harvard public policy phd acceptance rate

Public Policy

The Master in Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year program that prepares students to understand complex public policy problems and craft concrete solutions. Through coursework, exercises, and fieldwork, students master concepts and skills that draw on the social sciences but are adapted for action. MPP graduates are versatile—they lead change in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Many distinguish themselves in more than one of these sectors during the course of their careers.

The Ph.D. in Public Policy Program provides exceptional scholars with advanced graduate training to prepare them for positions in academia, government, and at research organizations. Candidates are trained to conduct policy analytic research, help shape and execute public policy, and teach the next generation of educators, researchers, and practitioners. The program encourages scholarly research that empowers public policy practitioners to make informed decisions. Coursework reflects this approach by combining core requirements—in theory (economics, politics and management, and normative theory) and methods (advanced methodology, analytical, and quantitative empirical)—with primary and secondary concentrations.

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The PhD in Public Policy prepares qualified candidates to shape the direction of public policy research and to train the next generation of researchers, teachers, and leaders. It also qualifies individuals to perform high-level policy analysis in both national and international organizations.

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Harvard Public Policy PhD: Eligibility, Tuition Fees, and Acceptance Rate

• Updated on  
• Feb 6, 2024

Harvard University’s Harvard Kennedy School offers a PhD in Public Policy (PPOL) program. This course provides the advanced graduate training required to launch yourself into a research or related post in government, academia, the private sector, or a nongovernmental organisation. 

Keep reading this blog if you want to learn about the pursuit of a Harvard Public Policy PhD. We will discuss the various aspects of this degree. You will learn about the Harvard Public Policy PhD acceptance rate, eligibility, fees, and more. So, let’s talk about this world-class program without any further ado. 

This Blog Includes:

Prepared for the real world, acquire high-in-demand skills and knowledge, amazing placement scene, tuition fees and duration , harvard public policy phd acceptance rate, eligibility , application process, why pursue harvard public policy phd.

Studying at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School positions you for a bright career. Here are the major reasons why you should pursue a Harvard Public Policy PhD:

The graduates of PPOL enter the workplace equipped with skills to teach, conduct research, and make a profound impact in academia, multinational organisations, NGOs, etc. After completing this program, you are fully prepared to thrive as a professional. 

The Harvard Kennedy School provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the study of administration, public policy, and leadership via its courses. The knowledge and skills offered here allow graduates to have productive careers in multinational organisations, think tanks, academia, NGOs, or the private sector. 

Harvard Kennedy School’s Class of 2022 saw 91% of graduates getting employed and 6% running for office, launching new ventures, or continuing their studies by the end of October 2022. 

Also Read: University of Cambridge Admission Requirements: Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

The average annual tuition fee for the Harvard Public Policy PhD is $10,799, and the duration of this course is 5 years. This is lower in comparison to the average annual fee of the whole of Harvard University, which is $57,261. 

The acceptance rate of Harvard Kennedy School is 20%, making it a competitive school to get into. However, this should not discourage you from applying for admission to this prestigious institute. You can get into Harvard Kennedy School with the right qualifications and determination. 

Also Read: Harvard University PhD in Physics: Application, Stipend, Acceptance Rate, Requirements and Deadline

Now that you know the Harvard Public Policy PhD acceptance rate, let’s look at its eligibility criteria. So, here are the requirements you need to meet to be deemed eligible to pursue this program: 

• You need to have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree is not necessary. 
• Moreover, you must score a minimum of 80 on TOEFL IBT.
• You also have to submit the following documents:
• Three letters of recommendation,
• The Harvard Griffin GSAS online application and application fee,
• Official transcripts for all colleges or universities attended,
• Internet-based TOEFL or IELTS scores (for those for whom English is not their first language),
• Valid GRE general test scores,
• A valid passport,
• A student visa,
• Writing sample of no more than 20 pages, which must be single-authored and written in English, and 
• Statement of purpose. 

The application process for the Harvard Public Policy PhD can become confusing. Fortunately, Leverage Edu can assist you in your application and make it easier. 

Here is how we can aid you in your admission process: 

• Our AI Course Finder can help you in selecting the program.
• Then, our experts will begin the application process on your behalf for your opted institute. 
• Your application has to include IELTS, SOPs, TOEFL, LORs, essays, and some other necessary documentation. 
• So, please ensure that you gather and prepare all the needed documents for the application beforehand. 
• After this, the Leverage Edu team will commence your application for housing, scholarships, and student loans after you are done with all the necessary paperwork and application. 
• Then, just wait for your offer letter, which you typically get within 4-6 weeks.

