
your past work experience and its relevance to epidemiology
your letters of reference
your personal statement and motivation for a career in epidemiology

These areas are generally viewed equally in the assessment and no one area is weighed more than another.

Thus all of the information provided by the applicant in these areas is used to assess the potential for success in our department. An applicant is considered not only for the ability to succeed academically in coursework in Pitt Public Health, but also for the ability to successfully complete a thesis (MS students), essay (MPH students) or dissertation (doctoral students) in our department. Applicants to the doctoral program are also assessed on their potential to be independent thinkers.

Because of our assessment process, it is not possible to pinpoint a reason why an applicant may or may not be accepted. Our evaluation is based upon how all of the application components fit together, and how they fit into our goals as a department.

International Student Questions

Do I have the appropriate visa?: Please contact the Office of International Services to determine your appropriate visa.
How can I get my I-20 processed/hold removed?: Please contact the Office of International Services regarding the status of your I-20 and to have your academic hold removed, which will enable you to register for classes.

Doctoral Program Questions

How much previous work experience is needed for a doctoral applicant?: Work experience varies greatly by applicant. Several years of work experience is not required; however, most of our PhD applicants have master’s degrees and/or field experience to support their applications.
Do I need to have a master’s degree to be accepted in the PhD program?: A master’s degree is required for acceptance and most of our applicants have previously completed master’s programs. In exceptional circumstances, this requirement can be waived.
How can I strengthen my doctoral application?: Success in a doctoral program of study requires a willingness to learn, academic aptitude, quantitative skills, and independent and critical thinking skills. Applicants should highlight or undertake experiences that can develop their strengths in these areas.
What is the desired structure and ideal length of the personal statement for a doctoral application?: Personal statements should highlight your experiences and strengths, describe why you want to pursue a doctoral degree, address what your long-term goals are, and provide information to help the admissions committee to understand who you are.
How can I re-submit my CV/resume/statement of purpose?: If you need to submit an updated document for your application, please forward the document to Amy Rhodes, director of student services for epidemiology.
How many doctoral students do you accept?: Our doctoral program usually enrolls 10 – 12 new students each academic year.
What kinds of research opportunities are available in the Department of Epidemiology?: There is a wealth of research opportunity in our department. Please visit our Research & Practice webpage to learn more about faculty research, training projects, and collaborating partners.
How can I connect with faculty with similar research interests?: If you would like to connect with a faculty member with similar research interests, please visit our Faculty Research webpage. You will be able to sort by research area and find faculty whose interests match yours.
What is the length of the PhD program?: It takes 3-6 years to finish a PhD degree program, including the necessary coursework and dissertation research. The exact timeframe will depend upon the level of prior experience of the applicant. More information can be found on our PhD information page.

For Accepted Doctoral Students

Student Policies and Procedures

Can I transfer credits from my master’s degree?

It is possible to transfer credits from a previously-earned master’s degree. You and your advisor should discuss how many credits are appropriate for you to transfer from your previous institution. You may transfer up to 24 credits at the discretion of your academic advisor.

What are some post-doctoral positions/careers your alumni are in?

Our students have pursued a variety of careers in many different fields. See recent graduates’ current positions.

Do I need to secure funding before applying?

We look for funding opportunities on your behalf, but not all doctoral applicants are funded. If you do not receive funding, you are expected to pay for your program and other related costs.

Is funding available to support my study? Is funding available to international students?

We understand that funding may be an important factor in your decision to attend our university. Scholarships are available to a limited number of domestic and international students; however, these scholarships cover either partial tuition costs or travel expenses to conferences/meetings/presentations. The Department of Epidemiology offers a limited number of Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions for continuing and new doctoral students (international and domestic) seeking funding support. In addition, individual faculty members may offer a GSR position to students. These GSRs cover tuition costs, health insurance, and provide a small monthly stipend.

The applications of accepted applicants are discussed with our faculty to identify possible funding opportunities. Be assured that Epidemiology faculty members carefully evaluate all eligible students for these positions. Generally, GSR appointment offers cannot be guaranteed before the April 15th decision deadline.

Are assistantships, research assistant, or hourly paid positions available?

You may reach out to faculty members in our department to determine if they have any available assistantship or research positions for incoming students. For more information about hourly-paid employment positions both on-campus and off-campus, visit the Pitt Talent Center and UPMC websites.

Do I need to secure my advisor before applying?

You do not need to secure your advisor before applying. Advisors are assigned based on compatible research interests and previous experience.

How are academic advisors assigned?

After you have indicated an interest to attend our program, academic advisors will be determined based on compatible research interests. Information will be sent to you and your permanent academic advisor once everything has been finalized.