Mission and Vision
The mission of the Population Health Sciences PhD program is to develop critically-thinking, creative, and collaborative scientists and leaders through our coursework, experiential learning, and professional development so that they will enhance population health in diverse settings.
The vision of the Population Health Sciences PhD program is to be a nationally recognized leader in enhancing population health by eliminating inequities and ensuring high quality, accessible, and person-centered care and programs for the benefit of local and global communities.
Overview
The PhD program will equip students with the knowledge and tools they will need to drive science through their research and to work alongside health systems, government agencies, non-profits, industry, and others pursuing improved health of populations. The first two years of study involve coursework in core competencies that population health science requires as well as courses that introduce students to health measurement, health services research, and qualitative research. Students must pass their comprehensive examination after completing coursework, then present and defend a dissertation proposal and the final dissertation based on original research. The doctoral program is designed to be completed in four years.