Relevant Reads:

Ans: You can apply to the PPOL PhD program if you have a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree is not required.

Ans: Harvard University is a private institute, founded in 1636. 

Ans: The acceptance rate of Harvard Kennedy School is 20%, making it a difficult institute to get into. However, it is not impossible to gain admission here with the right qualifications and determination. 

So, this was all about pursuing the Harvard Public Policy PhD. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad .

Abhishek Kumar Jha

Abhishek Kumar Jha is a professional content writer and marketer, having extensive experience in delivering content in journalism and marketing. He has written news content related to education for prominent media outlets, garnering expansive knowledge of the Indian education landscape throughout his experience. Moreover, he is a skilled content marketer, with experience in writing SEO-friendly blogs. His educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in English Journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal. By receiving an education from a top journalism school and working in the corporate world with complete devotion, he has honed the essential skills needed to excel in content writing.

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For Prospective Graduate Students

The Department of Government. Calling all researchers, leaders, and changemakers.  

When you join Harvard University’s Department of Government, you become part of a highly-recognized intellectual community of scholars, researchers, visionaries, leaders, and changemakers. Our strength in teaching and research in all fields of political science is reflected in both our faculty and our curriculum. 

Harvard University’s Department of Government is a world leader in the study and scholarship in political science. Our programs of study include:

• American Government
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Political Methodology/Formal Theory
• Political Philosophy and Its History

Our innovative curriculum reflects a diverse range of fields and methodologies. The vibrant graduate student body receives hands-on training by conducting supervised dissertation research and working with our faculty in research projects and undergraduate teaching. 

Here, scholars have access to unparalleled resources.  They have the opportunity to define and formulate their own research questions and to apply a variety of research methodologies. 

• Graduate students research is greatly facilitated by the exceptional resources offered by the Department of Government and the University.
• Harvard has the  largest university library in the world .
• Harvard expansive network of research centers and top international studies centers bring together scholars and researchers from around the globe.

Scholars can also take advantage of Harvard’s generous financial aid program.  In addition, there is just no match to the energy and excitement that accompanies student life in the Cambridge/Boston area.  

Harvard University does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classificiation.

PhD Requirements

Candidates for the PhD in Government are expected to complete the required coursework during their first two years of graduate study and take the General Examination at the end of the second year. A typical schedule consists of these two years, followed by three or four years of work on a dissertation, combined with supervised teaching.

Admissions 

The graduate program of the Department of Government is designed to train students for careers in university teaching and advanced research in political science. The department does not offer an independent master’s program, the master of arts in political science being reserved for PhD candidates on the way to their final degrees.  Click here  to visit the Graduate School of Arts and Science’s page on admission to the Government Department to learn more about the application process. 

Application for Admission

The application for admissions is available at  http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/apply .

The application fee is $105. Applicants can determine eligibility for a fee waiver by completing a series of questions in the Application Fee section of the application. Once these questions have been answered, the application system will provide an immediate response regarding fee waiver eligibility.

Application information and instructions are available at  www.gsas.harvard.edu . Applicants with admissions questions should call 617-496-6100 from 2-5pm EST or email  [email protected] .  Applicants with financial aid questions should call 617-495-5396 or email  [email protected] .

Financial Aid and Fellowship Opportunities 

Financial aid is administered under the direction of the  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) .  The department intends that all graduate students should have support adequate to enable them to complete their studies while enrolled full-time. Prospective students apply for financial aid at the same time they apply for admission and are also required to submit a Statement of Financial Resources.  The financial aid package for government students typically includes tuition and fees plus a stipend and a summer research grant for the first two years; tuition and fees plus guaranteed teaching fellowships and a summer research grant for years three and four; tuition and fees in year five; and tuition and fees plus a stipend for the completion year.

In addition to  funding from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences , graduate students are encouraged to apply for outside fellowships and grants. Please visit the  website of the GSAS Fellowships Office  for more information.  

Master in Public Policy

Understand complex public problems and craft concrete solutions in this rigorous two-year program

Key Program Information

Program Length: Two years (varies for students pursuing joint or concurrent degrees)

Degree Awarded: Master in Public Policy

Admission Application Deadline: December 2024

Financial Aid Application Deadline: January 2025

Contact the MPP Program

79 John F. Kennedy Street Littauer Building, Room 133 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Become an expert problem solver

The Master in Public Policy Program provides you with a conceptual toolkit rooted in the social sciences and adapted for action.

