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25 Best PhD in Health Promotion Programs

Key Takeaways:

• Notable Health Promotion and Community Health programs are available at schools like the University of Texas Health Science Center and UCLA . These colleges provide in-depth training in community health.
• PhD programs in Health Promotion and Community Health train public health professionals for significant roles in leadership and influence.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of experts in public health initiatives and education.
• The listed programs are ranked based on criteria such as cost, accreditation, reputation, and potential salary outcomes, utilizing data from sources like U.S. News and IPEDS.
• The best PhD in Health Promotion programs or Community Health Promotion trains public health professionals for positions of authority and influence. The global coronavirus pandemic of 2020 placed a spotlight on public health initiatives, education, and disease prevention.
• From the Center for Disease Control to local community health departments, the public sought guidance in coping with a rapidly spreading infection. And with a community health promotion PhD, you could be one of those guiding lights.

Best Health Degrees examined several doctoral-level Community Health Promotion and Education programs and has provided 25 of the most well-rounded ones.

Our Method: Ranking the 25 Best PhD Community Health Programs

To rank the 25 Best Community Health Promotion and Education PhDs Best Degrees, editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. We ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential from our initial pool, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

1. University of Texas Health Science Center

Considered one of the top Public Health programs in the country, you can earn a DrPh in Community Health Practice from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.

Students study evidence-based best practice methods and also conduct advanced research in public health. This PhD program requires 48 credit hours. However, some students may need more hours in prerequisites. And the program covers community-led public health programs with a focus on social inequity.

Courses include Working with Diverse Communities, Epidemiology, Ethics and Policy, Public Health Advocacy, Legal Issues in Healthcare, Principles of Adult and Community Education for Public Health Educators, Practice-Based Methods and Design, Program Evaluation, Health Survey Design, and also a doctoral dissertation.

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a recommended 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA), GRE or MCAT scores, three recommendation letters, official transcripts from prior education, and also other documents are required for admission to this graduate program. Additionally, the DrPh is administered by the Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health (MPACH). Tuition estimates are between $7,729-$30,787.

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks this the #23 Public Health program in the country

Interesting? Click here for more information on the community health promotion PhD!

This prestigious school offers a PhD in Community Health Sciences. If you’re interested in public health research, then this program prepares you to identify, plan, and evaluate community public health.

You’ll take 48 credit hours of coursework in this graduate program which culminates with two written exams, a research proposal and defense, dissertation research completion, and also an oral defense of the dissertation. Classwork includes studies in Global Health Problems, Population Models and Dynamics, Introduction to Demographic Methods, Community Health Sciences, and also Racism and Public Health: Social Epidemiologic Approaches.

A master’s degree in public health, initial acceptance by a department doctoral advisor, and (although not required) work experience in the field are necessary for admission. Tuition cost for this health promotion sciences program is estimated at $11,442-$26,544 per academic year, depending on residency status.

Fast Fact: UCLA is considered the #1 Top Public School by U.S. News and World Report

3. University of Michigan

If you hold a relevant master’s degree, you may want to explore the Health Behavior and Health Education doctoral program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

This degree aims to prepare you for a variety of public health disciplines in research, teaching, public health service, and also positions of public health leadership. You can expect to take up to 68 credits (including dissertation work) in classes such as foundations in public health, epidemiology, health behavior and education, influences on social and health behaviors, advanced research methods, and dissertation requirements. Nine credit hours are expected in a cognate area in studies such as Public Policy, Women’s Studies, and also Business Administration.

Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA), Training Grants, and Fellowships are available for qualified graduate students. Furthermore, the academic year cost for this degree runs from $24,772-$49,548, depending on your residency status.

Fast Fact: Money Magazine ranked UM #8 in its Best Colleges for Your Money and U.S. News and World Report considers it #3 in its Top Public Schools ratings

4. Claremont Graduate University

This degree in Health Promotion Science from California’s Claremont Graduate University may be perfect if you want broad training in a range of fields involving public health.

Classes include Biostatistics, Advanced Theoretical Foundations in Health Education & Promotion, Advanced Statistical Methods, Data Analysis, Advanced Research Methods, and also Foundations of Inclusive Pedagogy and Course Design. The intent is to prepare you to identify and develop unique disease prevention and health promotion approaches. Faculty for this health education and promotion program include professors with real public health experience and National Institute of Health grant recipients.

This program’s total cost is estimated at $142,560, and there’s no residency requirement. Department Fellowships are available, and the school also offers Military Fellowships.

Fast Fact: Rated in the Top 100 of U.S. News and World Report’s Public Health Schools

5. University of Illinois

If you’re looking for a program that will help you develop health-related research methods and innovative approaches to solving Community Health issues, this program is worth a look.

This PhD provides five areas of research from which to choose. You can pick an area of study in Health Promotion and Behavioral Research, Health Technology from Design to Implementation, Health Disparity, Rehabilitation, Disability and Chronic Illness, and also Applied Health Data Analytics. The program is 64 credit hours in length with studies in coursework such as Advanced Research Methods or Statistics, Seminar, and also Thesis Research.

Applicants to this PhD program must have an approved Master’s degree, a 3.50 Grade Point Average (GPA), GRE scores, a personal statement, and also recommendations. Estimated tuition charges are $8,088-$15,732, depending on your residency status.

Fast Fact: This Urbana-Champaign university boasts 24 Nobel Prize winners

6. The University of Texas at Austin

Requiring 63 credit hours, you’ll take core courses in epidemiology, health behavior theories, and the development and planning of health promotion opportunities. Other courses offered include Human Sexuality, Adult Development, Aging and Health, Social Determinants of Health, Impact of Marketing on Public Health, Child and Adolescent Health Psychology, and Statistics and Advanced Research Methods. The program requires Outside Supporting Work as well as Student Research. Finalizing the degree will require you to present empirical health-related research at a conference on the local, state, or national level.

Tuition is $11,998 per academic year for Texas residents and $22,966 for non-residents.

Fast Fact: UT at Austin is ranked #12 in Most Innovative Schools and #14 in Top Public Schools according to U.S. News and World Report

7. University of Maryland

This Ph.D. in Behavioral and Community Health is offered at UM’s College Park campus and will allow you to develop the necessary skills to contribute to professional and scientific foundations in behavioral and community health.

You can enroll full-time or part-time for this doctorate and classes typically begin at 4-4:30 pm. The program requires 37 credit hours in core courses such as epidemiology, public health foundations, health systems introduction, public health or research ethics, and also data management of public health information. You’ll also study quantitative research methods and applied research methods. Successful completion of a dissertation will finalize the program’s total of 82 credit hours.

Among admission requirements are a 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, resume or CV, and letter of goals and independent research interests. You’ll also need to complete 6 credit hours in Psychology, Sociology, or Anthropology. Tuition costs per credit hour for Maryland residents are $731 and $1,625 per hour for non-residents.

Fast Fact: Niche rates UM at #21 of 163 for Best Colleges for Public Health in America

8. The Ohio State University

Suppose you’re looking for a program that will give you the foundation to direct community, individual, or organizational health. In that case, you’ll want to explore the Ph.D. in Health Behavior and Health Promotion at OSU.

The GRE is required for admission. Prospective graduate students submit an application through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) or Health Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application Service (HAMPCAS). OSU offers graduate fellowships in teaching or research, along with external funding possibilities. According to NCES, tuition per academic year is $11,560 for Ohio residents and $35,144 for non-residents.

This 50-credit-hour doctoral program has accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). It covers topics on the role of behavior in individual and community health, prevention of disease, the role of behavioral science in promoting health, assessment tools, program planning implementation, and also health program evaluation. You’ll also learn about health issues in specialized groups, substance abuse prevention, adolescent health, and also obesity. Faculty active in public health research projects teach all classes.

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks OSU at #17 in its Top Public Schools rating

9. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida has an excellent Ph.D. in Public Health with a Concentration in Community and Family Health. Upon completing this degree, you’ll be able to identify community health issues and develop appropriate educational programs to address those concerns. Additionally, you’ll learn techniques to assess and evaluate appropriate methods to train and educate communities. You’ll be trained in implementation techniques for communities and conduct research projects to develop public health programs to address concerns. This degree will also qualify you to teach in a university setting.

In-state graduate tuition per academic year is estimated at $8,350 and $19,048 for out-of-state residents. This program is CEPH accredited.

Fast Fact: USF ranks #17 of 163 schools in Niche’s Best Colleges for Public Health

Interesting? Click here for more information on the community health education and promotion PhD!

10. University of Nebraska Medical Center

UNMC offers a PhD in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research degree which can prepare you to join college or university faculties, become a community health leader, or conduct independent research.

Among the courses you’ll take are Advanced Theories in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Directed Readings and Research, Complex Systems Thinking, Implementation Science Models and Methods, Biostatistics, Social Epidemiology, Design of Medical Health Studies, and also a dissertation. The curriculum is designed to think critically and evaluate community health and disease prevention needs, program development, and assessment.

You’ll need a master’s or advanced degree, a minimum 3.5 Grade Point Average (GPA), and three recommendation letters for admission. Additionally, admission requires you to name a potential faculty sponsor in your letter of intent. Graduate tuition for Nebraska residents is $341 per credit hour, with out-of-state students charged $977 per credit hour.

Fast Fact: UNMC conducted the first clinical trial in the use of Remdesivir in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

11. University of Arkansas for Medical Services

This PhD in Health Promotion and Prevention Research is offered through the nationally recognized Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health.

The program is CEPH accredited and you’ll take courses in topics in Advanced Integration of Epidemiologic Concepts and Methods, Observational Study Designs, Introduction to Mixed Methods Research Design, Management of Healthcare Organizations, FDA Regulations, and others. You’ll develop skills in communication, the evaluation of health education and behavior, and the ability to incorporate theory with practice.

During 2019-2020, Arkansas students paid $7,737 in tuition and out-of-state students paid $15,918 for the academic year.

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report rates the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health in the nation’s top 100 programs

12. University at Buffalo

The PhD in Community Health and Health Behavior at this New York school will help you advance your career in the field of education as well as in community or government agencies.

The 72 credit hours of coursework, dissertation, and research will focus on the principles of public health and health behavior. You’ll take courses such as Principles of Community Health and Health Behavior, Basic Research Methods for Community Health and Health Behavior, Seminar in Community Health and Health Behavior, Public Health Approach to Understanding and Reducing Sexual Risk Behaviors and Creating Media for Public Health. In addition to the core courses required, you’ll work with a faculty advisor to develop a personalized program, conduct research, and complete a dissertation.

This program highlights mentor-student relationships and lets you choose from faculty members with similar research interests. In-state residents pay an estimated $5,655 per academic year and $11,550 for out-of-state students.

Fast Fact: University at Buffalo’s Public Health program ranks in the top 40 of U.S. News and World Report

Interesting? Click here for more information on the PhD in health education!

13. Louisiana State University

Located in New Orleans, this PhD in Community Health Sciences will give you a solid foundation in health education, community health promotion, research, and also intervention.

This is a 60-credit-hour program that will include studies in Advanced Community Analysis, Ecology, Health Disparities, Health Behavior Change, Biostatistical Methods, Fundamentals of Multi-Level Design and Analysis, and also Fundamentals of Public Health Ethics. Elective courses are available in areas such as epidemiology, health advocacy, chronic disease prevention and management, and others. This CEPH-accredited program also has a teaching practicum as part of its core requirements.

In addition, the college offers assistantships and fellowships for full-time PhD students, requiring up to 20 hours per week in teaching or faculty-supervised research. Academic year tuition ranges from $11,835-$24,108, depending on residency status.

Fast Fact: LSU’s School of Medicine established the Public Health Department in 1931

14. University of Georgia

UG provides a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with an emphasis on academia or research.

