Degree Program

Students in Baylor University's PhD in Public Health degree program choose one of two areas of specialization (concentration) in public health research. Researchers in both specializations apply scientific, systematic, data-driven methods relevant to public health research.

• Epidemiology

  Researchers in this specialization examine the incidence and prevalence of health problems, health risk, and factors contributing to population health.

• Social & Behavioral Health Science

  Researchers in this specialization examine how contributing factors at multiple social-ecological levels impact health-related behavior, health status, and quality of life of individuals and populations.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on research and mentorship throughout the program.
• Full tuition remission for all students.
• Engage in experiential learning.
• Gain real-world experience in research, writing, and teaching.
• Use your former practice-based MPH training to inform your PhD research training.
• Impact lives through your public health research.

Three Year Plan

This three-year (minimum 48-credit hour) degree includes:

• Concentration Courses (6): Advanced, concentration-specific methodology.
• Interdisciplinary Area (6): Selected from various disciplines to complement student research interests and cognate areas.
• Applied Research and Statistical Methods (12): Methods courses specific to student research goals/skill needs.
• Training for Public Health Research & Ethics (4): Advanced training in grant writing and the Responsible Conduct of Research.
• Mentored Public Health Research (6): Experiences in mentor-guided research activities designed to build research skills.
• Teaching Development (2): Training and teaching experiences in higher education, guided by a teaching mentor.
• Doctoral Qualifying Examination (0): Written exam guided by graduate faculty to demonstrate methods mastery and advance to dissertation.
• Dissertation in Public Health (12): Design, implement, analyze, interpret findings, and defend an approved study in a three-manuscript-style dissertation format.