Students Walking on Duke West Campus

 

The Department of Population Health Sciences develops critically-thinking, creative, and collaborative research scientists that are passionate about improving healthcare for all. The doctoral program equips students with the knowledge and tools they will need to research and work alongside health systems, government agencies, non-profits, industry, and others pursuing improved health of populations.

Admission Deadlines

The PhD application deadline has passed and admissions for the Fall 2025 semester is now closed.  Please check back in the summer for application information for the Fall 2026 semester.  

Application Deadline: The application for 2025-2026 admissions to the Population Health Sciences PhD program has opened, and will close on December 2, 2024.

Prospective students are NOT expected NOR encouraged to identify a primary mentor prior to submitting their application. The DPHS Education leadership team handles this process. They will identify potential faculty matches based on your research interests early in the admissions process, ensuring a strong fit with a faculty advisor if you are offered admission.

The online degree application asks you to identify potential mentors from our department; this is only for informational purposes, to give the DPHS Admissions committee a sense of which DPHS faculty members’ research you feel particularly aligned with. You do not need to get approval or permission from faculty members to make these identifications in your application. Those admitted will have the opportunity to reach out to potential mentors after receiving a decision on your application.

Guidance on identifying faculty members who align with your interests:

  • Reflect on your research passions: What excites you in your field?
  • Consider areas that align with your values and career goals.
  • Look for faculty engaged in research that complements your own interests.

But remember, the admissions committee will take the lead in matching you with a faculty advisor.

About the PhD in Population Health Sciences

The Duke PopHealth PhD program prepares researchers to formulate important research questions, design studies to answer them, organize resources to carry out relevant studies, and analyze the results to contribute scientific and policy insights. Our coursework, experiential learning, and professional development help prepare PhD students to be leaders in the population health field.

Our faculty are world-renowned for their expertise and strengths in the following areas:

  • Health Measurement. Learn more
  • Implementation Science. Learn more
  • Health Policy
  • Health Services Research
  • Health Economics

Why Choose Duke for a PhD in Population Health Sciences?

The department, which is part of the Duke University School of Medicine, offers Ph.D. candidates a unique and rich setting in which to acquire that foundation and then use it to complete their studies and dissertation research. Ph.D. students can: