How to Apply: Master of Science in Epidemiology (MS)

Application Deadlines for Fall 2025

 

February 1: Priority Deadline

We encourage applicants to submit by the priority deadline as scholarships are more plentiful earlier in the application cycle. Additionally, international applicants are encouraged to submit by the priority deadline to ensure adequate time for visa processing. Once an application is complete, it is forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. Decision notifications are released beginning in February and thereafter on a rolling basis.

May 1: Final Deadline

Final deadline for all applicants. Once an application is complete, it will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. Decision letters are released on a rolling basis. 

After May 1: Rolling Admissions

Applications may be accepted after May 1st on a rolling basis for programs with available seats. 

Education

We welcome applications from candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution or the international equivalent. Reviewers consider the overall GPA, as well as coursework and grades, and any changes or improvements in academic performance. 

Undergraduate seniors should apply after their final Fall semester grades are posted. 

The GRE is not required nor considered as part of your application.

Experience

No previous work experience is required. Work, volunteer, research, and/or internship experience relevant to public health is valued in the review process.

Select a SOPHAS Program Designation

Applicants must select MS in Epidemiology from the list of active NYU GPH programs. Students may request a program change within their first semester.

Academic Transcripts or WES ICAP Evaluation

Applicants must submit official transcripts for all coursework from each college or university attended. If multiple schools were attended, official transcripts from each post-secondary institution must be submitted in SOPHAS. Applicants with international educational credentials are required to submit a WES evaluation to SOPHAS.

For all international transcripts that are not verified by SOPHAS, GPH requires a course-by-course academic International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) evaluation submitted to SOPHAS by the World Education Service. Evaluations provide the Admissions Committee with US degree and grading equivalency which is required to make a decision on your application. SOPHAS will only accept WES ICAP evaluations; no original transcripts should be submitted.

English Language Proficiency Exam

Applicants whose native language is not English must provide official results of the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Only official score reports submitted using the appropriate reporting code through SOPHAS will be accepted. Photocopies of test scores or unofficial records will not be accepted.

This requirement may be waived if the applicant received the equivalent of a US Bachelor's degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction for four or more years. 

Required Minimum Scores

TOEFL iBT: 100 or higher
IELTS – Academic Exam: 7.0 (total band score) 

Reporting Codes

TOEFL: 5688
IELTS: Report score through SOPHAS, using one of the following options

  • Inform your IELTS test center that you wish to send your results to SOPHAS. You can do this during the test booking process by selecting SOPHAS or asking your test center to select SOPHAS after you receive your results. IELTS results are sent electronically.
  • Send your results to SOPHAS using the IELTS test taker portal. You can send your IELTS results to as many organizations as you wish with no additional fee. IELTS. Online results are provided in an electronic format.

Résumé or CV

A current résumé or curriculum vitae is required. This document should be uploaded to the SOPHAS application. 

Statement of Purpose

Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose that addresses the following five questions (maximum 1,200 words). 

  1. Describe how your education and experiences have prepared you to join the NYU MS in Epidemiology program and to pursue a career in public health. 
  2. What do you perceive as your major strengths and weaknesses with respect to your current public health-related knowledge and skills, and how do you expect graduate study in the NYU MS in Epidemiology program to affect these attributes?
  3. What are your current career goals and how will you use the education and training acquired from the NYU MS in Epidemiology program to address or advance them?
  4. What does it mean to you to be a public health professional?
  5. What do you view as an important challenge facing global health or public health at present or in the foreseeable future, and why?

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required for an application to be considered complete. Note that SOPHAS requires only two letters of recommendation to proceed, so please be sure to submit three letters. Each of your three references should include a recommendation form and an accompanying letter of recommendation. Applicants who have graduated within the past three years must submit at least one academic reference. SOPHAS provides an electronic submission process for all letters of recommendation.

Visit our FAQ page or connect with us to learn more. Ready to apply? Start your application here.