Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply?
- What is the application deadline?
- When can I expect to receive a decision?
- If I miss the deadline, will my application still be considered?
- Where should I send supporting materials for my application?
- Are applicants required to have a Masters degree?
- I'm planning to take the GRE soon. What is your school's code?
- Is the GRE required if I already have a Master's degree?
- Is there any circumstance in which you would waive the GRE requirement?
- I took the GREs several years ago. Why aren't my scores acceptable?
- What are your minimum GRE requirements?
- Is there any way to waive the TOEFL examination?
- How important is the Personal Statement in the application process?
- Do you require an interview as part of the admissions process?
- If accepted, may I defer admission?
- Must I begin in the fall semester?
- Is it possible to transfer credits from previous graduate work?
- Can I pursue part-time study?
- Can I work while enrolled in the program?
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- How many students are admitted each year?
- I have a question that isn't addressed in this FAQ. Who do I contact?
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted online through ApplyYourself
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What is the application deadline?
Applications are due January 15th for the following Fall semester. The Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed applications in January.
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When can I expect to receive a decision?
Final admission decisions will be made by April 1. However, if you receive a decision from another school earlier than ours, please notify us as soon as possible and we will try to expedite the notification process for you.
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If I miss the deadline, will my application still be considered?
Your application and personal statement must be submitted online by January 15. All supporting documentation must be received within a reasonable time after submitting your application in order to be considered for admission. You should contact the program coordinator if you are having difficulty meeting the application deadline or obtaining the required credentials. .
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Where should I send supporting materials for my application?
All materials not submitted online should be sent to:
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Room S1-824
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655-0116
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Are applicants required to have a Masters degree?
Candidates should have a master's degree in public health or in one of the social, psychological, physical or biological sciences. Students without graduate degrees will be considered providing they have outstanding academic records and research experience applicable to the program. While no minimum grade point average is required, students applying for admission must have demonstrated superior academic performance.
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I'm planning to take the GRE soon. What is your school's code?
The UMMS code number is 3936. No department code is needed. For test information contact the Educational Testing Service, GRE at www.gre.org
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Is the GRE required if I already have a Master's degree?
If you took the GRE test within the last five years, we will accept an official notification of that score. Otherwise, all candidates must take the GREs.
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Is there any circumstance in which you would waive the GRE requirement?
All applicants are required to submit official GRE test scores. However, the GRE requirement may be waived under extremely rare circumstances (i.e. applicant already holds a PhD degree in another area). A previous Masters degree is not grounds for a GRE waiver. Requests for waivers must be made in writing to the CPHR Program and include the following information: degree(s) held, date(s) received, institution(s) attended, GPA(s), previous GRE scores and percentiles.
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I took the GREs several years ago. Why aren't my scores acceptable?
Scores must be less than 5 years old. If the scores are more than five years old, ETS will not release the scores, therefore you will be required to re-take the exam unless the requirement for GRE scores may be waived (see above).
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What are your minimum GRE requirements?
We have not set a minimum GRE score however accepted students typically score very well on all three components of the test. GRE scores are considered along with a student's academic record, letters of recommendation, relevant experience and personal statement. No single part of the application file alone determines admission.
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Is there any way to waive the TOEFL examination?
All applicants are expected to have proficiency in reading and writing in the English language. International applicants whose native language is not English must submit their TOEFL scores. Admissions will take into account students' previous academic record (for example, if a student has a previous degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English). However, in nearly all cases, the TOEFL score requirement will not be waived. A minimum score of 250 on the computer test, 600 on the paper test or 100 on the internet-based test is required.
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How important is the Personal Statement in the application process?
Very important. It allows the admissions committee to get a sense of why you are interested in clinical research, where your research interests lie, and how these fit with the strengths and interests of our faculty.
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Do you require an interview as part of the admissions process?
No. Strong candidates within the continental US may receive an invitation to visit UMass, at our expense, to interview during the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Open House. The Open House provides applicants the opportunity to learn more about the program and helps faculty to make appropriate admissions decisions. Strong candidates outside the US will be contacted for several phone interviews.
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If accepted, may I defer admission?
Students who are admitted and who choose not to enroll must reapply and compete with that year’s applicant pool. We cannot guarantee admission.
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Must I begin in the fall semester?
Yes. Due to the sequence of courses, there is no spring admission.
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Is it possible to transfer credits from previous graduate work?
Maybe. Students entering our program with a relevant master’s degree may be able to transfer in up to 6 credits towards the required electives of the program. Transferable credits must be at the master's level, could not have been applied towards the fulfillment of any degree, be comparable in scope and complexity to the electives of the program and is awarded at the discretion of the CPHR Associate Dean and GSBS Dean.
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Can I pursue part-time study?
Not at this time. As designed, the CPHR program is a full-time day program.
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Can I work while enrolled in the program?
With approval from the Associate Dean, students may work up to 10 hours/week on campus only after successfully completing their first semester.
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How long does it take to complete the program?
Expected time to completion of degree is approximately four years. The first year and a half is focused coursework, research rotations and preparing a qualifying paper. The next two to three years are focused on thesis research.
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How many students are admitted each year?
Less than 10 students are admitted each year.
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I have a question that isn't addressed in this FAQ. Who do I contact?
The CPHR program staff would be happy to address any question you may have. You can contact us by calling 508.856.4135 or by email cphr@umassmed.edu
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