FAQ
Our FAQ page is broken down into three sections:
- Questions about Applying: External Applicants
- Questions about Applying: Coterminal Applicants
- Questions about the M.S. in CHPR Program
Please read through the sections relevant to your application needs.
Questions about Applying: External Applicants
How can I learn more about applying to graduate programs at Stanford?
To learn more, please review the information found on the Office of Graduate Admissions website.
If you are interested in applying to the M.S. in CHPR and would like to receive information about upcoming information sessions and program updates, please fill out the following form.
When can I apply?
Applications for the M.S. are accepted only once per year. Learn more about our application deadlines on the Admissions Page.
Do I need to have transcripts sent for every college-level class I have taken?
No. We only require transcripts (academic records) from postsecondary institutions you have attended as a full-time student for one year (i.e. three quarters or two semesters) or longer.
How do I submit transcripts?
You must upload one scanned version of your official transcript(s) in the online application AND mail two official copies to the Stanford Prevention Research Center within the Department of Medicine. See File Upload Requirements. Also see Transcripts for eTranscript service for Stanford students and alumni.
How many recommendations do I need and who should I ask to be my recommenders?
Applicants need three recommendations from faculty or others qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. At least one evaluation and letter should be from a faculty member at the last school you attended as a full-time student (unless you have been out of school for more than five years). Substitutions for faculty recommendations may include work associates or others who can comment on your academic potential for graduate work.
How are letters of recommendation submitted?
Recommenders are to submit the letters online - not by mail, fax or e-mail. When you enter the names and email addresses of your recommenders in the online application, they will receive a message with instructions on how to set up a recommender account. They will then be able to electronically submit their recommendations directly to Stanford.
Where should I have my GRE and/or TOEFL scores sent?
Applicants should have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send scores electronically to Stanford. Our university code is 4704. It does not matter what department code is specified. You will either self-report your scores or indicate the date you will take the test(s) in the online application. Self-reported scores will not be considered official until Stanford receives the electronic record.
My GRE/TOEFL scores are not recent. Will you accept them?
GRE scores are valid for approximately five years from the date taken. TOEFL scores submitted to Stanford must be from a test taken within the last 18 months. No scores are valid beyond the date ETS will send or resend them to schools.
Do you accept GMAT scores in lieu of GRE scores?
No.
Do you accept MCAT scores in lieu of GRE scores?
Yes, valid MCAT scores may be submitted in lieu of GRE scores.
Do I need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
TOEFL scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English.
Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned a U.S. bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provided in English. Therefore, applicants with degrees from the U.S., Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales) are exempt from taking the TOEFL and do not need to submit the TOEFL Waiver Request form.
Applicants with degrees from institutions in countries other than those listed above and in which English was the only language of instruction must submit the TOEFL Waiver Request form in order to be evaluated for a waiver to the TOEFL requirement. This exception does not apply if the courses were completed in a country where English is spoken but not all courses were provided in English.
Being a U.S. citizen does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL. If the applicant’s first language is not English, the applicant must meet the exception above or submit TOEFL scores. Stanford does not accept IELTS scores.
My transcripts are not in English. Will you accept them?
Yes, but the transcripts must be submitted with translations from your school or a professional translating service. The translations must be literal, complete versions of the original documents.
How do I submit my statement of purpose?
You will be asked to upload your statement in the online application. You may upload only one file (not to exceed two pages in length, single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to a Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts.
My school's grading system does not use a 1-4 scale. How do I enter my grade point average in the online application?
If your school has not converted your GPA for you, enter 0.00 in the GPA fields of the online application. Your GPA will be calculated from your transcripts.
What is the status of my application?
We realize that the application process can be anxiety provoking, and it is natural to be concerned about the possibility of information missing from your application, or wondering where you are in the application ranking. After the formal application deadline has passed, if something has changed, you may email the updated information to us. We ask, however, that you refrain from contacting us to request routine updates about your application status. If your application is deficient in some way, we will contact you.
Questions about Applying: Coterminal Applicants
How can I learn more about coterminal master’s programs at Stanford?
Please review these helpful resources to learn more about coterminal programs at Stanford:
- The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education
- Stanford Bulletin
- Stanford UNDERGRAD Information
If you are interested in applying to the M.S. in CHPR and would like to receive information about upcoming information sessions and program updates, please fill out the following form.
When can I apply?
Applications for the M.S. are accepted only once per year. Learn more about our application deadlines on the Admissions Page.
Who can apply for the M.S. in CHPR (Coterminal)?
Stanford undergraduates who have completed 120 course units are eligible to apply. To apply, Stanford undergraduates must already have a major(s) declared. In addition, undergraduates (not including transfer students) must have been in residence at Stanford for at least 6 quarters (not including Summer quarters).
Please also note that if admitted, coterm applicants must respond to the offer of admission no later than the quarter prior to the expected completion of their undergraduate degree. This is typically the Winter Quarter prior to Spring Quarter graduation.