A defining feature of the Master in Public Policy (MPP) Program is its commitment to practice. Take what you learn here and apply it right away—through capstone exercises, case studies, experiential learning opportunities, and optional internships—to deliver lasting results.

At the heart of the program is a cross-disciplinary core curriculum that exposes you to the analytic methods, conceptual frameworks, and habits of mind that empower you to craft solutions for real-world public problems.

“At HKS, my professors taught me valuable quantitative skills, strategies on working multilaterally with different stakeholders in different sectors, the power of storytelling, and how to build an effective organization.”  —Sebastian Agignoae MPP 2022

About the MPP Program

Curriculum overview.

The MPP curriculum will broaden your perspective and sharpen skills to prepare you for a successful career in public service.

The first year of the MPP Program focuses on the cross-disciplinary fundamentals of policy design, analysis, and implementation. You will take core courses to develop professional competencies in: 

• Financial management
• Negotiation
• Policy design and delivery
• Quantitative analysis
• Applied history

Areas of Focus

As a complement to the MPP core curriculum, you will also choose a  Policy Area of Concentration (PAC)  in one of five areas: 

• Business and Government Policy
• Democracy, Politics, and Institutions
• International and Global Affairs 
• Political and Economic Development
• Social and Urban Policy 

Summer Internships

While it isn’t a formal requirement, most MPP students take on a  policy-oriented internship  during the summer after the first year. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in class to gain deeper insights; use new skills; and face challenges in different professional areas, policy fields, or parts of the world.

Core Curriculum

Most first-year MPP students take 38 credits, which consists of 18 core course credits in the fall and 16 core course credits credits in the spring. Many students also begin taking elective courses in the spring of their first year.

Required Core Courses (First Year)

• Resources, Incentives, and Choices I: Markets and Market Failures (API-101, 4 credits)
• Quantitative Analysis and Empirical Methods (API-201, 4 credits)
• Policy Design and Delivery I (API-501, 4 credits)
• Race and Racism in the Making of the United States as a Global Power (DPI-385M, 2 credits)
• Race and Racism in Public Policies, Practices, and Perspectives (DPI-386M, 2 credits)
• Fundamentals of Negotiation Analysis and Practice (MLD-220M, 2 credits)
• Resources, Incentives, and Choices II: Analysis of Public Policy (API-102, 4 credits)
• Empirical Methods II ( API-202M , 2 credits & API-203M , 2 credits)
• Politics and Ethics in Unstable Times (DPI-200, 4 credits)
• Spring Exercise (API-500M, 0 credits)

Spring Exercise

The first-year MPP curriculum culminates in the Spring Exercise, a two-week simulation that applies the tools and concepts of the first-year core to a real-world, real-time policy issue. 

During the Exercise, you are assigned to a five-person team tasked with forging solutions to a deliberately tough challenge. You’ll conduct research, attend sessions and presentations that link the topic to your core courses, and work with your team to prepare a package of policy and management recommendations. 

Required Core Courses (Second Year)

• Policy Area of Concentration year-long seminar (or “PAC Seminar”), including completion of the Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) (4 credits)
• PAC electives (8-20 credits dependent on PAC/Concentration)

Policy Analysis Exercise

The Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE)  is the capstone of the MPP experience.

The PAC Seminars familiarize you with key issues and policy debates in your particular area and guide you through the PAE writing process. Once you declare your PAE topic, you will be assigned a faculty advisor with the expertise to help you succeed.  

During the PAE, you develop solutions for a policy or management problem that your client—a public or nonprofit organization—is grappling with. You and your client work together to scope the problem, examine the context,  gather data, formulate and evaluate options, and make actionable recommendations. The final analysis—usually around 40 pages or 10,000 words—gives you the opportunity to integrate the technical skills and specialized knowledge you have gained from the MPP curriculum while also helping your client organization create public value.

Learn more about the Policy Analysis Exercise and read past examples. 

Degree Requirements

The MPP Program consists of four semesters of full-time coursework in residence at HKS. 

To graduate, you must: 

• Earn at least 72 credits, which must include the required core curriculum, your PAC requirements, capstone experiences, and electives
• Matriculate as a full-time, in-residence student and take between 12-24 credits per semester
• Finish with a GPA of B or better
• Earn a B- or higher in all required MPP core courses, and PAC requirements, as well as a passing grade for the Spring Exercise, PAE, and PAC Seminar

Joint and Concurrent Degrees

You might consider  pursuing a second degree jointly or concurrently  if you’re interested in how the world’s challenges can be addressed at the intersection of public policy and business, law, medicine, design, or other fields.

