PhD in Health Services Research Admissions

Admission Information & How to Apply

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the PhD program in Health Services Research, applicants generally will have completed a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, or a terminal professional degree (e.g. MD, JD, PharmD) prior to matriculation. Applicants who have attained only a bachelor’s degree may be considered for admission but will have to complete additional semester hours of coursework once enrolled in the PhD program.

Dates and Deadlines

The Ph.D. in Health Services Research program admits during Fall terms of odd years only (every other year).

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit all necessary documents by the posted deadline in order to be reviewed for admission.

SOPHAS Application and Application Fee

Applicants must submit a complete application via SOPHAS along with all related application fees. Visit the SOPHAS Applicant Help Center for information about the application and helpful tips.  Our school does not require a supplemental and/or secondary application. 

Letters of Recommendation

• The School of Public Health prefers at least one academic reference from a higher education institution and one professional reference. The remaining letter may be either academic or professional.
• Preferably, the academic reference should come from one of the applicant's course instructors who can attest to the applicant's capability to pursue graduate studies and who are familiar with the applicant’s prior academic performance.
• Recommendation letters from family members and friends are not appropriate.
• Letters must be must be submitted electronically directly to SOPHAS by the recommender.

Statement of Purpose

Describe why you want to pursue a PhD in Health Services Research at Texas A&M University. Your statement of purpose should include:

• Your career goals and general areas of research interest
• Reasons why a PhD in Health Services Research will facilitate attainment of your career goals.
• Reasons for interest in the PhD program at Texas A&M University, including any specific faculty with research expertise you believe might be suited to your research interests.
• Any personal qualities, characteristics, and skills you believe will enable you to be successful in your chosen field of study.

Review the instructions section in your SOPHAS application for more details.

A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Writing Sample

Doctoral applicants must submit a writing sample that demonstrates their analytical and writing skills.  Preference is given to samples in which the applicant is the sole and/or primary author. 

• Examples include journal articles, research papers, thesis/dissertation, and/or capstone projects.

Official Transcripts

• Official transcripts from each U.S. and English-speaking Canadian college-level institution attended (including community colleges) must be sent directly to SOPHAS. The School of Public Health cannot accept official transcripts on behalf of SOPHAS.
• Applicants with coursework from an institution  outside  of the U.S. and English-speaking Canada, must submit a World Education Services (WES) ICAP Course-by-Course evaluation of academic records (if applicable).

For detailed instructions on how to submit official transcripts to SOPHAS, please visit: Sending official Transcripts to SOPHAS

Official Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are no longer required for applicants seeking admission to the doctoral programs. This requirement is waived. 

Interview

In addition to the requirements listed above the applicant may be asked to participate in an interview.

International Applicants

International applicants should review the SPH International Applicant information for additional requirements related to English Language Proficiency. 

Cost of Attendance

For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our cost and tuition rates webpage (https://aggie.tamu.edu/billing-and-payments/cost-and-tuition-rates). This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.