You’ll need an MPH or MSPH for admission and at least three years of public health experience. This program has prerequisite requirements in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and social and behavioral public health. Core subjects for this program include data and analysis, policy and programs, education and workforce development, and leadership and management. You’ll be expected to complete a residency experience with this degree. The program takes approximately four years to complete.

Georgia residents pay approximately $28,400 per academic year and out-of-state students pay about $45,054. This program is accredited by CEPH and boasts a 98% placement rate for 2019 and has 123 doctoral students.

Fast Fact: This program is ranked in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report ‘s Public Health ratings

15. University of Massachusetts Amherst

You may want to consider the PhD in Community Health Education (PhD-CHE) offered at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

An MS or MPH degree (or equivalent) is required for admission. The program calls for the completion of 57 credit hours and concentrates on the behavioral and social aspects of public health. Additionally, the program focuses on health education and promotion utilizing traditional research methods while exploring innovative methods as well. The broad curriculum includes studies in ethics, communication theory, studies in the U.S. health system, leadership topics, advanced research methods, application of public health theories in intervention, a capstone project, practicum experience, and also culminates with a dissertation.

Tuition is between $2,000 and $4,500 per credit hour depending on your residency status. In addition, fellowships are available. CEPH accredits this doctoral degree.

Fast Fact: Niche rates UMass Amherst #24/163 Best Colleges for Public Health in America

16. University of Alabama Birmingham

UAB’s School of Education provides a PhD in Health Education and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

This degree focuses on theories and research methods that influence community health and also the development of community social and behavioral programs. The curriculum aligns with the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) standards and also prepares graduates to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. Among the topics you’ll study are planning, implementation, and evaluation of health education programs, survey methods, educational research, and a research internship and dissertation. The degree requires 72 semester hours for completion.

You can enter the program with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health. Furthermore, students can complete the program’s internship at UA College of Human Environmental Sciences, UAB School of Public Health, or UAB School of Public Health. Other internship opportunities are available as well. Tuition ranges from $465-$1,098.

Fast Fact: Public Health studies rank in the top 20 of U.S. News and World Report’s rating

17. University of Arizona

The Mel & Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health at UA has a Ph.D. in Health Behavior Health Promotion degree.

This school has CEPH accreditation and this program concentrates on the social, behavioral, and cultural aspects of public health. The curriculum includes studies in biostatistics, public health fundamentals, multicultural beliefs, public health communication, epidemiology, methods to decrease health disparity in communities, planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health initiatives, and a dissertation. The PhD requires 63 credit hours for completion. ( Note: If you don’t have a master’s degree, you can enter UA’s Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) / PhD in Health Behavior Health Promotion program. See website for details).

If you’re an Arizona resident, tuition runs about $853 per credit hour and non-residents will pay around $1,781 per hour. Scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships are available. Additionally, applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Fast Fact: This is Arizona’s only accredited Public Health college and ranks in the top 35 of U.S. News and World Report’s Public Health programs

18. Saint Louis University

The Public Health Studies PhD at this Missouri university offers four concentrations, one of which is the Behavioral Science and Health Education study. This degree is through the College for Public Health and Social Justice.

You’ll study social and behavioral science as it impacts a variety of organizational, individual, or community/societal levels. The curriculum calls for 72 credit hours and includes topics in the science and theory of public health, methodology to understand populations, quantitive methods, and a dissertation. The school focuses on improving your competencies in areas such as communication, analytical skills, leadership, ethics, and also professionalism.

Tuition runs around $1,190 per credit hour. Merit-based scholarships and graduate research assistantships are available.

Fast Fact: Niche rates the school #22/163 as Best Colleges for Public Health in America

19. University of Alabama

You may want to explore the PhD in Health Education and Promotion offered at the University of Alabama.

This is a joint community health promotion Ph.D. program by the university’s College of Human Environmental Sciences, School of Education, and School of Public Health. The 72-hour curriculum prepares you for faculty positions or community leadership roles. Required courses include studies in health education, health promotion, planning and administration in health education and promotion, data management, evaluation and assessment, research methods, a research internship, and a dissertation.

The Graduate School offers financial assistance in teaching or research fellowships for exceptional applicants, and the department may have additional assistance. The 2020-21 tuition ranges from $5,390 to $15,125 a semester, depending on your residency status.

Fast Fact: Forbes considered UA as one of America’s Top Colleges in 2019

20. University of Connecticut

UConn, located in Storrs, Connecticut, has a PhD in Health Promotion Sciences program that will help you develop not only public health education programs but contribute to scholarly research as well.

Requiring 48 credit hours, this PhD coursework will expose you to program planning and evaluation, current and critical issues in health promotion, disability, and disease prevention, program design and implementation, grant writing, biostatistics, experiential learning, and electives chosen from allied health or other university departments. Furthermore, students must complete both written and oral doctoral exams and complete a dissertation.

There are some Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships, but only a few. Be sure to check with the department to determine what’s required for consideration. 2019-2020 academic year tuition costs are published at $8,150-$19,106 determined by your residency status.

Fast Fact: UConn ranks in the top 25 Public Universities by U.S. News and World Report

Interesting? Click here for more information on the PhD program in health promotion!

21. University of South Carolina

This PhD program could make you a triple threat in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior.

Offered through USC’s Arnold School of Public Health, you can choose between a post-baccalaureate or post-master’s doctorate. This PhD will prepare you to teach, provide leadership, and/or conduct research in public health. The post-master’s PhD is a 36-credit-hour curriculum that includes studies in the social and cultural aspects of public health, evaluation of public health needs and requirements, public health leadership, advocacy, and others. The post-baccalaureate requires 48 credit hours and includes individual subject matter studies in areas such as environmental health, advocacy and policy, and also biometrics. Both require a dissertation.

The department holds CEPH accreditation with academic year tuition of $6,867-$14,880 continent on residency. You’ll want to check with the department for an assistantship or fellowship opportunities.

Fast Fact: USC’s graduate public health program ranks in the top 25 Public Health Schools by U.S. News and World Report

22. University of Miami

You’ll want to check out the University of Miami’s, CEPH accredited, PhD in Prevention Science and Community Health.

The broad curriculum includes topics in behavior health theories, community participatory research, identification, development of evaluation of public health interventions, health disparities across the lifespan, promotion and disease prevention, community well-being and change, and also professional development. Furthermore, most students complete the degree in 4-5 years.

According to the school website, the school offers financial assistance to students admitted to the PhD program in good standing. Such students get paid tuition, a $30,000 annual stipend, and student health insurance. The program also offers assistantships and fellowships.

Fast Fact: Niche ranks UM #74 out of 1,626 in its Best Colleges in America ranking

23. CUNY School of Public Health

The City University of New York offers a PhD in Community Health and Health Policy which will prepare you to teach, conduct research, and develop public health policy.

Core coursework will include public health perspectives, social and behavioral health theory, community health interventions, public health knowledge, economics, health policy, research methods, epidemiology methods, and also research methods related to urban health applications. This program also includes a teaching experience in addition to a dissertation. You’ll complete 42 total credit hours for this CEPH-approved program.

Admission application materials include a SOPHAS application as well as GRE scores. You also need a Master’s in Public Health (if your master’s is in another field, you’ll be required to take core, prerequisite courses). Tuition ranges from $678-$2,569 per credit hour, depending on residency and doctoral level.

Fast Fact: Ranked #23 in the nation for its Graduate School of Public Health by U.S. News and World Report

24. Oregon State University

If you want a program that will prepare you for a range of public health careers, you may want to examine the PhD in Public Health degree.

This program offers five concentrations, one of which is in Health Promotion and Health Behavior. You’ll study methods for evaluating public health problems across a broad spectrum of contexts, develop ways to educate communities and provide cultural and societal interventions. Coursework for this discipline includes studies in Foundational Public Health Knowledge, Methodology and Statistics, Advanced Theories of Health Behavior, Development of Health Behavior Interventions, Measurement in Health Behavior Concept, research practicum, and a dissertation.

Oregon residents’ tuition is about half the cost non-residents pay for credit hours. The CEPH accredited PhD program requires 109 credit hours which includes 36 hours of dissertation preparation. The school provides detailed program information including competency requirements and also coursework descriptions.

Fast Fact: Niche ranks OSU as #38/163 Best Colleges for Public Health in America

25. University of Kentucky

The flagship university of Kentucky has an Ed.D in Health Promotion, offered through the College of Education, which explores the foundations of health promotion.

Accredited by CEPH, the curriculum for this doctorate includes studies in Health Promotion and Behavior Change, Planning Health Promotion Programs, Topics and Methods of Evaluation, Gathering, Analyzing, and Using Educational Data, Research Design and Analysis in Education, College Teaching, and also Public Health Disease Prevention. You can also pursue certification in a variety of areas such as Health Communication, College Teaching and Learning, and other disciplines. The curriculum requires a minimum of 42 credit hours with electives available in UK departments such as the College of Health Sciences, College of Public Health, College of Medicine, and also College of Education.

Teaching assistantships are available and tuition ranges from $6,769 to $16,608 contingent on residency status.

Fast Fact: UK ranks #60 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report

Why Should I Get a Doctorate in Community Health Promotion and Education?

As with most health careers, the more education you have, the better. In Community Health Promotion and Education, a doctoral program will provide you with the skills needed to develop effective public health and community education programs. Programs include coursework and research experiences to form well-rounded PhD graduates.

What Kind of Community Health Promotion Doctorate Degrees Are There?

Depending on your career goals, there are different doctorate degrees in Community Health Promotion and Education. Advanced PhD, DrPH, or EdD degrees will provide the training to conduct research, analyze data, develop and direct programs, and promote healthcare choices and options.

Employment with a doctoral degree can include opportunities as a faculty member at a college or university, director of corporate wellness programs, and also a director of government health agencies.

Advanced health educator degrees can also improve your salary expectations. PayScale reports a doctorate degree can bring you between $60,000 to $100,000 yearly, depending on your location and employer.

How Do I Choose a Community Health Promotion PhD Program?

You should look for programs that cover a broad range of Community Health Promotion topics.

Courses in behavioral and social sciences, statistics, research methodology, analytics, economics, and epidemiology make a well-rounded doctorate in this field. Look for public health and disease prevention classes in a program. Communication courses are helpful in this field as well.

Internship programs will provide you with a platform to assess, measure, and analyze health education programs. Capstone projects will let you identify an issue and develop solutions to real-world issues using the information you’ve learned.

You’ll also want to seek programs that offer dissertation courses to help you develop your thesis and guide you in creating a publication-ready document.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics  considers this field to have a robust job outlook  with a growth of 17% over ten years, which is much faster than other fields. Public health professionals with a doctoral degree enhance career prospects, including college professorships and leadership positions in public health agencies.

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15 PhD in Health Education and Promotion Degree Programs

Contributing Writer

www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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According to the American College Health Association (ACHA), health promotion is "the process of enabling people to increase control over and to improve their health." It involves addressing individual health behaviors and risks through both intervention and prevention programs, and it often utilizes health education to inform people and communities about the risks they face - as well as the steps they can take to lead healthier lives.

In order for this field of study to have any impact, we need qualified researchers who can determine the best way to communicate with people about these topics, which professionals can then use to implement effective strategies. Enter the PhD in Health Education and Promotion.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

15 Health Promotion PhD Programs

In ranking the top PhD degrees in this field, we only considered programs at public and private non-profit colleges. We ranked each eligible program in the following three categories:

Public Health Accreditation

Concentrations and areas of research, funding support.

As an extra piece of information, we included each school's average annual tuition for graduate students (as reported on College Navigator) with the descriptions below. However, these values did not factor into our methodology.

University of Utah

Salt lake city, ut, phd in health promotion & education.

