Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to our most commonly asked admissions questions.

Brown participates in SOPHAS, a centralized application portal for schools and programs of public health.

Apply via SOPHAS

Applicants for our online programs, the Online MPH and the Online Sc.M. in Biostatistics, should apply via Slate.

Apply via Slate

Application deadlines vary by program: visit our admission deadlines page for a comprehensive list.

Yes: there are two assistance programs available to reduce your application fees.

No. Programs at the Brown University School of Public Health do not require standardized test scores.

No, Brown does not have a GPA requirement and every application is reviewed holistically by committee.

​​Competitive applicants demonstrate strong quantitative, qualitative, and writing skills in the form of coursework, standardized test scores, and research and/or work experience relevant to your intended field of study. All applications are reviewed holistically.

Only Biostatistics degrees have specific program prerequisites:

Biostatistics

  • Master's Applicants (A.M. or Sc.M.): Three semesters of calculus, one semester of linear algebra, and at least one semester of probability. The A.M. and Sc.M. programs require the same coursework, however, the Sc.M. program includes a project or thesis.
  • Ph.D. Applicants: Three semesters of calculus and advanced undergraduate courses in linear algebra and probability.

Admissions committees do not have a minimum/maximum personal statement length requirement. We encourage you to be succinct while ensuring that you provide enough context to demonstrate your motivations for pursuing the program.

TOEFL or IELTS Scores

TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international applicants, however, the Graduate School at Brown does offer a list of exceptions. Applicants should submit official TOEFL scores to both code 3094 (Brown University) and 5688 (SOPHAS). IELTS scores are also accepted.

International Transcripts (Ph.D. applicants):

SOPHAS requires international transcripts to be evaluated by World Education Services (WES). Please see SOPHAS' instructions for more information.

International Transcripts (Master's applicants):

International Master's applicants have three options to have their transcripts evaluated:

WORLD EDUCATION SERVICES (WES)

We accept a Course-By-Course Evaluation from World Education Services (WES). The evaluation must show U.S. degree equivalency. To send a WES Evaluation to Brown:

  • Create (or) login to your account at World Education Services (WES). We prefer to receive the evaluation electronically.
  • Select our name in the WES Database: Brown University Graduate School, Master's Programs Admissions and Enrollment
EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIAL EVALUATORS (ECE)

We accept a Course By Course Evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). The evaluation must show U.S. degree equivalency. To send an ECE Evaluation to Brown:

  • Create (or) login to your account at Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). We prefer to receive the evaluation electronically.
  • Select our name in the ECE Database: Brown University School of Professional Studies, Master's Enrollment Office
SPANTRAN

We accept a Course Analysis evaluation from SpanTran. The evaluation must show U.S. degree equivalency.  To send a SpanTran Evaluation to Brown:

  • Create (or) login to your account at SpanTran. We prefer to receive the evaluation electronically.

The number of applications received varies by year and program. With holistic application review, we encourage you to apply to the program offering the best path for you, based on your experience, interests, and long-term career goals.

Some enrollment numbers are offered on our Admission & Aid page.

Applicants may apply to only one graduate program per application cycle. Generally speaking, admission to our Ph.D. programs is more competitive due to higher application volume and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. While not required, Ph.D. applicants with related master’s degrees, research/publications, and/or experience are often more successful in gaining admission.

Unfortunately, we cannot assess your competitiveness prior to submitting your application, so we encourage you to make an informed decision using all available resources.

Your recommenders must be in a position to speak to your academic, research, and/or work-related aptitudes relevant to your intended field of study. Of your three required recommendation letters, we strongly encourage you to submit at least two from faculty.

Part-time enrollment requests for master’s students are welcomed and considered on a case-by-case basis.

Admitted applicants are encouraged to connect with their Graduate Program Director to discuss deferral requests.

Decision notifications vary by program and department, and all offers are made by Brown's Graduate School. We encourage you to check with your individual program for more information.

Tuition, fees, and funding opportunities are outlined on our tuition and funding page.

We offer many opportunities to connect throughout the year in-person and virtually, on and off campus. Applicants are encouraged to attend events on our Admissions Events Calendar and to tour the School of Public Health virtually or in-person.

Brown University also offers in-person and virtual campus tours.

Still have questions?

Email sph-admissions@brown.edu to connect with our team directly.