Pursuing a joint or concurrent degree reduces coursework and residency requirements and makes it possible to earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time.

Joint Degrees

As an MPP student, you can pursue a joint degree —either an MBA at  Harvard Business School  or a JD at  Harvard Law School —that involves carefully crafted and integrated coursework.

Concurrent Degrees

You can pursue a concurrent degree in business, law, medicine, design, or another field—as long as it is:

• A professional degree (an MBA, MD, or JD; not a PhD or an academic master’s)
• At least a two-year program
• Completed at a partner school

The concurrent degree program allows you to pursue degrees at HKS and at a partner school; however, the coursework is not as closely integrated as the joint degree program. As a concurrent degree student, you are responsible for weaving together the two halves of your learning experience.

Faculty members  at HKS aren’t just teachers. They are global experts who shape public policy, advise governments, and help run major institutions in the United States and abroad. Learn more about our core MPP faculty members.

John Donahue

MPP Faculty Chair; Raymond Vernon Senior Lecturer in Public Policy

Marcella Alsan

Angelopoulos Professor of Public Policy

Desmond Ang

Assistant Professor of Public Policy

Christopher Norio Avery

Roy E. Larsen Professor of Public Policy

Gloria Ayee

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Jeeyang Rhee Baum

Jonathan Borck

Cornell Brooks

Hauser Professor of the Practice of Nonprofit Organizations; Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership 

Michela Carlana

Dara Kay Cohen

Professor of Public Policy

Suzanne Cooper

Academic Dean for Teaching and Curriculum; Edith M. Stokey Senior Lecturer in Public Policy

Justin de Benedictis-Kessner

Pınar Doğan

Senior Lecturer in Public Policy

Lecturer in Public Policy

Anthony Foxx

Emma Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership

Archon Fung

Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government

Jason Furman

Aetna Professor of the Practice of Economic Policy

Sharad Goel

Yanilda González

Juan Jimenez

Juliette Kayyem

Belfer Senior Lecturer in International Security

Robert Lawrence

Albert L. Williams Professor of International Trade and Investment

30th Anniversary Associate Professor of Health Care Policy, HMS

Elizabeth Linos

Emma Bloomberg Associate Professor of Public Policy and Management

Brian Mandell

Mohamed Kamal Senior Lecturer in Negotiation and Public Policy

Liz McKenna

Julia Minson

Associate Professor of Public Policy

Khalil Gibran Muhammad

Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race, and Public Policy

Thomas Patterson

Bradlee Professor of Government and the Press

Christopher Robichaud

Senior Lecturer in Ethics and Public Policy

Eric Rosenbach

Juan Saavedra

Benjamin Schneer

Daniel Schneider

Malcolm Wiener Professor of Social Policy, HKS; Professor of Sociology, FAS

Mark Shepard

Kathryn Sikkink

Ryan Family Professor of Human Rights Policy

Sandra Susan Smith

Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Professor of Criminal Justice, HKS; Professor of Sociology, FAS; Carol K. Pforzheimer Professor, Radcliffe

Teddy Svoronos

Charles Taylor

Stephen Walt

Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International Affairs

Setti Warren

Mpp at a glance.

*Statistics are based on a five-year average.

Employment Snapshot: MPP Class of 2023 Employment Sectors

Featured MPP stories

A new graduate heads for u.s. space force.

Megan Cordone MPP 2023 is a rocket enthusiast who combined her strengths in physics and policy to pursue a public service career.

Strengthening public institutions

Austin Boral MPP/MBA 2023 wants public officials to retain and share what they learn tackling the most complex public problems.

Shaping AI policy

Grace Park MPP 2023 is exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and public policy.

“I believe every public servant should be polished in a basic toolset: economics, ethics, statistics, policy analysis, negotiations, leadership. The MPP core offers that and more.” 

Hiram ríos hernández mpp 2017 , applying to the mpp program, prerequisites.

To apply to the MPP Program, you  must have:

• A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record 
• Evidence of quantitative proficiency such as success in undergraduate-level economics, statistics, or calculus courses, regardless of your undergraduate major

Work experience is not strictly required but is an advantage for admission, and more importantly, for making the most of the MPP experience. Incoming MPP students typically have 2-3 years of professional work experience.

