Applying to a Degree Program
Learn about how to apply to master’s and doctoral programs
Applying to a master’s program or the doctor of public health program
All master’s and doctor of public health (DrPH) program applicants follow the same two-phase process. This process is standard across all programs, whether you’re applying to an on-campus, online, dual, or joint degree. Please note that applicants are only permitted to apply to one program through SOPHAS per application cycle.
Phase 1: SOPHAS
SOPHAS is a centralized application service used by many of the accredited schools in public health, including Harvard Chan School.
Completing a single application in SOPHAS allows you to send multiple schools your personal information, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Note that SOPHAS will not forward your application to any school until the following criteria are met:
- You complete the application, including your personal essay / statement of purpose and any school-specific supplemental questions
- You submit all post-secondary transcripts, as described below
- At least two out of three of your references submit letters of recommendation
- You pay the SOPHAS application fee
Remember to keep your contact information up to date in SOPHAS throughout the application process. You cannot update it through individual school admissions offices.
Phase 2: Harvard Chan Admissions Review
We will contact you by email once we receive your application from SOPHAS. Please continue monitoring your SOPHAS portal to ensure you have properly submitted all required materials.
Some programs may contact you if they have any questions about your application.
Applying to a PhD program
If you are applying for one of our PhD programs, your application will be managed through Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).
Please visit the program page and the Harvard Griffin GSAS application site for details about the application process. Be sure to look at both the program page and the GSAS site, as each of our PhD programs has unique requirements. Prospective students interested in both the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a SOPHAS-participating program may apply to both Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and SOPHAS for one degree program at Harvard Chan School.
Looking for non-degree programs?
Visit Executive and Continuing Education or Fellowships and Special Programs for more information.