Like most doctoral degrees, the University of Utah's PhD in Health Promotion and Education requires students to complete several years of independent research and develop true expertise in their field. But don't be fooled; this program is anything but typical. In fact, the curriculum is practically unmatched in the level of flexibility it provides, allotting nearly one third of its 72-credit course plan to open electives. And because Utah's College of Health – which houses departments in communication sciences, kinesiology and recreation, nutrition, and physical therapy – has such a huge selection of classes, you'll have no trouble designing the best doctorate in health education degree program for your unique interests.

Graduate Tuition : $15,714/yr

University of Connecticut

Phd in health promotion sciences.

Graduate Tuition : $26,514/yr

13. Kent State University

Phd in health education & promotion.

In contrast to some of the other options available, Kent State University's doctoral degree draws much more heavily from the educational side of the field, rather than the promotional. Ideal for current health educators as well as practitioners, this is one of the best health education graduate programs for individuals who want to teach at the college level. The curriculum includes multiple seminars in topics like "Professional Development" and "Research Proposal Development and Presentation" as well as a two-part residency requirement. Just as importantly, you'll also need to complete at least six credits in an area of specialization like Substance Abuse, School Health, or another topic of your choosing.

Graduate Tuition : $15,226/yr

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Phd in health promotion & disease prevention research.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers an accredited doctorate in health promotion with a relatively strong clinical focus. In contrast to other programs, which often emphasize nontechnical skills like communication, UNMC favors scientific coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, and disease prevention. But the school's preference for medical training doesn't come at the expense of a balanced education. You'll complete course modules in Health Promotion (18 credits) and Research (24 credits) but also Writing (4), Ethics (3), and Electives (24). Another major benefit? UNMC College of Public Health faculty claim a wide range of interests, so you'll have your pick of dissertation topics from a list that includes adolescent risk behaviors, nutrition, socio-behavioral economics, and much more.

Graduate Tuition : $16,019/yr

University of Alabama-Birmingham

Birmingham, al, doctor of philosophy in health education & health promotion.

The University of Alabama's Health Education and Health Promotion program features a well-balanced, research-focused curriculum that puts equal weight on academic and promotional topics. By combining the resources of multiple departments (including the Schools of Public Health and Education and the Departments of Health Behavior and Human Studies) UAB is able to provide students with more course options in more subjects – as well as more research opportunities. In fact, this affordable doctorate in health education degree program devotes 24 credits – a third of the total – to "directed" (with a faculty member) and "dissertation" (original) research experience.

Graduate Tuition : $12,441/yr

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, sc, phd in health education, promotion, & behavior.

One major benefit of attending the University of South Carolina is the ability to study within the Arnold School of Public Health, which has earned full program accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). What's more, the school boasts a particularly robust Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior. You can even choose from two accredited health education graduate programs – a traditional PhD or a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). While the former prepares degree candidates for roles in academia and research, the latter places greater emphasis on professional skill development for careers in public health practice, applied research, and advocacy.

Graduate Tuition : $20,103/yr

University of Toledo

Doctor of philosophy in health education.

Consisting of 70 credits and covering six competency domains (including grant writing, teaching, and research), the University of Toledo's Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive on the market. But what truly makes this one of the top doctorate in health education degree programs is its versatility. Not only can you choose from an assortment of electives – like "Sports Nutrition," "Epidemiology of Aging," or even a "Public Health Internship" – but you'll also select a cognate (minor) area of study from one of nine preapproved topics. Popular cognates include Health Policy, Educational Psychology, Exercise Science, and Statistics in Research Design, among others.

Graduate Tuition : $19,889/yr

Saint Louis University

Saint louis, mo, phd in public health: behavioral science & health education.

The Behavioral Science and Health Education (BSHE) program at Saint Louis University is just one of seven tracks available within its PhD of Public Health Studies. Yet each track is fully functional, with a comprehensive curriculum that could easily exist as a standalone program. As a BSHE concentrator, you'll focus your studies on "community-based interventions" at all levels, from individual health issues to nationwide epidemics. But SLU goes even further to distinguish its CEPH-accredited doctorate in health education degree program from the competition by providing clearly-defined research areas for incoming students. Options include health disparities, nutrition, disease prevention, and adolescent health, among others.

Graduate Tuition : $19,896/yr

Georgia State University

Atlanta, ga, phd in public health: health promotion & behavior concentration.

It doesn't take much effort to see why Georgia State University belongs on our ranking of the best health promotion PhD programs. Like SLU, GSU officially offers a PhD in Public Health, but with a robust Health Promotion and Behavior concentration that is jam-packed with high-value classes. In addition to core requirements, the 62-credit curriculum also includes two doctoral research seminars, a doctoral practicum, and 12 credits in "Advanced Research and Statistical Methods." Plus, the skills you gain in these classes will undoubtedly come in handy as you pursue research in one of the School of Public Health's seven specialty areas, which include chronic disease, violence, environment, and policy.

Graduate Tuition : $16,753/yr

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, tx, doctor of public health: health promotion & behavioral sciences.

Like USC, the University of Texas Health Science Center's School of Public Health has earned full CEPH-accreditation for all its public health programs. This includes a DrPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences – one of just two Doctor of Public Health options (the other is at USC) on our top health education graduate programs ranking. Because of its professional focus, the DrPH curriculum only allots three to six credits for dissertation research, which it supplements with an on-site practicum and 39 credit hours of academic coursework. By further dividing the curriculum into core classes plus minor, "breadth" (interdisciplinary), and concentration requirements, UTHSC ensures that you will leave with an unusually broad and diverse perspective of the field.

Graduate Tuition : $18,473/yr

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, ma, doctor of philosophy in community health education.

If you are looking for an affordable PhD in health education and promotion that focuses specifically on community health issues, then the University of Massachusetts Amherst might be your best bet. The program officially awards a degree in public health with a major in Community Health Education, although you'll also earn a minor in a related area (e.g. Epidemiology). As for research, PhD candidates will find a wealth of opportunities in either of the department's two primary research centers. The Institute for Global Health promotes healthy living in developing nations, while The Center for Research and Education in Women's Health seeks to better understand health factors that affect women from birth through old age.

Graduate Tuition : $23,673/yr

University of Georgia

Phd health promotion & behavior.

A quick look at the course list will leave little doubt that the University of Georgia's PhD program in Health Promotion and Behavior is for serious researchers – and serious researchers only. After completing a few intro-level classes in epidemiology and health behavior, you'll dive into advanced coursework in biostatistics and applied analysis – topics which are essential for a successful career in research. More than many other CEPH-accredited health promotion PhD programs, UGA's curriculum also provides wide latitude for students to explore additional areas of interest through a custom-designed cognate requirement.

Graduate Tuition : $18,561/yr

University of Michigan

Ann arbor, mi, doctoral program in health behavior & health education.

Over the years, the University of Michigan's School of Public Health has established itself as a powerhouse of public health education. Not only is its entire program CEPH-accredited – and ranked in the top 5 on U.S. News' list of public health colleges – but it also offers multiple graduate degrees across nearly every possible subfield. This includes one of the best doctorate in health education degree programs in the country. The curriculum has it all, from core courses in biostatistics and epidemiology and a series of seminar requirements to electives, advanced statistics and methods coursework, and a required "cognate" in a topic outside of your main area of study.

Graduate Tuition : $32,734/yr

The Ohio State University

Columbus, oh, health behavior & promotion phd.

Of all the top health promotion PhD programs on this list, The Ohio State University's is one of the lengthiest and most rigorous. Its 80-credit curriculum consists primarily of major and research-based coursework (31 credits each). Although time consuming, these requirements ensure that program participants develop a solid foundation of knowledge in advanced topics like "Cancer Behavioral Science," "Community Health Assessment," and "Socio-Ecological Strategies in Prevention." You'll also complete a preliminary research rotation and develop a 12-credit minor before embarking on your dissertation. Once you get to that point, you'll be happy to hear that OSU has research strengths in an impressive eight different focus areas, including global health and infectious disease.

Graduate Tuition : $22,649/yr

Emory University

Phd in behavioral sciences & health education.

In terms of value, Emory University is hard to beat. That's because its Rollins School of Public Health offers one of the best and most affordable PhD in health education and promotion degrees in the entire country. For starters, all full-time doctoral students receive full-tuition scholarships and two years of guaranteed funding – which includes annual stipends of more than $23k! And while you're getting paid to study what you love, you'll also be participating in an especially innovative experience. Emory's 48-credit curriculum consists of unique components like the "Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunities" (TATTO) program, the Jones Program in Ethics, and required Research Rotations to help you narrow down your area of interest.

Graduate Tuition : $42,980/yr

Now that you've read all about the top health education graduate programs, all that's left to do is pick your favorite and apply!

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Health Promotion Sciences (Online)

PhD in Health Promotion Sciences

The PhD program in Health Promotion Sciences trains well-rounded researchers and scholars in the theory and method of prevention research. Our students examine health-related behavior to create novel, effective interventions for disease prevention and health promotion.

In this unique degree program, you not only study the causes of health-related behaviors, you also design effective interventions to prevent disease and promote health. The well-rounded training encompasses theory and methods from the allied fields of communications, psychology, preventive medicine, cultural studies, biostatistics, public health and epidemiology. A low student-faculty ratio and a commitment to teaching at the highest level foster a highly collaborative learning and research environment in which you play a central role. You will work with faculty who are world leaders in health promotion and disease prevention research; they will mentor you from the start of your training until the successful completion of your doctoral degree. Because they bring a robust record of scholarly activity and experience—from being funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other well-known agencies to publishing in hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and running countless research centers—you will gain firsthand knowledge and insight into the life of a research scientist. This substantial education prepares you to become a public health scholar and expert.

Program Highlights

• Our online courses utilize the latest technology to enrich the learning experience and enhance your presentation skills. This includes multimedia lectures and interactive demonstrations.
• Proximity to local health departments in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties provides employment and educational opportunities for students.
• The SCGH Student Association provides opportunities for leadership and impact through intellectual, social and cultural contributions that meet the needs of public health students through community service, dialogue, and special events.
• Classroom discussion and projects use the latest technologies to enhance learning and presentation skills, including in-class multimedia lectures and demonstrations.
• You can pursue the PhD in Health Promotion Sciences in conjunction with another degree program, such as an MA in Economics. You earn a diploma for each degree, and unit sharing across programs decreases your required total units.

Program At-a-glance

required units

degree awarded

Spring, Fall

program start

5 years | full time*

estimated completion time

Areas of Concentration

• Biostatistics

Gain an understanding of the principle methods of biostatistics through informatics, basic mathematical and computational tools, modeling, and computer applications.

Global Health

Take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding key public health challenges that transcend local and national boundaries and require collaborative solutions.

Health Communication

Increase your knowledge of key challenges in health communication and how it works through curricular development, persuasive technologies, interpersonal processes, and more.

Neurocognitive Sciences

Note: This concentration is not currently accepting new students. Study neurocognitive sciences through the field’s impact on community and global health prevention, decision making, language, memory, and evolution’s impact on the brain.

Public Health

Understand major public health issues in the United States and abroad through the lenses of health services, environmental and occupational health, program planning, and leadership.

Health Informatics

Master the use of information for public health practice, including information technology, and systems to improve effectiveness of public health enterprises.

