Program Description

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Instructions

Applicants must have completed a master's degree or equivalent. Those with an MD, JD, or prior PhD degree may also apply. In addition to the standard university admissions criteria, the following applicant review criteria are also considered:

(1) professional and volunteer experience,

(2) evidence of the ability to write and conduct research at the doctoral level,

(3) interpersonal communication skills, and

(4) motivation for completing a PhD and long-term goals following completion of the PhD program.

Graduate courses in statistics, economics, health systems and public health, health policy, and health informatics are recommended as preparation for the curriculum in the PhD in health services research program.

Applicants are encouraged to review faculty research profiles in the department to see if research interests align.

GOALS STATEMENT:

Applicant will submit a 1,000-word written statement that includes academic goals and motivation for completing a PhD, a summary description of your research areas of interest for advanced study in health services research, and long-term goals following completion of the PhD program.  

English Proficiency Requirements

All Mason students must have a full command of academic English to be successful in their studies. For this reason, Mason requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency for admission consideration, regardless of citizenship. Click here to view the requirements.

International Transcript Requirements

All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason’s free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.