How to Apply

A complete application to the MPP Program includes: 

• Online application
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE or GMAT required
• Non-native English speakers who did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English exam results
• Academic transcripts
• $100 application fee or waiver

Read more about how to apply .  

The application for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available in September 2024. There is one admission application deadline and one start date for each degree program per year. You may apply to only one master's degree program per admissions cycle. 

Tuition & Fees

The cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year is outlined in  Funding Your Master’s Education  to help you plan financially for our master’s degree programs. Living expense costs are based on residence in Cambridge. The 2025-2026 academic year rates will be published in March 2025. HKS tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. 

Financing your education is a partnership—we are here to help guide you. You are strongly encouraged to explore all  funding opportunities .

Learn more about the HKS community

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• John F. Kennedy School of Government

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The Department of Government at Harvard is a world leader in the study of political science, and the department’s faculty covers a wide range of fields and methodologies. The department’s breadth and depth allows you to pursue ground-breaking research on a variety of topics. The doctoral program’s diversity and flexibility enables scholars from all backgrounds and interests to thrive.

In the Department of Government, you will study and do research with the faculty of the department, as well as leading scholars in other Harvard departments and schools, including Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. You have access to unparalleled resources, ranging from the largest university library in the world to the Harvard research computing cluster, to a wide array of centers and institutes associated with the department.

Graduates of the department write dissertations on topics ranging from ancient political theory to the politics of cybersecurity. They go on to jobs at leading academic institutions, companies, government agencies, and non-profits.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Government and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies . 

Areas of Study

American Government | Comparative Politics | International Relations | Political Thought and Its History | Quantitative Methods/Formal Theory

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Government .

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required as part of the application and should be a recent scholarly or critical paper, 15 to 25 pages in length.

For the coordinated JD/PhD  in law and political science, applicants must apply separately to each program and indicate in the application to the PhD program that a concurrent application has been submitted to the Harvard Law School.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Required Writing Sample: Required (15-25 pages) iBT TOEFL preferred minimum score: 105 IELTS preferred minimum score: 7.5

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Government

See list of Government faculty

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The department of Economics at Harvard University is committed to seeking out and mentoring scholars who wish to pursue a rigorous and rewarding career in economic research. Our graduates are trailblazers in their fields and contribute to a diverse alumni community in both the academic and non-academic sectors. We invite you to learn more about the PhD program in Economics . Have questions about applying? Please thoroughly check the GSAS admission website before emailing us at: [email protected] . 

Harvard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements, and we actively  seek applicants  from historically underrepresented communities. We hope you’ll consider applying. Immigration status does not factor into decisions about admissions and financial aid. For more information, see  Undocumented at Harvard . 

Apply to Economics @Harvard

Application Requirements

• Completed online application form (Must be completed by December 1st)
• Statement of Purpose
• Transcripts for all college/university degrees and courses Self-reported transcripts are accepted for both all programs at the application stage. Applicants must upload copies of his/her transcripts to the online application system. Hard copy transcripts will only be required if admitted to a program, prior to enrollment.
• Current GRE scores
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (non-native English speakers see details below)
• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source). Recommendation letters must be submitted online through the online application system. 
• Application fee 
• Writing sample (at least 15 pages in length)

All applicants are required to take the  General Test of the Graduate Record Examination  (GRE). Test scores are valid for five years (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2019 for Fall 2024 admission). Applicants are, however, advised to take the exam no later than mid-November. There is no minimum test score requirement. A department code is not required for score submission. Institution Codes for PhD Programs GRE: 3451

Financial Aid

All admitted students are awarded a financial package which includes tuition, single-person health insurance, living stipend for the first two years, teaching and research assistant stipends and a completion fellowship in the final year of the program.

International Applications

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an institution at which English is the language of instruction must submit  TOEFL  or IELTS scores.

TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two years. (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2022 for Fall 2024 admission). The committee prefers scores of at least 100 on the internet-based test.  Institution Codes for Toefl score reports PhD programs: 3451

Reapplicants

Applicants who applied last year are considered reapplicants. Those reapplying must submit a completely new application. The new application must include all required documents to be provided by the applicant - we will not re-use material previously submitted. These materials include an updated statement of purpose, transcripts, test score reports, updated letters of recommendation, the application fee, and any other supporting materials

Please note, Harvard University will accept no more than three applications from any one individual over the course of his/her lifetime.

