Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Sciences Specialization in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences
Public Health Sciences: Specialization in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences
This program trains scholars who are interested in solving the most meaningful and complex public health challenges facing local communities, the state, country, and globe. Our students are committed to developing knowledge and skills in areas related to structural and social determinants of health, health disparities, and health equity. Graduates in our program will learn how to create interventions to address public health concerns, strategies to advocate for health promoting policies, and qualitative/quantitative research approaches. Students who complete this program take positions in public health-related entities such as the academy, government, private industry, research firms, and non-profit organizations.
We accept students from public health and related fields. Students should have at least a bachelor's degree but will be more likely to be admitted with a master level degree.
This program is 48 hours and includes foundational courses on theory, policy, and social justice / health equity; research courses on qualitative and quantitative methods; and a select number of classes students may choose that reflect their own scholarly interests. Students are required to take a comprehensive exam after completing courses and begin the dissertation process upon passing the comprehensive exam. Students are required to complete a dissertation to graduate.
As a department, we seek to develop a community of care for our students. This means we employ a whole-person perspective in our approach to student mentorship through teaching, research, and community engagement. It is our goal to support our students so that they not only advance public health but thrive in their professional lives as well.
"Before beginning the program, I knew I wanted a career that combined research, teaching, and meaningful community impact, and I could not have chosen a better place to realize those aspirations. The faculty in the department were truly invested in the success of their students. They not only provided opportunities to advance our scholarly careers but also fostered a welcoming environment that felt like family, a true home away from home...Collectively, these experiences prepared me for the academic job market and equipped me with the leadership skills to build and manage successful research teams."
