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: 21-1099

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.

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 and the Responsible Conduct of Research Training.

**

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.Additional courses may count with faculty mentor approval.

Students may be able to use elective credits to further focus their academic work by completing a graduate minor or by coupling a DSPH graduate certificate. Students must have enough applicable elective credits to complete the certificate program without going beyond the required credits for the program. Students can contact their academic advisor for more information.

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 and the Responsible Conduct of Research Training.

**

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. Additional courses may count with faculty mentor approval.

Students may be able to use elective credits to further focus their academic work by completing a graduate minor or by coupling a DSPH graduate certificate. Students must have enough applicable elective credits to complete the certificate program without going beyond the required credits for the program. Students can contact their academic advisor for more information.

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.

**

Note: A 4.5-credit minimum is required (considered half-time status) for graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. If registration is less than 4.5 credits, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Part Time Post-Master's

*

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

**

Note: A 4.5-credit minimum is required (considered half-time status) for graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. If registration is less than 4.5 credits, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Full Time Post-Bachelor's

*

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

**

Note: A 4.5-credit minimum is required (considered half-time status) for graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. If registration is less than 4.5 credits, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Part Time Post-Bachelor's

*

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

**

Note: A 4.5-credit minimum is required (considered half-time status) for graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. If registration is less than 4.5 credits, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Program Level Outcomes