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INFORMATION FOR

External Applicants

We welcome applications from researchers outside of Yale.

Preparing for Your Application

Applicants must secure a Yale primary mentor and proposed research project before applying to the MHS program, and commit to on-campus coursework and research.

Please reach out to mhs@yale.edu as early as possible for assistance identifying the appropriate track, mentor, and project that aligns with your professional goals.

Please include:

  • the track(s) you are interested in
  • the subject of your research
  • any contacts you have had with potential Yale mentors

You will be connected with the track leader who will help you identify an appropriate Yale mentor and develop the research proposal for your application.

MHS Tracks

The Health Services, Policy and Outcomes, Clinical Investigation, and Clinical Informatics & Data Science tracks require 50% time during working hours for coursework and research.

The Medical Education track requires 35% time during working hours for coursework and research, in addition to weekly evening class time.

MHS Eligibility

Applicants must have a terminal professional degree or a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant professional experience.

Undergraduate courses should include calculus and upper-level biology. Basic statistics is highly encouraged.

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare all of your necessary documents and information

  1. The track to which you are applying
  2. Title of your proposed project
  3. Personal statement that describes your professional experience, academic goals, long-term career plans, and the role of the MHS in achieving those goals
  4. Research plan with the background, significance, question you plan to address, and a brief overview of the methods you will employ. Cite relevant literature. Two pages, not including references
  5. Name of Yale-associated primary mentor
  6. Names of the members of your mentorship committee. Three members are required including primary mentor.
  7. Letter from your primary mentor that describes your qualifications, mentorship plans, and a commitment to your professional development through the MHS program
  8. Two letters of recommendation submitted by recent clinical or research supervisors. These letters should highlight your clinical skills, research experience, and suitability for the MHS program. Please ensure that your recommenders submit their letters directly to MHS@yale.edu.
  9. Copy of your official transcript or copy of certificate for your most recent training (Residency, Fellowship, or Degree)
  10. CV
  11. If your employer is sponsoring you, please include a letter from them detailing their support for your enrollment, the amount of protected time to attend coursework and confirmation of the amount of financial support for tuition. View an example here.

Step 2: Apply

The application will take between five and ten minutes to complete. You will need to upload all documents through the application portal.

Note that the online application form must be completed in one sitting; it cannot be saved.

Interviews will be arranged with program leadership.

Important dates & acceptance information

Application Opens

  • September 1, 2025

Application Deadline

  • May 31, 2026 - please contact us as early as possible to allow time to connect you with possible Yale mentors

Acceptance Notification

  • June 2026

How are acceptance decisions made?

Each MHS track director chairs the Selection Committee for that track. Committee members thoroughly review all applications to determine acceptances. Please note that a background check will be conducted following the issuance of a conditional acceptance.

Find out more

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MHS Program_External Candidates