EDUCATION & TRAINING » Degree Programs in Epidemiology

Admissions

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for the Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology (MSCE) degree reflect the emphasis on integrating epidemiology and clinical practice. Individuals admitted into the program must have an advanced degree in medicine, nursing, or another health-related field, from an accredited college or university. They also must have advanced clinical training in any specialty or subspecialty of medicine, or its equivalent in another health-related discipline. Those without experience in health-related fields will find the program difficult and perhaps inappropriate, as they are designed to convey methodological skills that students can apply to their own health-related area of interest. On rare occasions, individuals with a strong background in biomedical science or another health-related area may be admitted without such a degree or training.

Without exception, applicants will be required to have in-depth prior experience in a clinical discipline or in some other health-related content area before beginning this training. Applicants should be committed to careers in medical and health services research. It is expected that only applicants with outstanding academic records will be accepted into the program.



Masters Programs:



Application Procedures:

The official application season for the MSCE program is August 1 through December 1.

  1. Complete the On-line Inquiry form for the MSCE Program
    After you have completed the online inquiry form, the Office of Graduate Training in Epidemiology may request additional information regarding your credentials. These initial materials will be reviewed starting August 1 and you will be contacted about whether or not to proceed with a full application. Applications are opened to those invited to formally apply to the program starting September 1.

  2. Complete and submit an application that will include:
    • A Completed Application Form
    • Three Letters of Recommendation Accompanied by the Reference Report (included with application the materials). The reference report and letter of recommendation should identify personal attributes, experiences, and accomplishments.
    • Standardized test scores
      Applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).* A subject test is not required. GRE scores must be received directly from the testing agency to our ETS institution code, 2900. (There is not a separate department code.)
      1. Applicants holding a medical degree please submit Medical Colleges Admissions Test (MCAT) Scores in place of GRE scores. The official MCAT score report sheet can be sent in with application materials.
      2. Applicants holding a dental degree, please submit Dental Admission Test (DAT) Scores in place of GRE scores. DAT scores must be received directly from the testing agency to our ETS institution code, 2900. (There is not a separate department code.)
      3. Applicants holding a pharmacy degree please submit Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) Scores in place of GRE scores.
      4. All applicants for whom English is a second language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).** TOEFL scores must be received directly from the testing agency to our ETS institution code, 2900. (There is not a separate department code.)
    • Official Transcripts
      Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Only official transcripts will be accepted.
    • A Curriculum Vitae
      Applicants are required to submit a current CV (or resume) including a list of publications (where applicable).

  3. Complete the Interview Process
    After an initial review of the application, the applicant will be contacted about whether they will proceed to the next level of the application process. The next level is to complete interviews with two or more epidemiology faculty members. These interviews will be facilitated by the Office of Graduate Training in Epidemiology.

We encourage applicants to submit their application as early as possible starting September 1st. For consideration for CCEB funding, we normally require students to have their application and materials in by November 15th. We will continue to accept applications for the MSCE program through December 1st.

*Applicants must submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores if they are not submitting scores from the MCAT, DAT, or PCAT exams. GRE scores are valid for five years from the date taken. The Office of Graduate Training in Epidemiology must receive an official score report from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) by the application deadline. Our ETS institution code is 2900. (Please do not enter a separate department code.) Applicants who have completed graduate or professional degrees are not exempt from the GRE requirement. Other combined degree applicants will submit recent GRE scores as part of their application to their specific program.

**All applicants whose native language is not English and have not completed a degree in an English-speaking university or do not have a currently valid TOEFL score must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date taken. The official score must be received from ETS by the application deadline.

Please direct all questions regarding admissions to the Office of Graduate Training in Epidemiology via email at: ceuapps@mail.med.upenn.edu. Please be sure to state to which degree program your question is pertaining.



Application Review

The Admissions Committee review process will take place after interviews have been completed. Applications are reviewed by the Clinical Epidemiology Unit's admissions committee. It is expected that a MSCE applicant will receive notification about their admission on or before March 31st.



Funding for the MSCE Program

The tuition is the responsibility of the applicant. Tuition and fees for full time students for the 2012-2013 academic year will be approximately $53,000 per year based on an 8 course unit plan. The Clinical Epidemiology Unit manages a limited number of NIH T32 training grants used to cover standard NIH PGY stipend and partial tuition for MSCE students. NIH T32 grants are only available for United States citizens and permanent residents. The faculty/staff tuition benefit program at the University of Pennsylvania is also an option for those with faculty or staff appointments at the University of Pennsylvania or the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Academic success and future career aspirations are all taken into account when considering an application for potential funding support. Applications must be received by November 15 to be considered for this funding. We do not have tuition waivers of any kind.

The Office of Student Financial Services provides students with information on student expenses and billing, processes financial aid applications, awards financial assistance, and administers the Penn Plan payment programs. The Office address is:

Room 100 Franklin Building
3451 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6270
215-898-1988
Email: sfsmail@SFS.upenn.edu

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania reserves the right to increase tuition and fees and to otherwise amend the regulations concerning tuition and fees at any time and to make such changes applicable to students in the University at that time.



Joint Degree Applications

The application and admission process for the MD/MSCE degree program are administered by the Office of Combined Degree Programs of the University of Pennsylvania, in cooperation, as appropriate, with the Admissions Committees for the School of Medicine, and the CCEB. More information about the application process for the MD/MSCE degree program can be obtained directly from the Office of Combined Degree Programs: The application and admission process for the MD/MSCE degree program are administered by the Office of Combined Degree Programs of the University of Pennsylvania, in cooperation, as appropriate, with the Admissions Committees for the School of Medicine, and the CCEB. More information about the application process for the MD/MSCE degree program can be obtained directly from the Office of Combined Degree Programs:

Suite 100, Edward J. Stemmler Hall
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6087
215-898-8025 (voice)
215-898-0833 (fax)
MD/MSCE website



Moving to Philadelphia?

If moving to the Philadelphia area, please view the Graduate Admissions for Housing website. There are a variety of sources to help you locate on-campus or off-campus housing as well as living expenses, utilities, and campus life. If you require Health Insurance for you and/or your dependants, please view the Student Health Services webpage to get started.

International Students: please visit the University of Pennsylvania's Office of International Programs. They will be able to get you started on VISA information and becoming a student in the USA.


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