Community Health and Prevention PhD

Major: Community Health and Prevention 
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 90.0 (post-bachelor's) or 60.0 (post-master's)
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.2212
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 25-1099

About the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health and Prevention will prepare doctoral-level public health graduates to have a broad-based understanding of public health scholarship related to the social and behavioral determinants of health, and the ability to conduct original research to advance this understanding to benefit public health. The program emphasizes the application of interdisciplinary, theoretical and applied research paradigms to the understanding and prevention of public health problems. Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles as public health scientists, researchers, educators and professionals in a broad range of academic, policy and service settings both in the United States and globally.

The program consists of both required and elective coursework, building the student’s individual expertise based upon a wide range of scientific disciplines, methodologic frameworks and public health challenges. The comprehensive exam requires students to synthesize coursework and demonstrate mastery of core public health competencies. Students complete a mentored research experience with faculty before developing their own dissertation proposal and completing their dissertation. Students may choose either the traditional thesis format or the three-manuscript option.

Major Competencies

• Analyze the social and behavioral determinants of health at the individual, community and societal levels, and the mechanisms required to design and evaluate interventions at all levels to improve health and address health inequity
• Develop and apply theoretical frameworks to formulate research questions relevant to the above areas of scholarship
• Use a broad range of methodological approaches to design and conduct research addressing these research questions with the highest ethical standards
• Disseminate findings to a wide range of stakeholders and engage in both scientifically rigorous and socially responsible processes to translate findings to improve the health of the public
• Develop a strong professional identity and prepare to contribute meaningfully in a career as a scientist, educator, and/or other type of professional, to ensure the continued impact of the social and behavioral sciences in public health

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact:

Additional information can be found on the Dornsife School of Public Health website, including admissions criteria and how to apply.

Degree Requirements

Post-Bachelor's Student Requirements

*

Students entering without prior training in Biostatistics and Epidemiology will take EPI 570 and BST 571, based on Program Director and Department evaluation. BST 555 may be recommended for students who choose to have formal instruction in SAS.

Students are required to complete the TA Orientation and Preparation Course.

**

Foundational Public Health Learning Objectives: PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

***

 Repeated for credit three times.

†

In consultation with their faculty mentor, students will choose 9.0 credits of Social Factors/Behavioral Sciences/Communications electives, 6.0 credits of Methodological electives, and 6.0 credits of Public Health or Topical Area electives. Students choose any BST, CCM, CHP, EOH, EPI, HMP, NFS, PBHL, from the 500-999 level. Additional courses may count with faculty mentor approval.

Post-Master's Student Requirements

*

Students entering without prior training in Biostatistics and Epidemiology will take EPI 570 and BST 571, based on Program Director and Department evaluation.BST 555 may be recommended for students who choose to have formal instruction in SAS.

Students are required to complete the TA Orientation and Preparation Course.

**

Foundational Public Health Learning Objectives: PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

***

Repeated for credit three times.

†

In consultation with their faculty mentor, students will choose 9.0 credits of Social Factors/Behavioral Sciences/Communications electives, 6.0 credits of Methodological electives, and 6.0 credits of Public Health or Topical Area electives.

Sample Plan of Study

Full Time Post-Master's

*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

Part Time Post-Master's

*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school. 

Full Time Post-Bachelor's

*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

Part Time Post-Bachelor's

*

PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.