Regina Wang Lee

Director of Recruitment for the School of Community & Global Health

Where You Can Find Our Alumni

American Heart Association

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

World Health Organization

Orange County Children’s Hospital

City of Hope

Blue Shield of California

Jessica Clague DeHart

Associate Professor of Community and Global Health

Research Interests

Epidemiology, chronic disease, cancer etiology, cancer survivorship, molecular and genetic epidemiology, lifestyle intervention trials, exercise, nutrition, quality of life, community-based interventions

Stewart I. Donaldson

Distinguished University Professor Executive Director, Claremont Evaluation Center Executive Director, The Evaluators' Institute (TEI)

Positive Organizational Psychology, Health/Well-Being & Positive Functioning Across Cultures, Program Design & Re-Design, Culturally Responsive Theory-Driven Measurement & Evaluation

C. Anderson Johnson

Professor Founding Dean, School of Community & Global Health

Transnational prevention of tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse, HIV-AIDS, and obesity; Community-based substance abuse prevention; Social and environmental influences on health; Community and mass media approaches to health

Paula Healani Palmer

Associate Professor of Community and Global Health Director of the PhD in Health Promotion Sciences program

Determinants of health among ethnically diverse populations; Community-based participatory research among under-served, underrepresented populations; Health of Pacific Islanders and South Asians; Technology applications for health behavior interventions; Tobacco control, mental health, disaster management, health of migrants and indigenous peoples; Maternal and child health

Darleen V. Peterson

Professor of Practice, Community and Global Health Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Director of the Certificate and Master of Public Health (MPH) programs

Evaluation of Health Communication Campaigns, Effects of Pro- and Anti-Tobacco and Alcohol Marketing; Public Health Education Accreditation

Kim D. Reynolds

Nutrition and physical activity, Health promotion and disease prevention, Diabetes and obesity

Professor Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs

Application of theories and methods of human memory; Cognitive neuroscience and social cognition to health behavior: etiology, prevention, and media effects; Translation of basic research to field research, high-risk populations, and prevention; Validation issues in assessment

Professor of Community and Global Health Director of the Applied Biostatistics (MS) program

Obesity prevention; Tobacco control; Diet, physical activity, body image in adolescents; Psychological adjustment to obesity; Diabetes and cancer; Application of statistical analysis in prevention research

• Transdisciplinary course (4 units)
• Directed research units (8 units)
• Concentration courses (12 units)
• Theoretical Foundations in Health Education & Promotion
• Epidemiology
• Seminar in Grant Writing & Proposal Development
• Data Analysis
• Research Methods
• Advanced Theoretical Foundations in Health Education & Promotion
• Advanced Statistical Methods I
• Advanced Statistical Methods II
• Advanced Research Methods
• Manuscript Development
• Foundations of Inclusive Pedagogy and Course Design
• Doctoral Study

Program Features

Networking Opportunities With more than 80 chapters throughout the world, the Delta Epsilon chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health at CGU opens up numerous academic and professional opportunities for SCGH students, including:

• Electing students, faculty, alumni, and honorary members based on high academic standards and outstanding performance in scholarship, teaching, research, and community service.
• Connecting students to a vast networking pool of 15,000 members from the top echelons of graduate schools, programs of public health, and the public health community.
• Opening doors for faculty and students to network and positively impact public health initiatives in the Southern California region.
• Boosting students’ transition from academic life to professional life.

Research Projects Gain direct experience in the global health community through a collective research and service focus on the needs of communities in Southern California, the Pacific Rim, South Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

Application Guidelines

Key dates and deadlines.

CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.

Spring 2024 Priority Deadline – November 1, 2023 Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2023 Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2023 Classes begin – January 16, 2024

Fall 2024 Priority Deadline – February 1, 2024 Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2024 Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2024 Classes begin – August 26, 2024

Deadline Details

Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.

Review General Guidelines

Tuition and Fees

Estimated tuition (california residents, non-residents, international).

*Based on 2023-2024 tuition rates.

STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)

For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s  Cost of Attendance 2022-2023  .

Review General Costs

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PhD in Health Promotion Sciences

• Program Description
• Admission Requirements
• Application Deadlines
• Application Procedure
• Cost & Funding Opportunities
• Accreditation/Credentialing
• STEM Designation
• Program Brochure
• Contact & Appointment Information

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The PhD degree is an advanced, research-oriented degree program requiring in-depth study of and research in a specialty area within the broad field of health promotion sciences. A minimum of 60 hours is required post-Master’s. Faculty expertise in health promotion sciences includes community engagement, anthropology, nutrition, gerontology, health education, health promotion, psychology, research methods, sociology, and other related disciplines. The department has identified social determinants of health, social justice and health equity, and minority health/health disparities as a major areas of research and instruction. Faculty members are most likely to accept a doctoral student when the prospect of productive academic and professional advancement is high.  Prospective students are encouraged to contact HPS faculty members to determine who could be an optimal mentor.

Click here to view the types of jobs our alumni have.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• The applicant must be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended.
• Master’s degree in Public Health (or relevant Master's degree) from an accredited institution.
• Completion of the five core public health courses.
• Graduate grade point average of 3.5 or above.
• Submission of the  SOPHAS application  and the  supplemental OUHSC Hudson College of Public Health application .
• Career goal statement uploaded through  SOPHAS .
• Current CV/Resume uploaded through  SOPHAS .
• Three letters of academic or professional recommendation uploaded through  SOPHAS  by the recommender. Applicants must list recommenders’ contact information on the application and then upon submission, SOPHAS will send instructions to each recommender on how to submit their letter electronically through the online portal.
• U.S. Applicants : SOPHAS requires a separate official transcript from every U.S. and Canadian institution attended be submitted by utilizing the instructions  here . Applicants will enter the information in coursework section of the application utilizing the data from their transcript(s). Do not enter foreign courses taken at Universities outside the U.S. or Canada into the coursework section of the application.
• Submit transcripts and degree certificates to the World Education Services ( www.wes.org ) for a course-by-course evaluation, and designate SOPHAS to receive the evaluation; or 
• Submit transcripts and degree certificates to the Educational Credential Evaluators ( www.ece.org ) for a course-by-course evaluation, and designate results to be sent from ECE to  [email protected]  or to the following address:      OUHSC Office of Admissions and Records      1105 N. Stonewall Avenue, LIB 121      Oklahoma City, OK  73117
• International applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency  by submitting  TOEFL  (score of 88 or above) or  IELTS  (score of 6.5 or above) that meet the  minimum required score . TOEFL scores must be submitted to SOPHAS using the designation code #5688.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

PhD in Health Promotion Sciences :

• Spring: October 15
• Fall: June 15

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Current ou students or alumni application process.

Application Instructions for Current OU Students and OU Alumni can be found  here .

NON-OU STUDENTS OR ALUMNI APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit a SOPHAS application and required fee ( click here  to review information regarding SOPHAS fees and fee waivers). The documentation identified in the ‘Admission Requirements’ section must be submitted in SOPHAS.

Applicants to the OU Hudson College of Public Health are required to submit a FREE supplemental application. The supplemental application is available via the OU Health Sciences Center website at:  apps.ouhsc.edu/admissions/ . Applicants must select the same program(s) in the supplemental application as they did in the SOPHAS application.  Please note that the PhD in Health Promotion Sciences program will be listed under "Graduate College" in the online application (MS & PhD programs are listed under "Graduate College' but are taught by the Hudson College of Public Health).

COST & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Student support opportunities to offset costs include graduate research assistantships and public health scholarships. Students may expect additional costs that include, but are not limited to, a personal computer, textbooks, insurance, and supplies. For financial aid information, contact the  Financial Aid Office  at (405) 271-2118.

Financial support opportunities for students:

• graduate research assistantships - may be eligible for waiver of non-resident tuition
• Hudson College of Public Health scholarships
• fellowships such as the  Hudson Fellowship
• traineeships

Estimated Costs

Bursar’s Office – Tuition and Fees

Financial Assistance

Scholarship Opportunities

• BSE 5960 Overview of Public Health (3 credit hours) 

Two additional courses in either Qualitative or Quantitative Methods Electives, such as the following options:

A minimum of fifteen credit hours in a substantive area of public health / health promotion will comprise the primary area of concentration specific to the student’s interests. Examples of concentration areas relevant to this department include social determinants of health, minority health, health disparities, nutritional health/food security, workforce development, health and aging, and social justice. Students and advisors must identify sufficient courses to satisfy the declared major. 

A minimum of nine credit hours from relevant areas of public health or an established discipline in the social and behavioral sciences will comprise a secondary area of concentration specific to the student’s interests. 

Dissertation work occurs in steps. Close collaboration with the faculty advisor and dissertation committee members is required throughout the process. 

• The required coursework noted above (Core, Methods, Major, and Minor) is completed first.
• Written comprehensive exams are then taken that cover three content areas: Theory, Methods, and the student’s substantive and related concentrations. The Theory and Methods content comprises a departmental exam. It will have no fewer than three evaluators and any faculty member in the department can submit questions and serve as an evaluator.  The Substantive Area exam will be prepared by the student’s dissertation committee. In the event that a student fails part or all of a comprehensive exam, she/he will be required to retake the exam.
• Dissertation Proposal Oral Defense – Once the student has successfully passed the written comprehensive exams, the student will complete and orally defend a dissertation proposal under the direction of the five-member Dissertation Committee.
• Dissertation Oral Defense – Once the student has successfully completed the dissertation work, the five-member Dissertation Committee will conduct the oral defense of the dissertation.
• Doctoral students will have a range of teaching experience opportunities and may be invited to facilitate educational activities.  Such opportunities should be discussed by the student and their advisor and/or advisory committee to determine suitability. 
• Doctoral students are required, prior to initiation of Doctoral research, to complete a one credit course in RCR approved by the Department, complete CITI training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Protection of Human Research Subjects, and attend the OUHSC IRB In-House Education Program.

Not all courses are offered on an annual basis and certain courses are important prerequisites for other courses.  In order to assure that students are following the proper course sequence, all students must meet with their advisor each semester in order to complete enrollment for the next semester.  In addition, all students are requested to enroll for at least six credit hours per semester to facilitate students progressing through the curricula as a cohort.

Courses outside the College of Public Health can support a concentration and are acceptable curricular elements with advisor approval.  Students will work with faculty advisors to determine the optimal selection of coursework. 

CLICK HERE FOR A PDF PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE CURRICULUM.

This degree program is subject to the policies and procedures printed in Hudson College of Public Health Bulletin.

ACCREDITATION/CREDENTIALING

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Hudson College of Public Health is Oklahoma’s only  Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) Accredited College of Public Health.

As part of our periodic re-accreditation process, we have prepared a self-study that examines in detail how we pursue our mission of protecting and improving the health of the people of Oklahoma, the United States, and other nations through: (1) education, public health workforce development, and cutting-edge research; (2) translating research and scholarship into public health practice and service; and (3) development and advocacy of evidence-based health management and policy.

• Self-Study Report
• CEPH Final Report

STEM DESIGNATION

The Doctor of Philosophy in Health Promotion Sciences program is NOT considered a STEM-designated degree program.

A STEM-designated program is an academic program that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These categories are recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. DHS's updated STEM-designated degree list can be found here:  https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2022.pdf . 

PROGRAM BROCHURE

PhD Programs Brochure

Department of Health Promotion Sciences Hudson College of Public Health The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 801 NE 13th Street, Suite 165 Oklahoma City, OK  73104

Office of Student Services Phone:  (405) 271-2308 Email:   [email protected]

OUHSC Office of Admissions and Records: (405) 271-2359 or  [email protected]   OUHSC Office of Financial Aid: (405) 271-2118 or  [email protected]  

Click here  to schedule a virtual, phone, or in-person prospective student appointment with one of our Advisors.

The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences: PhD in Health Education and Promotion

• The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences
• BS in Elementary Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education (K- Age 21)
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation) Program (Semester)
• BS in Early Childhood Studies
• MS in Developmental Psychology
• MS in Early Childhood Studies (Semester)
• MS in Education (Semester)
• MS in Health Education and Promotion
• MS in Higher Education (Semester)
• MS in Instructional Design and Technology (Semester)
• MS in Psychology
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Early Childhood Education
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Administration and Leadership
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Technology
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Special Education
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• PhD in Developmental Psychology
• PhD in Education
• PhD in Health Education and Promotion

Note on Certification

Learning outcomes, specializations, minimum degree requirements, residency requirements, course sequences, master of philosophy (embedded degree).

