Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health Sciences Mission Statement
The mission of the PhD program in Community Health Sciences is to train experts who will advance the field of community health through research, theory development, and teaching. The PhDs is highly specialized, integrating theory and research in a focused substantive area, which include Maternal & Child Health, Nutrition, or Health Education & Communication. Graduates will have in-depth expertise necessary for a research career, and are expected to work in universities as faculty members or in research organizations. Program Description The purpose of the PhD Program in Community Health Sciences is to train experts who will advance the field of community health through research, theory development, and teaching. Graduates are expected to work in universities as faculty members or in research organizations. They will develop specific areas of expertise within Maternal & Child Health, Nutrition, or Health Education & Communication. Students are matched to faculty advisors with similar research interests. The course of study is individualized to the student's interests.
Students must complete certain core requirements and a total of 60 credit hours in public health. Students usually take courses in statistics, research methods, and advanced courses in their content area. The post-master's coursework usually takes 12-24 months to complete. At the end of the course work you must pass a comprehensive examination, conduct research, and complete a dissertation. Students work closely with doctoral advisors and doctoral committee members on their dissertation research. Program Competencies Upon completion of the program, the graduate should be able to: - Conduct independent theory-based scientific research in an academic or practice setting.
- Demonstrate theoretical and analytical competencies in investigating community health problems in a specialty area.
- Apply theories and/or evidence based research to design, implement and evaluate community health programs
- Synthesize and analyze research results for the purpose of research communication and dissemination.
- Develop a well-rounded professional persona with a clear research focus, including demonstrating ethical conduct, cultural competence and a sense of academic integrity.
Admissions Requirements To be eligible for the PhD program students must have completed a baccalaureate degree with an outstanding academic record. A combined GRE score of 1200 is preferred. Students must complete SOPHAS application and include in their application three letters of reference, at least two of which are from academicians. All students will be interviewed by faculty members before acceptance to assess their interests and ensure that department faculty members have the expertise to mentor them in their chosen area of study.
Program Requirements Students must complete 60-credit hours of coursework and doctoral studies that includes introductory courses in Community Health Sciences, courses in a specific content area, and biostatistics and research methods that will equip the student to conduct independent research. General Requirements (8-15 Credits) SPHL 6010 | Biological Basis of Health and Disease | 3 | SPHL 6030 | Social and Behavioral Aspects of Global Health | 3 | CHSC 6820 | Program Planning, Resource Development and Grantsmanship | 2 | CHSC 6130 | Program Planning, Resource Development and Grantsmanship | 3 | CHSC 7830 | CHS Doctoral Seminar | 1 | SPHL 9900 | Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar | 1 |
Substantive Area of Research Requirements (9 Credits) If MCH CHSC 6410 | Introduction to Issues in Obstetrics & Gynecology | 3 | CHSC 6420 | Health Care of Women | 2 | CHSC 6510 | Contemporary Issues in Maternal and Child Health | 3 | CHSC 7510 | Seminar in MCH | 2 |
If HEDC CHSC 6210 | Health Communication Theory and Practice | 3 | CHSC 6410 | Introduction to Issues in Obstetrics & Gynecology | 3 | CHSC 6800 | Training Methodologies for Health Professionals In Developing Countries | 2 |
If NUTR CHSC 6750 | Nutrition Assessment and Monitoring | 3 | CHSC 6770 | Food and Nutrition Policy | 3 | CHSC 6610 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
Social, Behavioral, and/or Biological Theory Requirements (6 credits)
Specific coursework based on research interest and determined in collaboration with dissertation advisor Biostatistics Requirements (12 Credits) BIOS 6030 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 | BIOS 6040 | Intermediate Biostatistics | 3 | BIOS 6230 or 6240 | Computer Packages for Statistical Analysis | 1 | BIOS 7060 | Regression | 3 | BIOS 7150 | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 | BIOS 7600 | Advanced Evaluation Research | 3 |
Specific courses may be substituted as recommended by the student’s advisor Research Methods Requirements (15 Credits) INHL 6260 | Formal Qualitative Methods | 3 | EPID 6030 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 | EPID 6260 | Survey Methodology | 3 | EPID 7120 | Epidemiologic Methods II | 3 |
Additional methods classes based on dissertation direction as agreed with advisor Special Studies (3-5 Credits) The student will engage in a mentored relationship with a faculty member while participating in a sponsored research project. The student will register for independent study hours. Course Schedule Click here to see an example schedule Comprehensive Examinations On completion of the coursework listed above students will be required to pass two-day comprehensive examinations covering the theoretical and evidence basis for public health interventions and research methods. Dissertation Students must complete a dissertation representing theory-driven public health research that meets the school requirements for a PhD dissertation. For more information, contact: Zarie Riley, Email: lhodges@tulane.edu, Phone: 504-988-6596
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