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

Apply via SOPHAS

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

Yes! There are application fee assistance programs to help reduce or even fully cover your application fees.

GRE scores are required for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics and Ph.D. in Health Services Research program.  For the Ph.D. in Epidemiology, the GRE is not required but highly recommended.  GRE scores are not required for any other Brown University School of Public Health programs.  The GRE code for the Brown University School of Public Health is 7765.

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

The Brown University School of Public Health values an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach, and we actively welcome students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. 

Whether your experience is in the sciences (biology, neuroscience, environmental science), social sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics), quantitative fields (statistics, mathematics, data science, computer science) humanities (philosophy, history, ethics) or another area entirely, your unique perspective can contribute meaningfully to the study and practice of public health.

Admissions committees do not have a minimum/maximum personal statement length requirement, but the best personal statements are usually between 750-1000 words. Your statement should be original and specific to the program you are applying to. It is an opportunity to share a thoughtful, well-crafted narrative that highlights your academic background, relevant experiences, and professional goals. We encourage you to explain your interest in the chosen program and why the Brown University School of Public Health is the right place to pursue your aspirations.

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:

WORLD EDUCATION SERVICES (WES)

SOPHAS requires international transcripts to be evaluated by World Education Services (WES).  You must order WES Course-By-Course electronic evaluations directly through the SOPHAS application. If you do not order through the application, your evaluation will not be accepted.

1. Enter your schools in the Colleges Attended section.
2. Click Order after listing your foreign institution in the Colleges Attended section. If you don’t see the Order button, it means you didn’t enter your institution as a foreign institution – return to the Colleges Attended section to fix this.
3. Click Visit WES Now.
4. SOPHAS is pre-selected for you (if not, select from the drop-down). Follow the prompts to order your transcript evaluation. 

Please see SOPHAS’ instructions for more information.

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 should be able to speak to your academic, research, and/or professional strengths as they relate to your intended field of study. Of the three required letters of recommendation, we strongly encourage that at least two come from faculty members.

Part-time enrollment availability varies by program. The Online Master of Science in Biostatistics (OBHDS) is cohort-based and does not permit part-time enrollment.

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 plenty of opportunities to connect with us throughout the year, both in person and online, on campus and beyond. We encourage you to explore our Admissions Events Calendar and sign up for a one-on-one admissions advising session on Zoom. Brown University also offers both  in-person and virtual campus tours, so you can experience campus life in the way that works best for you!