4-Year Health Services Track Public Policy or Public Health Sciences

FULLY FUNDED UCHICAGO MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMS

Health Services Track

Ideal Candidates

We are seeking highly motivated applicants for this competitive, fully funded 4-year Health Services Master’s Program Scholarship Track. This unique opportunity allows residents to pursue a master’s degree—either in Public Policy (MA) or Public Health Sciences (MSCP)—while completing their pediatric residency training.

Ideal candidates for our Public Policy (MA) concentration will have a demonstrated interest in health or public policy, whether through academic work, extracurricular involvement, or prior life experiences. While extensive experience is not required, applicants should show early reflection and a developing scholarly focus. Once accepted, dedicated faculty mentors will support you in refining this focus into meaningful, policy-driven research.

Ideal candidates for the Public Health Sciences concentration (MSCP) will be residents interested in building advanced research skills to complement their clinical training. The program provides rigorous coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services research, along with opportunities to tailor electives to individual interests. Applicants should demonstrate curiosity about clinical or population-based research and a commitment to using these methods to improve health care delivery and outcomes. With close mentorship, residents will refine their interests into meaningful research projects and graduate prepared for careers as clinician-investigators, physician-scientists, or academic leaders.

Track Curriculum

All Health Services Track scholars will complete a standard clinical intern year with no modifications. They will also participate in a longitudinal scholars curriculum focused on leadership development, interdisciplinary exposure, and an introduction to all tracks.

Beginning in the second year, scholars will take coursework either at the Harris School of Public Policy or the Department of Public Health Sciences, depending on their concentration. Core courses and electives will be completed during one academic quarter each year (Years 2–4), with no clinical responsibilities during those periods to allow full focus on academics. Core courses may include analytical politics, micro-economics, and statistics.

In the fourth year, scholars will complete a master’s thesis under the guidance of a committee including representatives from both their academic department and the residency program. This thesis fulfills the program’s research requirement, and the remainder of the year will be used to complete any deferred clinical time from prior years.

Health Services Track Interviews | 2025 - 2026

All interviews will be conducted virtually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from October 14 to December 17, 2025, between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM CST. Applicants will meet core faculty, connect with current residents, and learn more about our program.

This recruitment season, there will not be a separate interview day for Health Services Track applicants. Candidates invited to interview for the Health Services Track will participate in the same interview days as our categorical applicants. In addition, Health Services applicants must also complete a brief interview with the Harris School of Public Policy, which will be scheduled directly by Harris.

Master's Degree Application Process

Applicants interested in the Health Services Track must apply to the separate track within ERAS, as it is ranked independently in the NRMP. In addition, candidates must complete the appropriate master’s program application and interview to be considered in our final rank list for the program.

Master’s Program Application(s) are due Friday, December 5, 2025

Please note that the associated master’s programs may have additional application requirements beyond those submitted through ERAS. Our residency program shares all components of your ERAS application with the master’s programs as part of the review process.

For guidance on navigating the application process or clarifying program-specific requirements, please contact:
s.ped.recruit@bsd.uchicago.edu

When reaching out, please include “Health Services Track” in the subject line of your message if your inquiry is related to the Health Services Track.

The 4-Year Health Services Master’s Program Scholarship Track offers two distinct, collaborative pathways through the University of Chicago Pediatric Residency Training Program in partnership with the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division Department of Public Health Sciences.

Applicants must select a concentration when applying and are required to submit a separate master’s program application in addition to their ERAS residency application.

Concentration 1: Public Policy
Master of Arts in Public Policy

Concentration 2: Public Health Sciences
Master of Science for Clinical Professionals (MSCP)

Master of Arts in Public Policy (MA) - Program Details

Master of Science in Public Health Sciences for Clinical Professionals (MSCP) - Program Details