The PhD in Health Science is research focused, emphasizing the development of new knowledge through original research and preparing graduates for academic and research-based careers. It involves preparation of a dissertation and aims to contribute to the broader scientific understanding of health-related topics.

Culminating Deliverable: The preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research.

How is the PhD different from the DHSc Degree?

A PhD in Health Sciences and the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree are both advanced degrees in the field of health sciences, but they have different focuses and outcomes. A DHSc focuses on applied research that is translated into real-world practice, while a PhD focuses on advancing the frontiers of scholarship as preparation for a research career. While the PhD is an advanced research degree, the DHSc is a health science leadership and scholarship degree. The PhD sits on top of the DHSc degree or similar applied doctoral degree.  

Distinct Deliverables

In the PhD program, the primary research deliverable is a dissertation, which involves original research aimed at contributing new theoretical or empirical knowledge to the field. The dissertation is typically an extensive, rigorous project that takes more than a year to complete and must be defended before a committee. The focus is on generating findings that are generalizable and can advance scholarly understanding, often intended for publication in scholarly journals.

Curriculum

The PhD curriculum is 21 credits of research focused coursework on top of the 43 credit DHSc degree or similar applied doctoral degree. The core coursework will focus on advanced research skills and scholarship in health sciences. Students will also engage in a series of courses designed to support the development and execution of the dissertation. Please email the program director for additional information. 

Note: The program is fully online, with the exception of one, annual period (likely one week) where students will have to come to campus for research intensive. Please email the program director, Kirby Wycoff, for additional information about the on-campus, experiential learning component.