Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health Sciences - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The  Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration in the Public Health Sciences PhD program incorporates both theory and application and emphasizes both evidence-based, theory-driven primary prevention of disease and injury and health promotion research and practice. The curriculum is designed so that students receive methodologically intense training and one-on-one research experience with faculty in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Learning Goals

PhD Program Goals

• Develop effective strategies for teaching in higher education
• Review and synthesize pertinent literature and formulate focused research questions that address identified knowledge gaps
• Design and conduct original research that uniquely contributes to the public health scientific knowledge
• Disseminate research findings through appropriate peer-reviewed publications and presentations, and to other public health community audiences

Major Competencies

• Display broad knowledge and application of relevant public health social and behavioral theories to health promotion and disease prevention strategies
• Demonstrate rigorous understanding of methodological and statistical principles that enhance research in the public health sciences
• Create comprehensive translational intervention and evaluation plans in research or practice settings to inform policy or practice

Required Courses

A list of required courses can be found in the WVU Catalog.

Admissions Guidelines

• A master's degree in Public Health or a closely related field is strongly preferred.  Exceptional applicants with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field may also be considered.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, 3.5 is preferred.
• The GRE is optional for the fall 2023 cohort. For more information, visit publichealth.wvu.edu/apply-now/graduate-admissions
• WVU requires international students to submit TOEFL scores.  Preferred scores are as follows: 550 on paper-based; 213 on computer-based; and 80 on internet-based test.