PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

Admissions

Application deadline:  Tuesday, December 3, 2024. (APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN THROUGH STANFORD GRADUATE ADMISSIONS BY MID-OCTOBER 2023.)

Please submit your application through the Stanford Graduate Admissions website by clicking “APPLY NOW.” 

  • Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s commitment to and aptitude for a career in epidemiology as demonstrated via transcripts, statement of purpose, relevant work and research experience, and letters of recommendation.  The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional.  Applicants from non-English speaking countries should provide evidence of competence in English on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). (For additional information on Stanford University requirements regarding TOEFL, please visit the Stanford Graduate Admissions website page related to tests.)

Required Supporting Documents (to be submitted in the Stanford Graduate Admissions Application):

  • Statement of Purpose that includes area(s) of interest
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official GRE General Test scores (optional)
  • Official TOEFL scores (if applicable)
  • Unofficial transcripts for all college/university degrees
  • CV with relevant work and research experience

Additional notes:

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program provides up to three years of funding and valuable leadership skills to selected participants. Learn more at the bottom of this page. 

EPH's new T-32 Cancer Training Grant Program aims to develop the next generation of cross-disciplinary cancer genetic epidemiologists equipped with the skills to excel in multidisciplinary teams. Learn more.

TRANSCRIPTS

Please ensure you upload a copy of the unofficial transcript for every school attended into your application. 

NEW:  Official transcripts (direct from the institution) are no longer required at the time of application.  If admitted, you must provide official transcripts to Stanford Graduate Admissions for review and verification.  Any offer of admission is contingent upon authentication of official transcripts submitted directly to Graduate Admissions. (Instructions provided to admitted students.)

GRE SCORES (optional) and TOEFL:

Please also ensure you route your GRE scores (and TOEFL scores if applicable) directly to Stanford from ETS.  Our university code is 4704. Department code is not required. Please add your self-report scores to the application but GRE and TOEFL scores are not considered official until received electronically from ETS.

*Although GRE scores are optional, the test is still highly encouraged.  Stanford is accepting the GRE at-home test for those impacted by COVID.

Stanford does not accept IELTS scores. However, TOEFL scores are required for international applicants. Additional guidance for international applicants can be found here.  

It is best to start your application as early as possible. This will allow you to notify your reference letter writers in a timely manner.

Additional information regarding Stanford policies and procedures for graduate applications can be found on the Stanford Graduate Admissions website.

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Additional information for international applicants can be found here.

Application Status Inquiries:

Applicants are able to view their status on their Apply Web status page by logging back into their application.  The department administrative staff will do their best to update the application checklists.

The selection of PhD students admitted to the Department of Epidemiology & Population Health is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the applicant's academic record, the letters of recommendation, the scores on the General GRE (Graduate Record Examination), the statement of purpose, personal qualities and characteristics, and past accomplishments.

Admission Decisions:

Admission decisions will be communicated by mid-April of each admissions cycle.

MSTP Inquiries:

Students interested in programs within the School of Medicine Department of Epidemiology & Population Health may apply through the Stanford MSTP (MD-PhD) application process. To apply for PhD Epidemiology and Clinical Research, please indicate MD-PhD in your Stanford supplementary application and the research essays you would like to be considered for this program.  Applications for these fields will be specifically reviewed by faculty within the Department of Epidemiology & Population Health in addition to MSTP faculty. For questions and notifications regarding the application process, please contact the MSTP office.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Applications:

Join dozens of Stanford Medicine students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).

KHS admits up to 100 applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of KHS's leadership program, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.

Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.

If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 9, 2024. Learn more about KHS admission.

Transitioning to Stanford:

The Department of Epidemiology and Population Health JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Committee has formed an ambassador program to help current and prospective students transition to Stanford. JEDI ambassadors are current MS and PhD students within the department who have volunteered their time to help answer questions about programs, the department, and life at Stanford. JEDI ambassadors do not review or help with the individual student applications but serve as an additional resource to help students navigate the transition to Stanford. Meet the student ambassadors.