Graduate application

Admissions requirements Application procedures Application materials   Admission Requirements Typically the Department of Epidemiology receives more than 250 applications for approximately 40 openings. Therefore, the Department is unable to offer admission to a large percentage of applicants, even those who are seemingly well-qualified. A competitive applicant to the Department of Epidemiology will generally have strong biological and quantitative preparation, although no specific courses are required. Some background in the social sciences is also desirable. Although not required, prior coursework in probability and logic is strongly recommended. In addition, applicants should have some relevant biomedical research experience or other evidence of a commintment to research. This can be paid or volunteer experience or coursework. Many factors are considered in evaluating an individual's application, but most successful applicants will have verbal and quantitative GRE scores at or above the 70th percentile (approximately 560 verbal and 660 quantitative). The Graduate School requires that the GRE be current (no more than 5 years old). Applicants who have completed a prior doctoral degree from a U.S. institution may waive the GRE. Applicants who are currently enrolled in an MD program may substitute MCAT scores for GRE scores. All other applicants must submit GRE scores for the general test (verbal, quantitative, writing). Subject tests are not required. (back to top) Application Prodecure Step 1: Decide Which Degree is for You. Step 2: Review Application Deadlines UNC Graduate School Deadline Though the department makes admission decisions, some financial awards are given through the Graduate School.  For full consideration for these awards, the deadline is January 1. Epid Deadlines All applications received by January 15 will be reviewed by the admissions committee. We must receive all materials by this deadline. We urge you to apply by January 1.  Most decisions are made between February 1 and April 1. The Graduate School will mail the official decision letter no later than April 1. You may apply only for fall admission. Financial Aid Information Applications with all required materials received by January 1 will receive full consideration for Graduate School fellowships.  Applications received after that date will be considered for departmental funding, as available. For more information on financial aid, please refer to the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid The School of Public Health and Epidemiology offer financial assistance, guidance and awards for financing your education as well.  {link to more fin. aid stuff} Step 3:  Collect Application Materials and Review Admission Requirements Step 4: Review Special Instructions Applicants are expected to apply online. Please contact the Graduate School if you have problems with the online application. Step 5: Complete an Application Applications are processed centrally through the UNC Graduate School and are available online. You must create an account to begin the process Once the fee is paid, the application  is processed and the profile is available to Epidemology the next business day. Step 6: Manage Your Application After the application has been submitted and the fee paid, you may track the progress of your application and verify the receipt of your application materials. Please allow adequate time for the application materials to be processed. (back to top) Application Materials The following are items required to complete your application: Materials for the Graduate School Submit the following items to the Graduate School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bynum Hall, CB# 4010, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-4010 Application Fee Visit the Graduate School's webpage for fee information. Transcripts    If you are currently enrolled in school, please send transcripts only after Fall grades have been posted One official transcript from each instituion where you studied after high school. A transcript is needed even if credits earned at one institution appear on another institution's transcript as credits transferred. International applicants must also submit a certified English translation of transcripts not issued in English. Test Scores Send recent GRE(past 5 years) or TOEFL (past 2 years) scores from Educational Testing Services to the Graduate School (University Code 5816). See the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid for finanical aid assistance. NC residents need to complete the North Carolina Residency Application, for tuition purposes. (back to top) Materials for the Department Submit the following items to Carmen Woody, Dept. of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, CB#7435, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435. Transcripts     One official transcript from each institution where you studied after high school bearing the signature of the registrar and the seal of the institution is required. (Note that this is in addition to the transcript mailed to The Graduate School) If you are currently enrolled in school, please send transcripts only after Fall grades have been posted A transcript is needed even if credits earned at one institution appear on another institution's transcript as credits transferred. International applicants must also submit a certified English translation of transcripts not issued in English. Three (3) letters of recommendation (forms online) Department of Epidemiology Supplemental Application Essay (uploaded through the online application process) CV (uploaded through the online application process) After the application has been submitted and the fee paid, you may track the progress of your application and verify the receipt of your application materials. Note on GRE test scores Many factors are considered in evaluating an individual's application, but most successful applicants will have verbal and quantitative GRE scores at or above the 70th percentile (approximately 560 verbal and 680 quantitative). Applicants who have completed a prior doctoral degree from a U.S. institution may waive the GRE. Applicants who are currently enrolled in an MD program may substitute MCAT scores for GRE scores. All other applicants must submit GRE scores for the general test (verbal, quantitative, writing).  Subject tests are not required. Tips for Developing a Competitive Application (back to top)

Last updated December 14, 2007