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PhD in Public Health Sciences Curriculum

The curriculum at the Brown School emphasizes substantive, theoretical, and methodological preparation and requires 74 credit hours, 21 of which can be transferred from your an MPH or other graduate degree. (Graduates of allied fields will have their transcripts evaluated on an individual basis for transfer credits.)

The remaining 53 credits of coursework are typically spread over four semesters, or two academic years, leaving approximately two years for work related to your dissertation.

The first year of study includes basic principles in research, statistics, and measurement, as well as theoretical coursework and content fortifying our students’ public health knowledge base.

The second year offers a more individualized program of study. A curriculum plan is developed by each student and advisor(s), focusing on an area of specialization. Advanced courses in research methodology, as well as research and teaching practica, help build expertise as a public health scholar. Professional competence is assessed through a qualifying examination and successful completion of a research dissertation that follows either a traditional or a three-paper thesis model. In addition, the curriculum includes opportunities to get training in a variety of professional and research skills (e.g., data management, analytic software, grant writing, and research ethics).

Timeline of Milestones

Students typically complete a PhD in Public Health Sciences within 5 years. Below you will find key programmatic milestones across years.

Years 1 & 2

  • Core PHS courses (9 credits)
  • Core Statistical Analysis courses (6 credits)
  • Additional Statistical Analysis courses (9 credits)
  • Research Methods (6 credits)
  • Social/Health Science (9 credits)
  • Professional Development Seminar (2 credits)
  • Research Practica (6 credits)
  • Teaching Practica (3 credits)

Years 3 & 4

  • Completing any unfinished coursework
  • Area Statement & Qualifying Exam
  • Mentored Research and Teaching Experiences

Years 4+

  • Dissertation Proposal
  • Dissertation Defense
  • Mentored Research and Teaching Experiences

Check out our FAQs to find out about the application process, student resources, and more!

Degree requirements: 74 credits (21 credits from relevant graduate degree can be applied)

The following is a list of either required or elective eligible classes. Actual class offerings will vary from year-to-year, and students should consult with their advisor and/or the Program Director.

Sample Courses
Actual class offerings will vary from year-to-year, and students should consult with their advisor or the Program Director to plan their course of study.

Public health required core courses (9 credits)

  • Introduction to Advanced Research (3 credits)
  • Conceptual Foundations of Social Science Research (3 credits)
  • Theoretical Orientations in Public Health Sciences (3 credits)

Core statistical analysis courses (6 credits)

  • Applied Linear Regression Analysis (3 credits)
  • Generalized Linear Models (3 credits)

Additional statistical analysis courses (choose three; 9 credits)

  • Structural Equation Modeling (3 credits)
  • Social Network Analysis (3 credits)
  • Applied Machine Learning Using Health Data (3 credits)
  • Applied Deep Learning Using Health Data (3 credits)
  • Multilevel and Longitudinal Modeling (3 credits)
  • Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
  • Propensity Score Analysis (3 credits)
  • Survival Analysis (3 credits)
  • Foundations of Data Analysis (3 credits)
  • Categorical Analysis (3 credits)
  • Mixed-Methods in the Social Sciences (3 credits)

Substantive and/or theoretical electives (9 credits)

  • Choose from approved courses. Note that students are encouraged to take substantive courses from outside their home department.
  • Social Network Analysis (3 credits)
  • Community-Based System Dynamics (3 credits)
  • Translating Epidemiology into Policy (3 credits)
  • Methods, Metrics, and Measures for Dissemination and Implementation Research (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Dissemination and Implementation Science (3 credits)
  • Developing and Evaluating Implementation Strategies in Health and Social Services (3 credits)
  • Dissemination and Implementation Science (3 credits)
  • Systems Thinking in Health (3 credits)
  • System Dynamics Simulation for Strategic Design (3 credits)
  • Designing for Dissemination, Implementation, & Sustainability: How to Maximize Impact and Equity (3 credits)
  • Applied Linear Regression Analysis (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling (3 credits)
  • Independent Study
  • Other substantive courses as offered, inside or outside of the Brown School

Research methods in public health science (choose two; 6 credits)

  • Social Network Analysis (3 credits)
  • Community Based System Dynamics (3 credits)
  • Quantitative Methods for Health Policy Analysis (3 credits)
  • Developing and Evaluating Implementation Strategies in Health and Social Services (3 credits)
  • Systems Thinking in Health (3 credits)
  • Mixed Methods Research: Foundations & Applications (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Agent-based modeling (3 credits)
  • Foundations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the Applied Social Sciences (3 credits)
  • Applied Qualitative and Participatory Methods (3 credits)
  • Mental and Behavior Health Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • Health Economics (3 credits)
  • Quantitative Methods for Health Policy Analysis (3 credits)
  • Using Administrative Data for Health Services Research (3 credits)
  • Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (3 credits)
  • TPS: Health & Place: Spatial Thinking & Applied Methods (3 credits)
  • Randomized Clinical Trials (3 credits)
  • Advanced Policy Analysis: Policy Impact Assessment (3 credits)
  • Benefit-Cost Analysis (3 credits)

Research practica (6 credits)

  • Practicum in Research I (2 credits)
  • Practicum in Research II (2 credits)
  • Practicum in Research III (2 credits)

Teaching practica (3 credits)

  • Practicum in Teaching I (1 credit)
  • Practicum in Teaching II (1 credit)
  • Practicum in Teaching III (1 credit)

Professional development (2 credits) #

  • Professional Development Seminar I (1 credit)
  • Professional Development Seminar II (1 credit)

Area statement individualized course of study (3 credits) #

  • Area Statement & Qualifying Exam (3 credits)#

Notes:

  • # Program requirement, not a course

Graduation Requirements

  • Previously obtained graduate degree
  • 74 credit hours (can include 21 graduate-level credits from relevant degree)
  • Two years of full-time doctoral coursework
  • Three teaching practica for course credit
  • Three research practica for course credit
  • Completion of an area of specialization statement and qualifying exam
  • Dissertation and oral defense