Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Ideal applicants will have demonstrated an interest in health policy or health services through a master's degree and/or relevant work experience.  Applicants should have an understanding of quantitative concepts demonstrated by coursework or work experience. 

All applicants to the Ph.D. Program in Health Policy must include the following in the application:

  • Statement of Purpose that includes the concentration(s) and/or policy area(s) of interest
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts for all college/university degrees and courses (Official transcripts are required upon admission)
  • GRE score (optional)
  • TOEFL score for international applicants that do not meet the Graduate School's requirements for an English language proficiency waiver (will also accept IELTS or Duolingo score)
  • CV
Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action, and encourages individuals from diverse, under-represented populations to apply to its graduate programs. The university does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, socioeconomic background, or disability.    

The Fall 2025 application portal is now open and available here under Biomedical & Biological Sciences: https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/admissions/application/index.php.

Applications are due December 15 each year. 


Learn More About the Admission Process

Dr. Stacie Dusetzina, director of Vanderbilt's Health Policy & Health Services PhD program, shares helpful tips on the interview process: https://youtu.be/TO-pzGroWd0.


How to Apply

To apply online visit the Vanderbilt Graduate School.

  • Select Apply Now
  • Create an account and login
  • Select start new application
  • Complete the Program page with the information below

screen capture of the phd program application interface