• Doctoral Writing Assessment

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

• BS in Child Development
• MS in Instructional Design and Technology (Quarter)
• MS in Education (Quarter)
• Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation) Program (Quarter)
• MS in Early Childhood Studies
• MS in Higher Education (Quarter)

Program Website  

In recent years, public, professional, governmental, and medical groups have increasingly come to recognize the need for more health and wellness promotion initiatives, as the majority of adults do not meet the minimum recommendations to eat healthfully, exercise more, and make behavioral changes that can reduce disease and prolong their lives. With the focus of healthcare shifting toward preventive care and education, the demand for qualified health educators is projected to rise 21% by 2020.* Now is the time for students to gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to plan, implement, and evaluate prevention programs and services. With an online PhD in Health Education and Promotion degree, students can help groups and individuals lead healthier lifestyles or conduct research in an area that will help make the world a healthier place.

As one of a small number of online doctoral programs that is fully dedicated to this topic, Walden’s health education and promotion degree program explores both individual and population health, focusing on health behavior theory and techniques for changing behaviors. Using the latest technology, students will review case studies that touch on current trends and research and explore best practices from a global perspective.

The PhD in Health Education and Promotion has been designed to reflect the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Educators outlined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) and to prepare students to sit for the national Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) exams. Walden enrollment specialists can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she resides. Additionally, prospective students are advised if they choose to relocate to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information about the CHES and MCHES exams, students should visit  http://www.nchec.org .

At the completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Evaluate the factors that impact individual and population health.
• Synthesize assessment results to identify and prioritize health problems.
• Engage in collaborative planning of health interventions.
• Apply knowledge that results in successful implementation and monitoring of health promotion and disease prevention interventions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion and disease prevention interventions.
• Conduct original health education-related research.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior as a health education scholar-practitioner.
• Facilitate efforts among stakeholders to achieve common goals related to individual and community health.
• Apply health education principles, theories, and models to create professional communication and establish positive public relations.
• Use evidence-based research to advocate for policies and programs that promote positive social change related to the health of individuals and communities.
• Track 1 (prior MS in Health Education and Promotion degree, Master of Public Health (MPH), or related health education and promotion degree)

Track 2 (master’s degree in an academic discipline other than the health education or public health field)

Specialization in behavioral health, specialization in global health, specialization in management and leadership, specialization in online teaching in higher education, specialization in population health, specialization in research.

• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (20 credits)
• Research courses (20 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• Dissertation support course (5 credits)
• Dissertation writing courses (continuous enrollment in 5 credits per term for a minimum of 4 terms until completion)
• Quarter Plans
• Four PhD residencies

Foundation Course (3 credits)

• Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Core Courses (20 credits)

Specialization courses (15 credits).

See requirements by specialization above.

Research Courses (20 credits)

• Students may take this a non-degree course.

Completion of Doctoral Capstone

*Students are continuously enrolled in HLTH 9101 for a minimum of four quarters until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Learn more about the dissertation process in the  Dissertation Guidebook .

• Core courses (50 credits)

Curriculum 

Core courses (50 credits).

• Complete Residency 1 Term 1; required in order to advance into RSCH 8110.
• Complete Residency 2 between Terms 2 and 5; required in order to advance into HLTH 8551.
• Complete Residency 3 between Terms 6 and 7; required in order to advance into HLTH 9101.
• Residency 4 General  (RESI 8404) OR
• Residency 4 Proposal Writing  (RESI 8404Q) OR
• Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative  (RESI 8404R) OR
• Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative  (RESI 8404S) OR
• Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting  (RESI 8404T) OR
• a  dissertation intensive  (DRWI 8500). Contact Student Success Advising to register.  Note:  Intensives are  not  included in Fast Track tuition.
• Optional:  Complete a PhD  dissertation intensive  (DRWI 8500) during your dissertation. Contact Student Success Advising to register.

Track 1 Course Sequence

The recommended course sequence is as follows:

*Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the  Dissertation Guidebook .

Track 2 Course Sequence

Walden awards the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree to recognize PhD students for academic achievement leading up to their dissertation. With an MPhil, students will be able to demonstrate to employers and others that they have an advanced knowledge base in their field of study as well as proficiency in research design and evaluation.

• All required PhD core courses (or KAMs)
• All required PhD specialization courses (or KAMs)
• All required doctoral research and advanced research courses
• Program prospectus development course
• Residencies 1, 2, and 3
• A minimum 3.0 GPA is mandatory.
• The MPhil requires a minimum of 45 quarter credits. Maximum transfer of credit varies by program but is not to exceed 50% of the overall, or embedded, program requirements. Students who previously completed a master's degree with Walden in the same discipline area are not eligible for an MPhil.

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required  doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see  Enrollment Requirements  in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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HEALTH BEHAVIOR SCIENCE AND PROMOTION PHD

• Nutrition and Dietetics
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About the program

The PhD in Health Behavior Science and Promotion (HBSP) provides the highest degree for health promotion and behavioral science professionals, preparing graduates for research careers in many settings, including academia, non-governmental organizations (business and non-profit), allied health fields, and public service at all levels of national government. The curriculum will provide graduate students with the training needed to become effective scientific practitioners with the capacity to conduct independent research in health-related outcomes and promotion, in applied and academic settings. Completion of a high-quality PhD dissertation, based on original research, is a key feature of the academic program. The research emphasis of the HBSP field is on the assessment of individual (including cognitive and affective domains), social, behavioral and environmental determinants of health, and the development of high quality, theoretically-grounded, and evidence-based health promotion interventions to address health problems in diverse populations.

Admission Requirements

• A Master’s Degree in a related field from an accredited college or university with a GPA > 3.3 or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA > 3.3 for the MS to PhD bypass option.
• GRE scores within the past 5 years
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 600 (paper based), or TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) minimum score of 100 for international applicants.
• Applicants must submit all materials directly to the University of Delaware Graduate College using the online admission process before admission can be considered. 
• Admission decisions will be made by the Health Behavior Science and Promotion (HBS) PhD Program Committee (“HBS PhD Program Committee”). Students will be admitted to the program based on enrollment availability, the availability of faculty mentorship, and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements
• A graduate application essay
• Current curriculum vitae
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation (it is recommended that at least two be from academic references)
• Official transcripts
• GRE scores and TOEFL if applicable
• Applicants are strongly recommended to speak with program faculty with whom they share research interests and who could serve as his/her PhD advisor, prior to submitting their application. Applicants should identify two program faculty members that they would like to work with during their Doctoral training in their personal statement.

Schedule & Deadlines

Applications (all materials) for the HBS PhD Program will be reviewed on a rolling basis between January 15 and March 15 for admission to the program at the beginning of the following fall semester. Since application decisions will be made on a rolling basis within this time frame, applicants are strongly advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible. Directions for the graduate application essay may be found on the University of Delaware’s Graduate College website. In addition, applicants should explain in the graduate application essay how their own research interests relate to those of at least two Health Behavior Science and Promotion faculty members.

Graduate Assistantships

The Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition offers full and partial (full tuition) graduate assistantships to competitive full-time students on a year to year basis. Students on full graduate assistantships will devote at least 20-hours per week in the fall and spring semesters (9-month award) to teaching and working with their faculty advisor on research projects. There may be additional opportunities for doctoral students to have department-funded research time in the summer session.

Residency Requirement

Admitted HBSP PhD students must register as full-time students (6 credit hours per semester for a student receiving a full graduate assistantship; 9 credit hours per semester for a student not on assistantship) for the fall and spring semesters for the first year in the program. Students are expected to work with his/her faculty advisor during summer and winter sessions on research projects. Part-time students enroll in fewer than nine credit hours per semester.

Required Coursework

The HBSP PhD program requires a minimum of 48 credits that are designed to be completed over a 4-year period. Courses must be at the 600-level or higher to count toward the minimum requirements for program completion. Students who have substantially similar courses (at the 600-level or higher) to one or more of those required prior to entering the program may substitute up to 9-credits with approval from the PhD Director.

HBSP PhD Sample Sequence of Course Requirements

Independent research and dissertation.

In the first two years of the program, students are required to engage in independent research under the mentorship of his/her PhD advisor. It is expected that this work will culminate in the students’ dissertation proposal and project. Students can apply for department funds to support independent research work. The dissertation (9 credits) is an original research study, of high academic standard, that uses theoretical and empirical methods to address a pertinent gap or problem in the health behavior science and promotion field. A secondary analysis of pre-existing data to answer original research questions and hypotheses, is allowed.

Faculty Research

• Bioinformatics, latent variable modeling, healthy aging, health disparities ( Adam Davey, PhD )
• Health literacy, program evaluation, use of wearable technology to promote physical activity and other behaviors to improve cardiovascular health ( Gregory Dominick, PhD )
• Policy and environmental change, nutrition and physical activity promotion in early care and education settings ( Laura Lessard, PhD, MPH )
• Physical activity, mind-body practice, health behavior coaching ( Michael Mackenzie, PhD )
• Inclusion, active community living, and cardiometabolic risk factors of individuals with disabilities ( Iva Obrusnikova, PhD )
• Psychosocial determinants of physical activity, aging and health, community based participatory research with eating and physical activity behaviors ( Elizabeth Orsega-Smith, PhD )
• Smoking cessation, sleep health, sedentary behavior, cardiovascular health, multiple health behavior change, 24-hour epidemiology, and population health ( Freda Patterson, PhD, MS )
• Social marketing and health communication, workplace stress, behavior change strategies ( P. Michael Peterson, EdD )
• Developing/tailoring community and technology-based interventions to promote healthier lifestyles, especially with underserved populations, diabetes self-management/diabetes prevention, behavior change theory ( Laurie Ruggiero, PhD )
• Community-engaged research, built-environment/physical activity promotion, community-level physical activity infrastructure, physical activity measurement ( Richard Suminski, PhD, MPH ) 

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PhD Concentration in Health Promotion and Health Behavior

Health promotion and health behavior.

PhD in Public Health

Transform knowledge into action and create healthier communities.

    Request Info about OSU Grad School

Address disparities in health

The Oregon State University public health doctoral degree program with a concentration in health promotion and health behavior (HPHB) provides research-based training for an interdisciplinary understanding of social and behavioral influences on health, with special attention to communities experiencing health disparities.

Recent graduates have gone on to prestigious post-doctoral positions, tenure-track faculty positions, and positions in industry and government.

Health promotion and health behavior research

As a doctoral student, you will collaborate with faculty members on interdisciplinary, community-engaged research spanning a variety of areas, including:

• Cancer prevention
• Sexual health
• Environmental factors in health promotion

You will work alongside faculty on funded research studies, manuscripts, conference presentations and grant development.

Our work includes dissemination and implementation science research, and we are committed to enhancing health equity through our research and practice.

Meet health promotion and health behavior faculty members .

Estimated costs

The Public Health PhD program is a 109-credit program that can be completed within 4-5 years on a full-time credit load (except for summer).

The estimated costs for the program are broken down as follows:

Resident costs for years 1-3

$15,795 per year

Resident Tuition ($13,446) + Fees ($2,349)

Each additional year after 3

$6,832 per year

Resident Tuition ($4,482) + Fees ($2,349)

Non-resident costs for years 1-3

$31,698 per year

Non-resident Tuition ($29,349) + Fees ($2,349)

$12,132 per year

Non-resident Tuition ($9,783) + Fees ($2,349)

Tuition and fees estimates were calculated using the 23-24 academic year tuition and fees tables in combination with the tuition calculator . Please note, tuition and fees can change for the 24-25 academic year.

Research in action

COH faculty are working hard to understand the social factors that impact HIV prevention and treatment.

Learn more about this interdisciplinary research .

Your experience as a public health doctoral student

See which courses you’ll take as a public health doctoral student.

