Donald Hopkins Predoctoral Scholars Program

The Donald Hopkins Predoctoral Scholars Program, housed in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, offers accepted students the opportunity to study at the master’s level at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in anticipation of further study toward a doctoral degree.

The program aims to enhance the quality of the scholars’ educational experience by affording them the opportunity to take doctoral-level courses while pursuing a master’s degree; interact with current doctoral students; and attend professional-development workshops on topics such as building self-confidence, improving writing and research skills, self-care, and time management. In addition to preparing students for doctoral study, the program provides financial and social support while pursuing an advanced degree at Harvard Chan. The program’s individualized and cohort support model is also designed to meet the needs of first-generation students, and socially and economically disadvantaged students.

History

The Donald Hopkins Predoctoral Scholars Program was established in 2019 to increase diversity in the STEM fields and to enhance the quality of the educational experience at the Harvard Chan School. The program incorporates a multi-prong approach with an enrichment component, faculty advisors, mentors, tutoring, educational networking, and support. The purpose of the program is to foster knowledge, excitement, and commitment to health equity.

Donald R. Hopkins, MPH ’70

The program is named in honor of Donald R. Hopkins, MPH ’70, a distinguished alumnus of Harvard Chan School who is known internationally as a strong supporter and promoter of public health education. A man who was “materially poor” but “rich in spirit” according to a 2018 profile in Harvard Public Health magazine. Dr. Hopkins has gained worldwide recognition for his monumental work, leading efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease and river blindness and helping to eliminate smallpox.

Click here to view a recording of Dr. Hopkins presenting the Inaugural Donald Hopkins Lecture, “Eradicating the Guinea Worm: Challenges in the Beginning and at the End.”

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s, or higher, degree (or non-U.S. equivalent) and have completed some coursework fundamental to quantitative health sciences.
• Applicants must apply to one of the 80-credit, two-year Master of Science programs in biostatistics, epidemiology, or global health and population.
  Applicants must complete the Harvard Chan Grant/Scholarship Application by the grant/scholarship deadline. 
• For the 2025-2026 academic year, applicants must be a first-generation college attendee and/or from an economically disadvantaged background, and must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or participant in the DACA program.
• Applicants will be considered on their academic credentials, demonstrated interest in health equity research, interest in reducing health disparities in underserved communities, interest in pursuing a doctorate degree in public health, and interest in becoming a faculty member in public health.

Contact

Kim Salas Harris, MA, Director of Pathway Programs and Faculty Pipeline Initiatives
kharris@hsph.harvard.edu