Admissions

I come from an operational or practice background rather than research. Am I a competitive applicant? Yes. Strong academic preparation is important, and many successful applicants have already been involved in research. However, the program often sees real-world experience in clinical care or public health as a distinct advantage. Implementation science is about translating research into action, and applicants who have worked close to that action are well positioned to put their training into context.

Do I apply through SOPHAS? No, the only place to apply to our program is using the portal found on the UC San Diego Graduate Application Management website.

What should I submit for my writing sample? It's suggested that you submit whatever writing you have done that you feel best showcases your writing abilities.

How can I check application status and what changes can be made after submission? You can check in the application portal. Any communication will be done through the portal and email.

I come from an operational or practice background rather than research. Am I a competitive applicant? Yes. Strong academic preparation is important, and many successful applicants have already been involved in research. However, the program often sees real-world experience in clinical care or public health as a distinct advantage. Implementation science is about translating research into action, and applicants who have worked close to that action are well positioned to put their training into context.

What research areas does the program support? Faculty work spans implementation science and health services research, including community engagement, sustainment of interventions, and qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Projects address areas such as primary care, veterans' health, opioid prevention, and post-COVID community health.

Do I need to secure a faculty mentor before I apply? No. Having a mentor in place is not a requirement for admission. If you have not identified a mentor, the admissions committee will look for a faculty member who is interested in and able to work with you.

Should I name faculty I would like to work with? Yes, it is encouraged. Include the names of faculty whose work aligns with your interests in your Statement of Purpose. Those faculty will be invited to review your application alongside the admissions committee. If they express interest, and you meet the academic qualifications, the program will explore that match further.

Is it helpful to contact faculty before applying? Yes. Reaching out to faculty, reading their publications, and learning about their current projects can help you identify a good fit and sharpen your personal statement.

How does mentorship work once I am in the program? In the first year, each student is assigned a mentor who advises on progress through core and elective course requirements and on preparing to advance to candidacy.

What if my interests change or I find a better fit? You may change mentors. Students often meet many faculty during their first year, and some find a faculty member whose work more closely matches their goals. Switching mentors is an accepted part of the process.

How are PhD students funded? Doctoral students are offered a financial package that is funded through Teaching Assistantships (TA), Graduate Research Assistantships (GSR), and some students are supported by federal-funded training programs (T32s).

Is funding guaranteed? If so, how long? UC San Diego's policy is to guarantee one year of funding, which includes tuition and fees, health insurance, and a minimum stipend of $37,500. Our program is committed to funding students for the duration of their time in the program.