Applying to more than one Program

Harvard has several PhD programs that may also be of interest to students considering applying to the PhD program in economics. These include Business Economics, Political Economy and Government, Public Policy, and Health Policy.  Many students in these programs have considerable overlap in their coursework with courses offered to PhD students in economics.   Many also have dissertation committees that include faculty members of the economics department. Please refer to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for applicable program deadlines.  (Deadlines have already passed for some programs this year but not for others.) We encourage those with interest in any of those programs to also apply to those programs. The economics department will make admissions decisions independently, so application to or admission to other programs will not adversely affect admissions decisions within the Economics department. If you opt to apply, please note, the Graduate School will not accept more than three applications from any individual during the course of his or her academic career. 

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program

Many students interested in an economics PhD experience disparate degrees of support in the application process. The Application Assistance and Mentoring Program (AAMP) aims to mitigate these gaps by helping students from underrepresented groups connect with a graduate student mentor in MIT or Harvard’s PhD economics programs. These mentors can provide:

• Advice on graduate school and fellowship applications, including questions about the application process and feedback on application materials.

• Information about economics research, life as a PhD student or in an academic career, for students who are deciding whether a PhD in economics is the right choice for them.

The AAMP aims to increase the pipeline of diverse talent in economics PhD programs and welcomes participation from all groups underrepresented in economics, including but not limited to: Black, Hispanic-Latinx, Native American, low-income, and LGBTQ+ students, women, students with disabilities, and students who are the first in their families to go to college. The AAMP welcomes participation among students at various stages of their economics studies, including undergraduates and college graduates. The AAMP is open to students who are curious about the academic economics experience and interested in figuring out if it’s right for them. 

Interested participants should fill out the application linked below. We will accept applications until July 17th, 2023. Mentorship will begin over the summer and continue through Fall 2023. Mentees who prefer to meet for a single “coffee chat” may indicate their preference on the form. We will do our best to match all interested applicants with a mentor; however, demand may exceed the availability of mentors.

Please note that the MIT / Harvard Economics AAMP is a volunteer-based, student-run program. This program is not considered part of the admissions process for the Economics PhD at MIT or Harvard, nor will any student's participation in the AAMP be considered by the Graduate Admissions Committee at either school.

Please direct any questions to [email protected] . To join the program, please click the link below to fill out the form.

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program Form

• PhD Program
• Program Requirements
• Job Placement
• Financial Support

We recommend that all prospective applicants THOROUGHLY read all FAQs below. Starting in September we will have live Q&A sessions, come back in the Fall to join us.

Please note: Due to the hundreds of applicant questions that we receive, any questions regarding specific content for an individual application will not receive a response. We recommend that all applicants do their best to provide the exact information requested and submit it as soon as possible. If we require additional information, we will contact you.

The Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Griffin GSAS) Admissions website via the following web link may also help you:

https://gsas.harvard.edu/admissions

Harvard University and the PHS PhD program do not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

What is the deadline for applying to the PhD in Population Health Sciences (PHS)?

The application for admissions for Fall 2025 will open mid-September 2024, and all applications and supporting materials must be received to Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions by December 1, 2024 by 5 p.m. eastern time. No exceptions.

Can I apply to the program if I am an international student? Are there any special requirements?

Yes, international students can apply to this program with the same application and funding parameters of U.S. students.

Am I required to have a TOEFL or IELTS score if I am a non-native English speaker?

Yes. Our program, like all Griffin GSAS doctoral programs, accepts TOEFL scores and/or IELTS scores if an applicant’s native language is not English and if they do not hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an institution at which English is the primary language of instruction.

Please view the Griffin GSAS webpage on English Language Proficiency for more detailed information on test score eligibility and timelines.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08541. When requesting official score reports, indicate the receiving institution as Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Code 3451.

Can I indicate more than one Field of Study on my application?

Upon starting the application, you will indicate your desired Field of Study as your major area of academic work. At a later point in the application, you will be asked to indicate an interest in another Field of Study, if relevant.

How do my references provide their letters of recommendation?

For all information re: letters of recommendation, please visit the following web link: https://gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/completing-your-application/letters-recommendation

Please note: At least one letter should be from a faculty member at the last school you attended as a full-time student unless you have been out of school for more than five years. Substitutions for faculty recommendations may include work associates or others who can comment on your academic potential for graduate work.

Is the GRE required?

Yes. All applicants are required to submit GRE scores as part of their application submission. This is a change from our pandemic policy. As with other application components, the GRE will be considered as part of an applicant’s holistic application, in combination with all submitted materials.

