Public Health, PHD

About the Program

In Purdue University’s Master of Science and PhD public health programs, students are not only trained in core public health disciplines, but will also expand their knowledge and research skills in a specific public health area under the supervision of one or more faculty members. Students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member to gain individualized mentorship. Faculty have expertise in women’s health, health disparities, prevention science, community-engaged research, intervention and implementation science, epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as health systems and policies. With a wide range of research and practical experiences, students will be engaged in hands-on learning in the field.

Program Website

Program Requirements

90 Credits Required

(30 credits from a Master’s may be applied.)

Dissertation Research (15-59 credits)

Students should take at least 15 credits for thesis research.

• PSY 69900 - Research PhD Thesis Credits: 1.00 to 18.00

Concentrations

Interdisciplinary concentrations:

• Interdisciplinary Ecological Sciences and Engineering Concentration (GR) 

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of current issues and debates in public health.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of theoretical and multidisciplinary concepts relevant to public health.
• Incorporate knowledge of cultural, social, behavioral and biological factors in formulating and implementing public health research or practice.
• Analyze a particular public health issue (including appropriate measures of prevalence, incidence, association and impact) and identify data sources as well as strengths and limitations of studies.
• Critically analyze research for appropriateness of study design, sample, measures, data analysis, results, interpretation and dissemination.
• Demonstrate critical-thinking skills, theory and methodology necessary to address topics of public health research.
• Demonstrate understanding of principles and guidelines associated with responsible conduct of research.
• Develop professional skills in scientific writing and oral communication.
• Disseminate effective and substantive public health-related research through presentations and publications.

Graduate Programs Disclaimer

• The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
• Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary. 
• Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
• Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
• Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.