Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible to attend the Summer Institute?
    The Summer Institute is open to anyone aspiring to learn about population health, including alumni of public health programs hoping to continue their education, professionals seeking new and refresher skills, and people new to the field.
  • Is there a prerequisite for taking part in the Summer Institute?
    Prerequisites are specific to each program. Please refer to the individual program page for more information.
  • Where will the Summer Institute programs be held?
    All Summer Institute programs, aside from online programs, will be held either on the Boston University Medical Campus or the Boston University Charles River Campus. Class location and room number will be specified in your program packet.
  • Do you offer scholarships?
    PHX provides a 25 percent discount to students, SPH alumni, and BU faculty and staff. We will also offer a 25 percent discount for any resident of upper-middle-income countries, lower-middle-income countries and low-income countries (based on the World Bank Classification).
    Individuals registering for more than one paid program at full price will receive a 15 percent discount. A 15 percent discount is also offered to organizations sending three or more paid program participants. (Please note discounts cannot be combined)
  • How large are the classes?
    The average class size ranges from 10 to 20 students.
  • Is there an option to get on a waitlist if the program is full?
    Once a program is full, registration will close. If you are interested in attending the program, we will add your name to the waitlist and inform you if a seat opens up for the program ahead of the start date.
  • Are the Summer Institute programs available for academic credit?
    The Summer Institute are competency-based, skill-building programs and do not offer academic credit.
  • Is there a limit to the number of programs I can take?
    There is no limit to the number of programs you can take.
  • What will I receive as a proof of attendance?
    Participants of the Summer Institute will receive a certificate of participation.
  • What forms of payment do you accept for application? What are my options for making payment?
    The preferred method of payment is with credit card. Boston University is not responsible for any bank charges incurred while processing your payment.
  • Once I have registered for the Summer Institute, what is next?
    Once you have registered for a program, you will receive an email confirming your registration. Additional information on the program will be emailed to you in the weeks following your registration.
  • What is the Summer Institute attendance policy?
    All the programs in the Summer Institute are intensive short courses, so participants are expected to attend the full length of the program to receive a letter of completion.
  • What is your program cancellation/refund policy?
    Refunds for programs will be made according to the schedule below and based on the start date of the program being delivered. (In the event that PHX cancels a program, participants will receive a 100% refund.)

    # of Calendar Days Before Start Date Refund
    30+ 100% minus $75 administrative fee
    15 – 29 50% minus $75 administrative fee
    1 – 14 No refund

    PHX reserves the right to decline refund requests.

  • Who do I contact if I want to make a change to my registration?
    To make changes to your registration, please contact the Office of Lifelong Learning (OLL) at phx@bu.edu.
  • Is it possible to transfer my registration to a different program?
    Yes, it is possible to transfer your registration to a different program if a seat is available in the class you are interested in switching to. Please contact us at phx@bu.edu.
  • Where do I check in on the first day?
    Check-in information will be provided in the information packet you receive ahead of the Summer Institute start date. Staff members of the Office of Lifelong Learning will also be available throughout the program to assist you with questions.
  • What should I bring with me?
    All registrants will receive needed information regarding materials and other relevant information for each program in which they are registered.
  • Are meals included?
    Lunch is provided each day for all paid, full-day programs. Please send a note to phx@bu.edu with any dietary restrictions after you register for your program.
  • Is wireless internet access available?
    Yes, wireless internet is available.
  • Are there activities planned outside lectures?
    A welcome breakfast and key note speaker will be held on the first Monday of each week. Information on this reception will be included in your program information packet.
  • Where can I park on the Medical Campus? How much is Parking?
    Paid parking is available in the garage at 710 Albany Street or in the Doctor’s Office (DOB) garage at 720 Harrison Avenue. Click here to learn more about parking.
  • Can I easily get around with public transportation if I choose not to drive?
    Yes, public transportation is easily accessible in Boston. Although the subway does not travel directly to the Medical Campus, there are bus routes from many MBTA stops that make stops at the medical campus. Additionally, there is the Silver Line, which is a Boston rapid transit bus that functions like the subway. Please click here for MBTA bus and schedule information.
  • Where can I find a map of the campus?
    Please click here for a map of campus.
  • What are some options of activities to do in Boston?
    Please click here for information on Boston activities.