How do I send my official GRE scores?

For all information re: submitting GRE scores, please visit the following web link: https://gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/completing-your-application/gre

How do I send my official transcripts?

For all information re: submitting official transcripts, please visit the following web link:

https://gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/completing-your-application/transcripts

What kinds of backgrounds do entering students typically have?

The majority of PHS students have a distinguished undergraduate record and excellent performance record in any graduate work undertaken. Although a previous graduate degree is not required, students in any of our Fields of Study have successfully completed coursework in introductory statistics or quantitative methods.

It is preferable that all students entering the program have taken introduction to biostatistics coursework prior to the time of admission. Such background information will be considered upon application review.

In general, applicants must demonstrate strong enthusiasm and ability for rigorous pursuit of scientific knowledge in public health. Preference will be given to applicants who have either some relevant work experience or graduate work in the chosen Field of Study after completion of a bachelor’s degree.

If I have a master’s degree, will that help me get into the program?

Although it is not required for the admission, a master’s degree in public health or a related field may give your application a stronger standing.

What prior coursework, experience, or other qualifications are important?

Typical successful applicants have taken graduate-level coursework related to quantitative methods, introductory statistics, biostatistics, and epidemiology, or have some relevant work experience in the chosen Field of Study.

Do I need to have published a peer-reviewed research article to be accepted into the program?

No. You do not have to have published a peer-reviewed article to be accepted into this program.

Is work experience required for admission?

Work experience is not required to be accepted into the program.

Should I contact PHS Field of Study faculty to discuss my interest in the program? Am I supposed to find my academic adviser before applying for the admission?

You are not required to contact faculty or to find an academic advisor as part of your application to this program. However, if you have questions about faculty members’ current research projects, it is acceptable for prospective students to reach out to faculty directly to ask about research interests and the faculty member’s availability to be a mentor in upcoming years.

We encourage you to review faculty members’ websites and publication listings, and to contact the individual academic administrator for the department affiliated with the Field of Study in which you are interested as they might also have further information about specific faculty.

What are the entering PHS student GRE scores?

GRE – Verbal: 162

GRE-Quantitative: 163

GRE – Analytic: 4.5

Is admission based on an entry test and/or interview or based on academic history?

Applications are reviewed based on academic credentials (coursework), GPA, GRE, TOEFL, prior research and work experience, statement of purpose, recommendations, and a writing sample. No other entry test or interview is required.

Are there any specific Field of Study prerequisites to be accepted into the program?

No. The application requirements are the same for all Fields of Study.

If I apply for the PhD in Population Health this fall, would it also be possible for my application to be considered for the Harvard 65 credit MPH program?

No. The PHS application must go through Griffin GSAS. The application to MPH program must be submitted separately according to the MPH Admissions requirements of Harvard Chan. The PhD application cannot be used for application to any master’s program at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health.

May I apply jointly to this program and to another program at Griffin GSAS?

The Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences does not recommend submission of more than one application. However, if you choose to submit multiple applications (up to a limit of three total in your lifetime), the applications may not share any item. Each application must be unique, containing a separate statement of purpose for each program applied to, as well as separate uploads to each application of transcripts, recommendations, and test scores through the Griffin GSAS Admissions portal.

Does the program accept students who are also in medical school or another professional program?

Applications are allowed from students already enrolled in medical school/rotations, but applicants must be aware that PHS is a full-time residency program, which will necessitate negotiate by any student with their prior program. The first two years of the program, especially, must be completed in-person at the University.

The Fields of Study appear similar, if not identical, to those listed for MPH degrees. Are there differences in the courses/content/ emphasis between the Fields of Study for a PhD student versus an MPH student?

There will be some intersection in course requirements. However, students in PHS will be required to take some doctoral-level courses that are only offered for Population Health Sciences students and which are geared towards more rigorous research training.

If I completed a master’s in one area at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and then I want to do a PhD with a different Field of Study, will I be able to waive any courses?

Waivers of the courses completed during a master’s program will be considered individually on a case-by-case basis following admission to the program.

If I’m admitted, can I defer my admission?

Deferrals are handled by Griffin GSAS on a case-by-case basis, and the final decision lies with the program.

The Griffin  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences urges programs not to defer admitted students except under the most unusual circumstances.

Will I have a chance to talk with someone before I decide on to accept an offer of admission?

Certainly. After you receive a letter of acceptance, there will plenty of opportunities for contact with current PHS students and alumni, PHS and Field of Study administration teams, and Harvard faculty.

