FAQ – Ph.D. Epidemiology Admissions
General Admissions Questions
When can I apply? What is the deadline for Winter admission?
Our department only admits new students in the Fall semester. The application period is from September 15th to December 1st to be considered for admission to the following Fall semester.
Do I need to have secured a supervisor when applying?
Our department does not require applicants to identify a supervisor before applying. However, applicants who have secured a supervisor may be given preference in the admissions process. We strongly recommend contacting potential supervisors in the department who share your research interests as early as possible to discuss the possibility of supervision and the potential for funding. Please note that the agreement of a faculty member to supervise you does not guarantee admission to the program. A list of faculty members and research interests is available on the departmental website: https://www.mcgill.ca/epi-biostat-occh/people
Can I apply while my current degree is in progress?
Yes. Applicants often apply while their current degree is still in progress. Any offer of admission would be based on your results to date and would be conditional upon the successful completion of your current program before beginning your studies with us.
I have a Master’s degree in another area—can I apply directly to the Ph.D. program?
Yes. Most successful applicants to our Ph.D. Program hold a Master’s degree in epidemiology or a closely related field, but applicants who hold a Master’s degree in another area (typically quantitative) will be considered and have been admitted in the past. Please note that it is also possible to apply to fast-track to the Ph.D. program from our M.Sc. program in Epidemiology after the successful completion of the first year of M.Sc. courses. Applicants with master’s degrees from outside epidemiology may also want to consider applying first to the M.Sc. program.
Do you offer courses or programs in the evening or part-time?
All of our programs are offered full time and scheduled during the day. Graduate programs in Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health are very demanding and require a substantial time commitment.
Can I pursue my Ph.D. from abroad?
Our doctoral program involves substantial course work during the first two years. Students should expect to be in Montreal for at least the first two years of their doctoral training.
If I send you my transcripts or other documents, can you tell me my chances of being admitted?
We do not review admissions documents in advance of application. Administrative staff can answer general question regarding admissibility however, the file review is a complex and thorough process conducted by an admissions committee. If you wish to be considered for admission, you must apply.
My country/university has a tough grading system, how will this affect my application?
At McGill, we work very hard to correctly evaluate each applicant’s file. Information on how international credentials are evaluated by McGill can be found here: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/equival...
I have a lower GPA, does that mean I shouldn’t apply?
Given the high numbers of applications we receive each year relative to the limited number of spaces we have in our program, most successful applicants have relatively high GPAs. However, our admissions committees look at all aspects of the student's file, including not only past grades, but also letters of reference, the full CV, the personal statement, any prior related work experiences, publications, and research experience, and fit within the department.
Standardized Tests
Where should I send my test scores? What is the department code?
Standardized test results (e.g., GRE, English language proficiency) are handled centrally by the University and should be sent to institution code 0935. No department code is needed. The results are matched to your profile in Slate and only need to be sent to the University once regardless of how many programs you apply too.
Do I need to submit GRE scores as part of my application?
No. The GRE is not required; however, applicants can include GRE scores as part of their application as evidence of their quantitative proficiency.
Letters of Reference
When are my letters of reference due?
All supporting documents are due by the December 1st application deadline. You should contact graduate.eboh [at] mcgill.ca in the case of extenuating circumstances.
My referee does not have an institutional email, what should I do?
We understand that the requirement for an institutional email may be problematic for some of our international applicants. In the case of international referees who work or teach in institutions which do not have institutional email addresses, their public domain address may be used. We ask that they upload a PDF copy of their letter of reference on institutional letterhead. If the applicant is admitted, we may take steps to authenticate the reference.
I have been in the workforce for several years—can I provide professional references?
Academic references are strongly preferred. For our Epidemiology Ph.D. program, at least one letter must be from an academic reference. In a situation where an applicant is returning to academia after working for several years, we understand that it may be a challenge to get a reference from an academic referee. A professional referee who holds an academic position would be ideal in this case – the admissions committee is looking for someone who is familiar with academia and who can speak to your likelihood to succeed in a challenging academic environment.