Public health handbook

What you’ll learn in the health promotion and health behavior concentration.

Learning competencies

Get information about assistantships, your investment and more.

Fellowships and awards .

Tuition and funding .

Doctoral student research spotlight

Sydelle Harrison, MPH HPHB PhD student

Through her research, Sydelle Harrison aims to identify and address gaps in public health translation at the Tribal level in the Pacific Northwest.

Her current community-based research focuses on investigation of indigenous environmental health priorities and capacity-building with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).

Meet HPHB doctoral students.

We’re here to help

For questions about the application process and requirements, contact College of Health graduate admissions .

For academic or professional information specific to the health promotion and health behavior doctoral program, please contact Program Director Kari-Lyn Sakuma, PhD, MPH .

Accreditation

Our BS, MPH and PhD Public Health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. This distinction ensures your education meets the nationally-agreed-upon standards developed by public health academics and practitioners.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Promotion Sciences

Faculty expertise in health promotion sciences includes anthropology, family studies, gerontology, health education, health promotion, psychology, research methods, sociology, social work, and other related disciplines. The department has identified minority health/health disparities as a major emphasis of research and instruction. The degree programs in the department prepare students for career opportunities with such organizations as federal, state, and local public health agencies; short- and long-term health care institutions; voluntary health agencies; universities, colleges, and public schools; state and local community mental health agencies; business and industry; and other health related agencies. 

PhD in Health Promotion Sciences

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• Ph.D. in Health Promotion

The primary objective of the Doctoral Program in Health Promotion, administrated by the College’s  Department of Health Promotion and Behavior ,  is to prepare researchers and leaders in the field by fostering research and development in the field of health promotion. Programs of study are interdisciplinary, recognizing that the sophisticated study of health behavior requires theories, information, and expertise from many fields.

More Information

Degree competencies.

Through coursework and research experiences, Ph.D. graduates will meet the following competencies:

• Analyze and interpret research results and epidemiological data to identify research questions, knowledge gaps, and methodological shortcomings that if addressed, hold potential for advancing our understanding of public health problems.
• Design research studies based on theories of behavior and social change that address important empirical questions related to health behavior, disease, and injury prevention.
• Utilize appropriate research designs, data collection strategies, and quantitative and qualitative analytic methods to conduct research on health behavior and disease and injury prevention.
• Choose appropriate scholarly communication channels to share research results, disseminate evidence-based strategies and approaches, and otherwise share in the critical exchange of ideas and solutions pertinent to health behavior and disease and injury prevention.
• Collaborate with other public health researchers and professionals through team-based project work or through processes of peer review and feedback.
• Integrate principles of good ethical practice and cultural sensitivity in all aspects of research, teaching, and professional practice.
• Prepare research proposals that are guided by behavioral theory and include appropriate research methodology.

Each program of study must meet the requirements of the Graduate School and the Department of Health Promotion and Behavior.

Doctoral students must demonstrate competency in the core master level health promotion courses and basic research methods, by taking the courses at UGA or by demonstrating prior equivalent coursework.

Master Level Competencies: up to 12 credit hours

HPRB 7010 Social and Behavioral Foundations of Health EPID 7010 Intro to Epidemiology I HPRB 7920 Theories of Health Behavior HPRB 7470 Program Evaluation in Health Promotion and Health Education

Basic Research Competencies: 6 credit hours

BIOS 7010 Biostatistics I BIOS 7020 Biostatistics II OR ERSH 8310 Applied Analysis of Variance ERSH 8320 Applied Correlation and Regression

All doctoral students will take the doctoral level Health Promotion core courses, cognate courses, advance research methods, research seminar, and doctoral dissertation

Health Behavior Core Requirements:

HPRB 8510 Research Methods HPRB 8520 Research Methods HPRB 8420 Theory and Research in Health Behavior HPRB 8430 Intervention and Evaluation of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention HPRB 9630 Critique of Literature in Health Promotion and Behavior

Cognate Area Requirements: 12 credit hours

The cognates serve to enhance the student’s content background and research competencies. Students will work directly with their major professor to determine the most appropriate classes for their area of interest.

Advanced Research Methods: 9-12 credit hours 

Students must successfully complete a plan sequence of 9-12 hours in advanced methods courses. This sequence should be planned in consultation with the Major Professor and approved by the advisory committee, and should be of sufficient depth and focus to fully support the planned dissertation work. The 9-12 hours should emphasize quantitative or qualitative methods courses.

Doctoral Research Seminar: 4 credit hours

Students will complete 4 hours of doctoral seminar by enrolling in 2 hours of HPRB 8990 for the Spring Semester of their third year and the Fall Semester of their fourth year.  The purpose of this seminar is to provide students with personal and professional development pertaining to post-doctoral employment and career planning.  Students must have passed written and oral comprehensive exams prior to enrolling in this seminar.

Doctoral Dissertation (HPRB 9000 and HPRB 9300): 3 to 30 credit hours

• How to Apply

In general, the following minimum admissions criteria are recommended:  A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  Minimum GRE scores of 300 (combined verbal and quantitative). GRE Scores must be within the last five years. GRE Scores must be submitted to the University of Georgia Graduate School, not SOPHAS.  The GRE is required for admissions. There are no exceptions.

Applications are considered in their entirety before making admission decisions.

The application process requires two steps:

Step 1 –  A completed application to the University of Georgia Graduate School . This application must be completed online . No paper materials will be provided.

• Domestic Application Information
• International Application Information

Brief summary of required UGA Graduate School application materials:

• UGA Graduate School online application
• UGA graduate application processing fee
• Applicants should submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts not submitted as part of the online application can be emailed to  [email protected] . Official transcripts are not required during the review process and will only be required for applicants who are offered admission. Once a student is offered admission they must mail two copies of their official transcript to the graduate school. (International applicants: two sets of official academic records and proof of degrees)
• Official GRE scores sent by the testing agency (UGA institutional code for ETS reporting: 5813)
• Three letters of recommendation (part of the online application)
• Application for Georgia residence status (if claiming legal residence in Georgia)
• Statement of Purpose

International Applicants – addition information needed:

• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores sent by testing agency
• Certificate of Finances (COF) form
• Visa Information

Step 2 – A completed application to the Department of Health Promotion and Behavior   The following materials need to be sent to the department. NOTE: SOPHAS applications are not accepted for the PhD program.  You must complete the departmental application.

• Complete  Departmental Application to the UGA Health Promotion and Behavior PhD Program (Word Document).
• Curriculum vitae or resume (pdf or MS Word format) to [email protected] .

Application Deadlines and Admission Decisions: 

The Graduate School application and the Department of Health Promotion and Behavior application must be received by December 1, 2023 for Fall 2024 admission .

All application materials must be in by the deadline to be considered for an assistantship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop by to meet with someone about the program?

If you are interested in speaking with a faculty member in the department, please email them to schedule a time for a meeting or phone conversation.

Is it possible to speak with current students before applying?

If you would like to speak with current students in the Health Promotion and Behavior Program please email the request to  [email protected] and we can connect you with some of our current students.

Is an MPH required for admission to the Ph.D. program?

An MPH is not required. However, if you are accepted and you do not have an MPH degree, some master’s level courses may be required before beginning your doctoral classes.

What official transcripts do I need to send?

Applicants should submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application.  Official transcripts are not required during the review process and will only be required for applicants who are offered admission.  For information about international credentials and what is considered by us to be official, please visit the UGA Graduate School’s Country-Specific Academic Credentials and Requirements page .

Does the department offer graduate/research assistantships?

While we try to offer assistantships to each accepted student, it is not always possible.  Assistantships are very competitive and are awarded based on the applicant pool. To be fully considered, you must have all application materials submitted by the priority deadline listed on the website.

Is there an interview process?

Yes. Leading candidates are interviewed to determine fit to program and faculty mentors.

What are the tuition and fees?

Up-to-date tuition and fee information can be found at the UGA Bursar Office website .

What semesters do you currently enroll students for the Ph.D. program?

The Department of Health Promotion and Behavior accepts applications for the Fall semester only.

What is the typical time to complete the program?

It varies from student to student, but typically full-time students complete the program in 4 years.

Is this an online program?

No, the majority of required courses are offered in-class only.

Do you accept part-time students?

Yes, we do accept part-time students, but all classes are located in Athens and offered during the day. Students must have a flexible schedule in order to attend classes and complete the program in a reasonable time frame.

What are the minimum requirements for GRE scores?

300 on the new scale.

Are there any criteria considered over others when reviewing applicants?

We take into account GRE scores, GPA, Letters of Recommendation, personal statement, CV, prior work experience, and program fit.  These are all considered when deciding if an applicant is an acceptable candidate for our program. We consider all applicant materials and do not necessarily weigh one over the other.

HPB PhD Student Handbook

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PhD in Health Education

About the program.

The program prepares students to conduct research in basic and applied health education. All students are expected to work closely with faculty in research and service projects to become skilled, independent and ethical researchers and to publish in health education journals.

A transdisciplinary approach is used to produce researchers and academicians who are trained to understand how one’s health and wellness is both positively and negatively influenced by one’s total environment from factors ranging from micro (interpersonal relationships, families) to macro (cultural, environmental, policies, infrastructure). The goal is to train professionals who understand and consider the interaction between the individual, their respective state, and their social, structural and political environment.

The program is grounded in the  Responsibilities and Competencies for Certified Health Education Specialists  (CHES) developed by the  National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.  (NCHEC).

Admissions Requirements

Most applicants have completed a master’s degree, but students may be admitted with a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree applicants must have an exemplary record of achievement at the undergraduate level and significant preparation in health education.

Dates and Deadlines

The Ph.D. program admits in the Fall term only (not spring or summer terms). Applications for Fall 2024 will open on Sept. 1, 2023. 

Cost of Attendance

For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our cost and tuition rates webpage ( https://aggie.tamu.edu/billing-and-payments/cost-and-tuition-rates ). This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.

Application Requirements

PhD applicants must submit all of the required documents by the posted deadline to be reviewed for admission. International applicants should review the  international applicant information  for additional requirements.

SOPHAS Application and Application Fee

• All applicants must submit an official SOPHAS application through  sophas.org
• Visit the  SOPHAS FAQs  for instructions and for helpful tips.

Three Letters of Recommendation

• The School of Public Health prefers at least one academic reference from a higher education institution and one professional reference. The remaining letter may be either academic or professional.
• Preferably, the academic reference should come from one of the applicant's course instructors who can attest to the applicant's capability to pursue graduate studies.
• Recommendation letters from family members and friends are not appropriate.
• Letters must be must be electronically submitted directly to SOPHAS.

Statement of Purpose

Review the instructions section in your SOPHAS application for more details. In addition to describing why you want to pursue the chosen degree plan/concentration with the School of Public Health, SOPHAS recommends the following topics:

• Plans you have to use your education and training
• The needs and/or challenges you perceive as important in your field of study.
• Any personal qualities, characteristics, and skills you believe will enable you to be successful in your chosen field of study.

A Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Writing sample.

Doctoral applicants must submit a writing sample that demonstrates their analytical and writing skills. Preference is given to samples in which the applicant is the sole and/or primary author. 

• Examples include journal articles, research papers, thesis/dissertation, and/or capstone projects.

Official Transcripts

• Official transcripts from each U.S. and English-speaking Canadian college-level institution attended must be submitted directly to SOPHAS.
• Applicants with coursework from institutions outside of the U.S. and English-speaking Canada must submit a  World Education Services (WES)  ICAP Course-by-Course evaluation of academic records (if applicable). 

Official Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are waived. 

In addition to the requirements listed above the applicant may be asked to participate in an interview.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I still have further questions—who can i contact.

SPH - Graduate Student Services Phone: 979.436.9356 [email protected]

What are the faculty’s research areas of health education at Texas A&M University?

