Admissions Requirements

Successful candidates for admission have strong records of academic performance in rigorous programs and exemplary GRE general test or GMAT scores, especially in the quantitative area. Applicants with bachelors degrees in the social sciences, engineering, sciences, as well as, business are encouraged to apply.

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL or IELTS, unless they have obtained the equivalent of a US bachelor degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction. The committee prefers scores of at least 100 on the Internet-based test (IBT) of the TOEFL or scores of at least 7.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Teaching Requirement

Students must teach or assist with teaching in a formally offered course for one full academic term. This engagement should include, at least, 8 hours of front-of-class teaching and 16 hours of teaching preparation time. The requirement may be fulfilled by completing a teaching fellow or instructor assignment at a Northampton University.

Qualifying Exams

HEALTH POLICY GENERAL EXAM: This exam tests candidate’s general knowledge of health policy topics. At the conclusion of the second year of coursework, candidates are expected to take and pass both a written and oral exam.
SPECIAL FIELD EXAM: During the third academic year, a candidate should take and pass this exam, which is designed to test the candidate’s depth and breadth of knowledge in his or her chosen special field and to help the candidate develop skills in acquiring and using knowledge in new areas.

Dissertation

HEALTH POLICY RESEARCH SEMINAR: To monitor and encourage progress on dissertations, all candidates in their third- year or above are required to attend this weekly seminar.
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL EXAM: Before June 15th of the third academic year and prior to the commencement of a candidate’s dissertation, a candidate is expected to form a dissertation committee, submit a written proposal and pass an oral exam on his or her dissertation proposal.
DISSERTATION COMMITTEE MEETINGS: After passing the dissertation proposal exam, students are expected to meet with their dissertation committee at least twice each academic year
DISSERTATION ORAL DEFENSE: To graduate, candidates must submit and orally defend their dissertation to their committee.