The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is granted in recognition of high
attainment in a specified field of knowledge. It is a research degree and is
not conferred solely upon the earning of credit or the completion of courses.
It is granted after the student has shown proficiency and distinctive
achievement in a specific field, has demonstrated the ability to do original,
independent investigation, and has presented these findings with a high degree
of literary skill in a dissertation. This degree requires a minimum of 55 credits
post-masters.
Mission
The mission of the programs of study for the Doctor of Philosophy degree
is to prepare public health professionals to make substantive contributions to
public health inquiry and practice.
Philosophy
Students should acquire the skills to create
and disseminate knowledge, and also to lead, collaborate with and teach others
in various public health academic, research and field settings. Therefore, the
foundation of a strong PhD program in public health includes:
- Capable, ethical and scholarly faculty to mentor
students in their area of interest,
- The potential for financial assistance/funding of
doctoral student research and teaching,
- Availability of courses in students area of interest, Students
who have the academic and professional potential to achieve the doctoral
competencies,
- Students who are ethical, scholarly representatives of
the profession and the school,
- The availability of meaningful professional development
activities, and
- Opportunities for students to participate in
activities.
- Competencies are met by successfully completing a
doctoral committee approved plan of academic study and research, and
documented professional and other scholarly experiences.
Competencies
A Doctor of Philosophy graduate will be able to:
Scientific Knowledge and Theory
- Critically evaluate and use scientific theories and
frameworks relevant to public health.
- Synthesize knowledge from a
broad range of disciplines in public health.
Research
- Critically analyze research literature.
- Develop testable hypotheses for independent research.
- Design and carry out original research that contributes
to the knowledge base in public health.
- Demonstrate mastery of methods of data collection and
analysis.
- Apply a set of ethical standards in the conduct and
dissemination of research.
- Work as an effective research team member.
- Prepare scholarly publications and deliver oral
presentations.
- Be cognizant of appropriate funding sources for
research.
- Develop grant writing
skills.
Teaching
- Demonstrate ability to teach a university level course
using current pedagogical techniques.
- Demonstrate communication skills that facilitate
learning by others in formal and informal settings.
Below are concentrations in the College of Public Health in which a PhD can be earned.
Community and Family
Health
Environmental and
Occupational Health
Epidemiology and
Biostatistics
Global Health
Health Policy and
Management