We have world-class tenure-track/tenured faculty bringing decades of experience to our students. It is highly recommended that before you apply for our PhD program, you choose the field you are interested in, identify a potential advisor for your doctoral program, and contact them for more information about their research. You can find more specific information in the table below or visit: https://public-health.tamu.edu/departments/hb/faculty.html

What’s the curriculum for the doctoral program in health education at Texas A&M University?

Every student’s course of study is individually designed on the basis of career goals and interests. The program required a minimum of 64 hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree and 96 hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree and must include: health education core; statistics/research requirement; teaching internship; dissertation of original research; students may petition to substitute elective courses for required health education courses already completed.

Why should I obtain a PhD in health education at Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M has the 6th largest student body in the nation, and is ranked among the nation’s top 25 public universities and top 10 public engineering schools by U.S. News & World Report. The campus is located in the twin cities of Bryan and College Station, Texas, which boasts a low cost of living, good educational and support for students, sunbelt environment, and is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the country.

The school has world-wide faculty with diverse backgrounds, strong research skills and a desire to help and mentor students. Their research fields are widespread and varied, including but not limited to cancer, HIV, sexuality, health policy, school health, substance abuse, physical activity, health disparities, mental health, interpersonal violence, health communication, international research, social network analysis, maternal and children health, public health genomics.

There is a wide range of employment in health education. Most of our PhD graduates are highly competitive in the job market, with many getting faculty positions inside and outside the United States or working in government or hospitals.

What is Health Education?

The school offers comprehensive curricula that prepares students to help people improve their health, and thereby their quality of life, through effective health education, powerful networking, strong leadership, meaningful research and selfless service to others. The vision of those who teach health education is to be a leader in improving the quality of life for individuals on personal, community and global levels. The mission is to train and equip professionals to facilitate improving human health through practice, research, and service.

What are the typical program costs?

I live out of state. do you accept out-of-state applicants.

Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.

Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?

Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of International Health

Onsite | Full-Time | 4 years

• MAS Application Fee Waiver Requirements
• Master of Arts (MA) in Geography and Environmental Engineering
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About This Program

The PhD in International Health prepares students to become independent investigators in academic and non-academic research institutions and emphasizes contribution to theory, public health science, and implementation science. Applicants to the PhD in International Health apply directly to one of four concentrations. All four options have the same deadline, program structure, and funding.

Please review the specific program page for more information:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Systems

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Nutrition

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social and Behavioral Interventions

The Department's current concentrations in the PhD program include:

The PhD in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control prepares students to take leadership positions in important global public health settings with strong research components. Students learn to use epidemiologic, immunologic, laboratory, and statistical methods to design, implement, and evaluate disease control interventions for diseases of public health importance to underserved populations. Students may earn a Certificate in Vaccine Science and Policy, to understand everything from vaccine clinical research to implementation and evaluation of vaccine programs, in both the U.S. and internationally.

Core content research areas in GDEC include infectious diseases, epidemiology, and biostatistics.

Learn more about the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control

The Health Systems program equips students with the technical skills for carrying out cutting edge health policy and systems research and preparing them to take leadership positions in global health settings. The program works to design systems and implement equitable and cost-effective strategies for delivering health care and health promotion interventions to disadvantaged and underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad. This mandate is carried out through research, service, and training with and for the populations being served.

Health Systems doctoral research focuses on health policy, health planning, financing, management and evaluation, institution and capacity building, community development, and health systems strengthening.

The overall goal of the PhD program is to produce the next generation of leaders in health systems research and practice, particularly in low- and middle-income country settings.

Learn More About the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Systems

Human Nutrition provides students with the theoretical knowledge and state-of-the-art scientific, programmatic, policy, and leader- ship skills for addressing pressing global and domestic challenges in public health nutrition.

Doctoral students acquire and apply knowledge and skills in nutritional issues across the life span, the role of nutrients in cells and biologic systems, nutritional epidemiology, socio-cultural aspects of nutrition, and food and nutrition policy. Students are challenged to identify and consider solutions to important nutritional problems facing societies in terms of their causes, extent, severity, and health effects throughout the life cycle.

The PhD degree prepares candidates for careers in the design, conduct, and publication of innovative research and in public health leadership across diverse areas of applied nutrition.

Learn More About the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Nutrition

Social and Behavioral Interventions (SBI) offers multidisciplinary training for researchers and public health practitioners who wish to use the social sciences in the design, implementation, and evaluation of global public health programs. The program’s goal is to work in partnership with communities to understand local, social, cultural, and policy contexts and develop effective programs. SBI’s primary focus is on the application of theory and data collection into research and public health action. The combined use of qualitative and quantitative methods is a focus of the program. Students also gain a strong foundation in social and behavioral theory and formative research.

Learn More About the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social and Behavioral Interventions

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the  How to Apply  page. For program-specific program requirements, please visit the individual program/concentration pages.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Svea Closser

Svea Closser, PhD, MPH, studies the social relations and political dynamics that shape primary health care.

Anna P. Durbin

Anna Durbin, MD, studies experimental vaccines for SARS-CoV-2, dengue, West Nile, Zika, malaria, and more in human clinical trials and in controlled human infection studies.

Parul Christian

Parul Christian, DrPH '96, MSc, studies how to improve maternal and child nutrition and prevent micronutrient deficiencies with effective solutions in low-income settings.

Krishna Dipankar Rao

Krishna D. Rao, PhD '04, MSc, finds ways to improve access to quality health services and financing of health care in low and middle-income countries.

For general information regarding tuition and fees, visit the Bloomberg School’s  Tuition and Fees  page. For program-specific information regarding funding and scholarships available, please visit the individual program/concentration pages.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU   starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Elisabeth Simmons, MEd Academic Program Administrator [email protected]

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College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

Department of Allied Health Sciences

Graduate Programs

The Department of Allied Health Sciences offers five graduate-level academic programs, all taught by our  distinguished faculty  and available to students who have completed a bachelor's degree. Our graduate programs will prepare you to lead in a variety of health-related fields and provide you with opportunities to grow as a health professional.

Health Promotion Sciences

Ms in health promotion sciences.

Graduates of the  two-year Master's degree in Health Promotion Sciences  are prepared for employment in public health, community-based treatment and healthcare facilities, worksites, and research settings as well as for continuation into a PhD program. You'll choose between a thesis track and a project/practicum track. Working with your faculty advisor, you'll develop an individualized plan of study that includes core courses in health promotion, research methods courses, and elective courses that deepen your knowledge in areas of interest (e.g. statistical modeling/evidence analysis, behavioral and environmental change interventions, genetics and diagnostics, etc.). You'll also develop a research agenda that will culminate in a thesis or a project/practicum.

PhD in Health Promotion Sciences

The  doctoral degree in Health Promotion Sciences  is an advanced, applied, research-oriented degree that prepares you for future careers in academic and research settings as well as leadership roles in a variety of professional settings including industry, public health, worksite, and non-governmental organizations. You'll work with your major advisor to design an individualized plan of study including health promotion core courses, methodology and statistics, research and academic teaching skills development, and elective courses in your area of specialization. Both a doctoral general exam and dissertation are required for degree completion.

Learn more about the Masters and PhD in Health Promotion Science

Dietetics Coordinated Program

Our combined Dietetics Graduate Coordinated Program  offers a unique opportunity for students who have already completed an undergraduate didactic dietetics program to complete the supervised practice experiences required for licensure while also earning a Master's degree. In this two-year program, you'll complete coursework in health promotion, research methods, and your area of specialization while also gaining important supervised practice experience that will allow you to sit for the Registered Dietitian exam.

Learn more about the Dietetics Coordinated Program

MS in Health Care Genetics

The  Professional Science Master's Degree in Health Care Genetics is a science degree "plus" experiential learning in genome-based technologies and diagnostic testing as well as professional development training in communication, regulation, leadership, and ethical implications. The program is an excellent background for those interested in using genomic information to improve health. The Health Care Genetics Program prepares you for a broad range of careers in diagnostic testing, health promotion, health care, or research and provides an excellent foundation for further degrees in medicine, genetic counseling, or advanced research.

Learn more about the Masters in Health Care Genetics

MS in Genetic Counseling

Preparing the Next Generation of Professionals to Translate Genomics for Health

The Genetic Counseling Professional Science Master's Degree Program at the University of Connecticut is the  first  and  only  genetic counseling program in Connecticut. The competency-based and engaging online program is designed to be responsive to the dynamic environment of clinical genetics. Immediately after joining the program, students can begin online clinical and professional development training. Graduates will be well prepared to pass the national certification examination and join the workforce as ABGC Certified Genetic Counselors (CGC®).

UConn’s Genetic Counseling Faculty and Clinical Partners share a commitment to   Life Transformative Education   and   Career Readiness Training   for the future of our next generation of genetic counselors.

Learn more about the Masters in Genetic Counseling

PhD in Population Health Sciences

Prepare for a high-impact career tackling public health problems from air pollution to obesity to global health equity to the social determinants of health.

The PhD in population health sciences is a multidisciplinary research degree that will prepare you for a career focused on challenges and solutions that affect the lives of millions around the globe. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and conducting field and/or laboratory research projects of your own design, you will gain the deep expertise and powerful analytical and quantitative tools needed to tackle a wide range of complex, large-scale public health problems.

Focusing on one of five complementary fields of study at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and drawing on courses, resources, and faculty from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, you will become well-versed in a wide variety of disciplines while gaining specialized knowledge in your chosen area of study.

As a population health sciences graduate, you will be prepared for a career in research, academics, or practice, tackling complex diseases and health problems that affect entire populations. Those interested in pursuing research may go on to work at a government agency or international organization, or in the private sector at a consulting, biotech, or pharmaceutical firm. Others may choose to pursue practice or on-the-ground interventions. Those interested in academics may become a faculty member in a college, university, medical school, research institute, or school of public health.

The PhD in population health sciences is a four-year program based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the world-renowned Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Massachusetts. The degree will prepare you to apply diverse approaches to solving difficult public health research issues in your choice of one of five primary fields of study:

• Environmental health
• Epidemiology
• Social and behavioral sciences
• Global health and population

In your first semester, you and your faculty adviser will design a degree plan to guide you through the program’s interdisciplinary requirements and core courses, as well as those in your chosen field of study. After successfully completing the preliminary qualifying examination, usually at the end of your second year, you will finalize your general research topics and identify a dissertation adviser who will mentor you through the dissertation process and help you nominate a dissertation advisory committee.

All population health sciences students are trained in pedagogy and teaching and are required to work as a teaching fellow and/or research assistant to ensure they gain meaningful teaching and research experience before graduation. Students also attend a special weekly evening seminar that features prominent lecturers, grant-writing modules, feedback dinners, and training opportunities.

All students, including international students, who maintain satisfactory progress (B+ or above) receive a multiyear funding package, which includes tuition, fees , and a competitive stipend.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Anyone with a distinguished undergraduate record and a demonstrated enthusiasm for the rigorous pursuit of scientific public health knowledge is encouraged to apply. Although a previous graduate degree is not required, applicants should have successfully completed coursework in introductory statistics or quantitative methods. Preference will be given to applicants who have either some relevant work experience or graduate-level work in their desired primary field of study.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Like all PhD (doctor of philosophy) programs at the School, the PhD in population health sciences is offered under the aegis of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Applications are processed through the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application system located at gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/apply.

OUR COMMUNITY: COMMITTED, ACCOMPLISHED, COLLABORATIVE

As a PhD in population health sciences candidate, you will be part of a diverse and accomplished group of students with a broad range of research and other interests. The opportunity to learn from each other and to share ideas both inside and outside the classroom will be one of the most rewarding and productive parts of the program for any successful candidate. The program in population health sciences provides these opportunities by sponsoring an informal curriculum of seminars, a dedicated student gathering and study area, and events that will enhance your knowledge, foster interaction with your peers, and encourage you to cooperatively evaluate scientific literature, while providing a supportive, collaborative community within which to pursue your degree.