Can I count courses toward both my undergraduate degree and my M.S. degree?
No. You must decide which courses will count toward your undergraduate degree and which courses will count toward the M.S. degree. You cannot double count courses between two degrees. After admission, you will be required to submit a Program Proposal and Coterminal Course Approval Form, which will clarify what courses are being taken for the coterm M.S.
I want to count some of my previously taken courses toward the M.S. degree. What courses are eligible to count toward the M.S. degree?
As a coterminal student in the M.S. in CHPR, you may count eligible courses taken three non-Summer Quarters back from your first graduate quarter. Please note that you cannot double count courses between your undergraduate and master’s degree. To count previously taken courses toward the M.S. degree you will fill out the Coterminal Course Approval Form, which must be signed by your major department(s) and the Stanford Prevention Research Center.
Some of the application forms require other people's signatures. Is it acceptable to submit these application forms with people's e-signatures?
Yes.
Is the GRE required to apply?
Coterminal applicants do not have to submit GRE scores. External applicants are required to submit valid GRE scores with their application.
Is there a GPA requirement to apply?
No.
I am a coterm applicant. Can a visiting professor write a letter of recommendation for me?
No. Per Stanford guidelines, both of your letters of recommendation for the coterminal application must be written by Stanford professors.
Do I need any particular undergraduate major in order to apply?
No. All majors are welcome to apply.
What is the status of my application?
We realize that the application process can be anxiety provoking, and it is natural to be concerned about the possibility of information missing from your application, or wondering where you are in the application ranking. After the formal application deadline has passed, if something has changed, you may email the updated information to us. We ask, however, that you refrain from contacting us to request routine updates about your application status. If your application is deficient in some way, we will contact you.
Questions about the M.S. in CHPR Program
Do coterminal students and non-coterminal students who complete the M.S. in CHPR get different degrees?
No. All students who complete the M.S. in CHPR receive the same degree (i.e. Master’s of Science degree in Community Health and Prevention Research)
What is the difference between this Master’s of Science program and a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) program?
There are many MPH programs offered across the country and not all are the same. Researching specific MPH programs of interest will help you better understand the key differences and areas of overlap between our Master’s of Science program and any MPH programs you may be considering.
Do I need to write a master’s thesis?
Yes, the master’s thesis is required for all CHPR students. Please see more information on the Program Requirements Page.
Can I convert my honors thesis into a master’s thesis?
No. The required master's thesis must be written while enrolled in the M.S. in CHPR. The master’s thesis allows students to demonstrate knowledge, application, and thoughtful scholarly communication of what they have learned by engaging in the M.S.'s CHPR curriculum. Every student will receive guidance and supervision from their faculty mentor as they develop their thesis topic, which will be based on, among other things, students' research interests and the skills/knowledge they gain while in the M.S. program. As such, converting an honors thesis into a master's thesis is not an acceptable way to complete the M.S. program's thesis requirement.
I previously did a community-based internship while at Stanford as well as while studying abroad. Can either of these internships count for CHPR credit?
No. The required community-based research internship must take place after you officially enroll in the M.S. program. Your internship must take place over 2 consecutive quarters (not including Summer) and must be supervised by your CHPR faculty mentor.
I know of an existing community partner organization that I would like to work at for my community-based research internship. Is that allowed?
In that situation, your faculty mentor must be willing to and agree to supervise you as you work on an internship project with that specific community partner. This is less likely to take place if your internship project does not fall within your faculty mentor's general area of expertise or it is unclear how this community partner will allow you to apply the CHPR curriculum within a 2-quarter long internship.
How long does it typically take to complete the degree?
- Coterminal M.S. in CHPR = 1-2 years. The coterm M.S. must be completed in 3 years or less from the beginning of the student’s first graduate quarter.
- Regular M.S. in CHPR = 1 year.
How can I take non pre-approved electives for CHPR credit?
To take an elective that has not been previously approved, you will submit a petition to your faculty mentor and the Program Director. Your petition will include a description of the course and an explanation of how this course fits within the CHPR curriculum. Your faculty mentor and the Program Director must approve and sign your petition in order for you take the course for CHPR credit.
How much experience in quantitative analysis and/or statistics do I need to do well in the M.S. program?
Required quantitative coursework in the CHPR program includes a prerequisite equivalent to Stanford’s MedStats course. We highly recommend admitted students are competent with this material prior to beginning the program.
Is there any funding or financial aid available for students in the CHPR program?
The Stanford Prevention Research Center has no funding/financial aid available for M.S. students. To learn more about graduate financial assistance, please visit the Stanford Financial Aid Office. All financial aid information must be confirmed by the Financial Aid Office. The CHPR program does not have any authority or responsibility regarding financial aid.
Please note: Stanford undergraduates who have received financial aid should check with the Stanford Financial Aid Office before applying to determine the impact of enrolling in the coterminal M.S. on their financial aid package.
Can I audit CHPR courses?
Please see Stanford’s policy on auditing courses.