Can the program be done on a part-time basis?

No. This is a full time residential doctoral program.

If I am admitted, is there a certain grade that I must attain to continue in the program?

Yes. All students are expected to maintain a grade of ‘B’ or better, although, a ‘B+’ average is expected.

Would I be allowed to switch my Field of Study after starting the program?

No. After enrolling in the program, students are not allowed to change their Field of Study.

How much of the coursework is required class time as compared to viewing it online?

Most of the courses currently offered at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Griffin GSAS, and at Harvard University overall are face-to-face courses. Therefore, PHS students are required to be present in class.

How interdisciplinary is this program? Is there substantial collaboration between Fields of Study or do students mainly stay within their own Field of Study?

There are PHS program-wide courses that all students, regardless of Field of Study, are required to take. These courses involve significant interaction among PHS students. In addition, students can do research with faculty affiliated with departments across all five fields, as well as choose faculty members from across the five Fields of Study, other Harvard schools, and other departments to participate on dissertation committees.

The program-wide required c ourses and credits are described here .

Are program-wide courses taught by faculty from the Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Public Health, or both?

PHS required courses are mostly taught by faculty from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, but all PHS students have the option of taking courses at no extra expense at all thirteen of Harvard’s schools – as well as MIT, Tufts, and Brown Universities.

What is the annual cost of attending your program?

All students (both U.S. and international) receive a multi-year funding package, which includes full tuition, fees, health insurance, and a stipend. The stipend is competitive with the amount offered by most other schools of public health. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to apply for external grants and fellowships, particularly for years three and beyond. Students are also required to complete a 12.5 credit (total) teaching fellowship/research assistant requirement in any Field and at any point of their four years in the program. Any TF/RA work beyond the 12.5 credits can also be paid on top of the stipend rate, according to all work-related laws/requirements.

What are my other funding opportunities?

• Griffin GSAS Funding and Aid Info
• Public Health Online Financial Aid Info.

Are there healthcare benefits offered to admitted PHS students?

Yes. Every graduate student at Harvard receives health insurance. You can learn more about these health care benefits via this weblink: https://hushp.harvard.edu/

As an international student, will I be funded?

Yes. All admitted PHS students who remain in solid academic standing, regardless of country of origin, are guaranteed four years of funding, which includes a monthly stipend, tuition, fees, and health coverage.

What is the difference between the PhD program and the DrPH program?

The PhD in Population Health Sciences offers training that is more geared towards an academic career track, while the DrPH program is more oriented towards public health practice and policy careers.

How many students will be in each cohort?

There are about 40 new PHS students each year across all five Fields of Study.

How will the program create a sense of cohesiveness across a cohort?

All first year PHS students are required to take a year-long methods course that encourages interaction and builds a common methodological and analytical vocabulary across the cohort. Additionally, we offer a regular (every three weeks or so) seminar at which students are expected to attend. Students in different Fields of Study will have many intra-Field opportunities for collaboration with each other as well. We also offer numerous regularly scheduled cohort- and program-wide events and social hours to build camaraderie, (ex. social hours, Red Sox game, canoeing, movies, theatre, etc.)

Are students in this program encouraged to be involved on campus, such as participating in symposiums, seminars, or graduate student organizations?

Our PHS students are definitely encouraged and choose to be involved on campus, engage in interdisciplinary opportunities with mentors and colleagues outside of the PhD program, and participate in a variety of organizations, workshops, conferences, etc.

Can the dissertation-writing phase be done remotely?

Generally, most students remain in residence for the duration of the PhD program. Petitions can be made, however, for special circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

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Department of Statistics

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• PhD Admissions FAQ

Frequently asked questions related to the Department of Statistics Ph.D. admissions process.

What is a qualified applicant's likelihood for admission?

What is the application deadline.

The complete online application, fee, and supporting materials (including official GRE scores) are due by December 1, 2023, 5:00 pm EST, for September 2024 enrollment. We cannot make exceptions for late applications. Applications that are not complete when the faculty begin reviewing them will not receive full consideration.

Can I start the program in the spring?

Can i apply to two different gsas degree programs at the same time, is a math or stats major required for admission, is the gre required, what are the guidelines for proficiency in the english language for an international applicant, what is the toefl institution code for harvard gsas, how much is tuition, is financial aid available, what is the cost of living in cambridge/boston.

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PhD Admissions

Learn more about the PhD program admissions process through GSAS