As members of both the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences communities, students have access to the Cambridge and Longwood Medical Area campuses. Students also qualify for affordable transportation options, access to numerous lectures and academic seminars, and a wealth of services to support their academic and personal needs on both sides of the Charles River.

LEARN MORE Population Health Sciences Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health www.hsph.harvard.edu/phdphs

Public Health

Health Promotion

•   Biostatistics
•   Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health
•   Epidemiology
•   Health Promotion
•   Faculty & Staff
•   Current Students
•   Alumni
•   Berggren Lecture Series
•   Student Documentaries
•   Master of Public Health
•   MCH Concentration
•   NE-HEALING Project
•   Community Health Worker Program
•   Health Services Research & Administration

Welcome to the Department of Health Promotion!

Health outcomes in the United States are nowhere near where they should be. A myriad of key health indicators, such as infant and maternal mortality, life expectancy, cancer survival rates, AIDS diagnoses, and more, reveal marked differences based on personal identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, sexual identity). These health inequities hurt us all, reducing our collective well-being and limiting our human potential.

The UNMC Department of Health Promotion is dedicated to addressing and improving health for all populations and partnering with communities to realize an end to inequitable health outcomes.

We believe in diversity. Our faculty is one of the most diverse within UNMC. Our diversity can be seen in our personal identities, research interests, methodological approaches, and community partners. We value context and understand the importance of recognizing the positionality of artists and subjects, students and teachers, researchers and participants, evaluator and clients, funders and grantees.

We believe in community-engaged research. Our department is united in a commitment to community. The work we do and the research we conduct is never in isolation. Rather, our projects emphasize the importance of relationships and we work together with community members, patients, health professionals, educators, policy-makers and/or representatives from other community sectors to improve population health outcomes.

Our department offers two MPH concentrations — one in health promotion and one in maternal & child health. We also offer a PhD in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, and we are working to launch exciting DrPH programs soon.

Whether you are a prospective student, research collaborator, funder, or a person who is simply interested in the work we do, I encourage you to view our faculty pages and consider how their research might align with your work and interests. Please reach out to any of us or get in contact with me personally if you have questions.

Chad Abresch , PhD Weitz Family Chair of Health Promotion Department of Health Promotions UNMC  | College of Public Health

Department of Health Promotion UNMC College of Public Health 986075 Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE 68198-6075 Phone: 402-559-4325 Fax: 402-559-3773 Email

UNMC Graduate Studies Office Phone: 402-559-6531 Email

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2024 Graduating Student Profiles: Samantha Werts-Pelter, PhD

Samantha Werts-Pelter, MPH, graduated this Spring 2024 with her PhD in Health Behavior and Health Promotion. Focused on programs and research that serve community needs, Dr. Werts-Pelter worked with the Arizona Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network and also served as a study coordinator for the University of Arizona Cancer Health Equity Research Center while earning her degree. Actively involved with student projects and committees, Samantha also won the graduate Student Life Award.

As I was entering the graduate program, it was important to me to work on projects that have a direct application for the community. The research programs I worked on are the result of strong community-academic partnerships.

Samantha Werts-Pelter

Phd in health behavior and health promotion.

Samantha Werts-Pelter, MPH, graduated this Spring 2024 with her PhD in Health Behavior and Health Promotion. She began her journey with our college as an MPH student in Fall 2018, and continued as a doctoral student starting in Fall 2020. Focused on programs and research that serve community needs, Dr. Werts-Pelter worked as a graduate research associate with the Arizona Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (AzCPCRN) while earning her degree, and also served as a study coordinator for the University of Arizona Cancer Health Equity Research Center (UA CHERC).

Through the AzCPCRN, Samantha completed additional training in dissemination and implementation science. She worked closely with community organizations on projects to improve cancer screening rates and understand attitudes and beliefs about cancer preventative lifestyle behaviors among Mexican-origin cancer survivors. As a study coordinator for the UA CHERC, she led the implementation of a culturally-tailored lifestyle behavior and symptom management intervention for Latina cancer survivors.

For her dissertation project, Considerations for Adapting Evidence-Based Health Behavior Interventions for Older Rural Cancer Survivors , she explored the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing digital health tools to implement healthy lifestyle behavior interventions with older and rural cancer survivors.

Samantha was also an active participant in the college’s annual Public Health Poster Forum for research and later served as co-Chair to help plan and coordinate the Forum for two years. The Poster Forum is a student-led event with the Co-Chairs supporting other student volunteers in all aspects of planning a professional conference. Both years that Samantha helped to lead the Forum were very successful. She also served on the college’s Student Affairs Committee, and in the college’s LUCHA club (Learning, Understanding and Cultivating Health Advocacy). She has been an engaged and valuable member of our student body and deserves all the recognition that the graduate Student Life Award brings.

For this profile, we asked Samantha about what she learned during her PhD degree program at the Zuckerman College of Public Health, and what inspires her about public health work.

Q: What inspired you about the projects and/or programs you worked on? What did you learn?

A: As I was entering the graduate program, it was important to me to work on projects that have a direct application for the community. The research programs I worked on are the result of strong community-academic partnerships. I have been fortunate to learn from and alongside cancer survivors, community health workers, and community advocates during my time in the program. These relationships have been crucial for understanding how public health programming can and should be implemented. These are lessons I will take with me as I continue in academic research.

Q: Did you have a teacher or mentor who especially inspired you? How and why?

A: I have been lucky to work with Dr. Cyndi Thomson as my mentor over the past six years. Not only is Dr. Thomson an expert in nutrition, cancer prevention and control, and cancer survivorship, she is also a wonderful person and friend. As a graduate student, she motivated me to seek opportunities to expand and apply my learning, trusted me to lead projects and classes, and offered guidance and support while navigating the world of academia. I have learned many valuable skills under Dr. Thomson’s mentorship, and most importantly she has taught me how to be a kind and compassionate mentor for the next generation.

Q: How will your education and experience as a public health student influence your path forward?

A: I have enjoyed my time as a public health student and I plan to continue in academic research and mentor future public health students. The knowledge and skills I learned while at the Zuckerman College of Public Health have prepared me well to establish my own lab, and I’m excited about continuing to work with community partners to carry this work forward.

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WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Key searches, 2024 master of public health graduates share their education highlights and career aspirations.

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Year after year, graduates from the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences go on to powerfully impact health and health outcomes in their own neighborhoods, in California, and around the globe. Meet just a few of the 2024 Master of Public Health graduates poised to continue this tradition.

Mehaly Bekele, MPH

Mph concentration: biostatistics-epidemiology bs health promotion & disease prevention, minor in healthcare studies.

“Engaging in research projects and collaborative work in this program with faculty and fellow students was incredibly enriching,” shares Mehaly Bekele, a first-generation college graduate in the progressive degree program. Bekele’s interest in the field of public health stems from her desire to mitigate health disparities within underserved communities. During her time at USC, Bekele served as an EH MATTERS fellow, where she contributed to the Inland Empire Children’s Respiratory Health Study, investigating environmental and social factors influencing children’s respiratory well-being in the San Bernardino and Riverside area. “Engaging with community members during this study was enlightening,” she reveals. “Their enthusiastic advocacy and participation in this study made our work deeply gratifying. My goal is to engage in comprehensive work that not only addresses healthcare frameworks but also delves into the broader context of social determinants of health. I am committed to bridging the gap for communities that feel marginalized and unheard within our current framework, ensuring that their voices and concerns are central to public health initiatives. I aspire to conduct community-driven epidemiological research aimed at developing tailored solutions to combat health disparities prevalent in these communities.”

Mia Chakroun, MPH

Mph concentration: global health.

“Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures, languages, and how they relate to health,” expresses progressive degree student Mia Chakroun.  “When I discovered public health and learned about its multidisciplinary approach to improving the well-being of communities, I knew it was the field I wanted to pursue. During her time at USC, Chakroun worked on a tobacco control project, where she gained hands-on research experience. “Seeing how our work directly influenced the California Department of Public Health made me realize the significant impact one can have in this field.”

Chakroun completed her practicum experience at the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI). “This experience was an integral and transformative part of my degree, putting my knowledge and skills into practice while benefiting from the guidance of experienced professionals who helped shape my career aspirations,” she explains. “Working with the dedicated evaluation and improvement team was a particularly rewarding and meaningful experience. For my capstone project, I collaborated with SC CTSI’s community engagement team— the insights, abilities, and connections I gained have been invaluable and will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavors.” After Graduation, Chakroun intends to work in the non-profit sector, government, or in a role focused on community engagement.

Megan Enciso, MPH

Mph concentration: community health promotion.

“My interest in public health was driven by my desire to help underserved and marginalized communities,” shares Megan Enciso. “I enjoy identifying resources and information using social determinants of health to make effective interventions or approaches.” “My most impactful education experience at USC was learning about concepts of program design and evaluation. They helped me develop better research skills and I learned the step-by-step process of creating and implementing a public health program.” Aligned with Enciso’s community health interest, her favorite course in this program was ‘Organizing and Mobilizing Communities for Public Health’, due to its focus on community-based activities away from a traditional classroom environment. Another highlight featured a field trip in the ‘Public Health Disaster Management and Response’  course, where students visited the Los Angeles Fire Department and toured the emergency operations center.

Enciso completed her practicum requirement at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). “The highlight of my practicum was interacting with different families at CHLA! I learned how to use RedCap and developed my community engagement skills,” she says.  After graduation, Enciso plans to apply her public health and communication skills to provide more services to underserved communities.

Aaron Lee, MPH

Mph concentration: biostatistics-epidemiology.

“My passion for public health emerged during my time at the non-profit organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of mentorship on young children,” reveals Aaron Lee. “My enduring interest in population-based interventions is rooted in my aspiration to effect positive change within my community. My fascination with epidemiology stems from my curiosity about disease etiology and the varying health outcomes resulting from diverse exposure statuses within socioeconomically disparate communities.” Lee completed his practicum requirement at the Pasadena Department of Public Health. He conducted an outbreak investigation of a locally acquired dengue case. “Having gained valuable insights into epidemiological principles at USC, I honed my skills in identifying potential mosquito breeding sites in front- and backyards of households,” he shares. “Furthermore, I enhanced my proficiency in contact tracing through thorough interviews with residents to ascertain their exposure and travel history.”

Lee served as the President of the Master of Public Health Student Association (MaPHSA) from 2023-2024. After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctoral degree in epidemiology.

Christina Longmire, MPH

“My passion for public health was fueled during my undergraduate studies, where I majored in Global Health,” shares progressive degree student Christina Longmire. “This educational journey broadened my perspective on global challenges and deepened my interest in the field. One particularly enlightening course was ‘Health Behavior Statistical Methods’, where I was captivated by the intersection between public health and statistics, steering me towards a focus on biostatistics and epidemiology. Through this graduate program, I found a special interest in maternal health and nutrition. I am eager to use data-driven approaches to improve the health and well-being of these individuals.”

Longmire completed her practicum experience at the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Center for Infectious Diseases and Virology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “One of my most impactful educational experiences was my practicum where I looked at the transmission of COVID-19 from mother to child. This opportunity deepened my interest in maternal health and inspired my passion to pursue research as a future career,” she shares. “I also gained proficiency in a range of advanced laboratory techniques, acquiring invaluable skills along the way that I know I will be able to use in my career. These included nucleic acid sequence extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR data analysis, nanopore sequencing, and utilizing a Qubit fluorometer, to name a few.”

After graduation, Longmire intends to explore Europe, and after aspires to embark on a career as a research scientist.

Learn more about how the Keck School of Medicine is celebrating the Class of 2024 .

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