Public Health, Ph.D.

Program Description

publichealth.ucmerced.edu
Contact: ssha.grad@ucmerced.edu; ssha-grad.ucmerced.edu/meet-our-team

The Public Health program offers individualized, research-based training in public health. The public health program is a multidisciplinary area of research and study that focuses on measuring, understanding and improving the health of the population, including assessing the health needs of vulnerable populations, understanding the causes and determinants of health challenges and problems, and identifying ways to improve the public health system and the health of the population. Students are educated in a particular discipline, but have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research and collaboration if they so desire.

The deadline for applications is January 15th. Applications are accepted only for the Ph.D. degree program. Normally applications are accepted for Fall semester only. Applicants are encouraged to contact individual faculty members before applying as it is important to identify the faculty member the applicant will work with in the initial years of the program. Applicants must provide evidence of an undergraduate grade point average. Generally, a grade point average of no lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, although consideration will be made for lower grade point averages in exceptional circumstances. GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose will be evaluated by the admissions committee as determinants of an applicant’s potential for success in graduate education. Foreign students from non-English speaking counties must also take the TOEFL and TSE exams. Students are admitted to the program to work toward a Ph.D. degree. However, a Ph.D. student who has been in residence for at least two semesters, has pursued graduate‐level coursework for at least two semesters, and is in good academic standing, may apply for a Terminal Master’s Degree.

Ph.D. Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduating, student will:

1. Breadth–Demonstrate knowledge of the discipline of Public Health. Students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Public Health, including phenomena at the biological, psychological, and social levels
2. Depth–Expertise in a specific scientific domain. Students will be able to apply their expertise in a specific subfield of Public Health and identify novel research questions within the context of current research.
3. Methods–Competency with mixed methods approaches to conducting rigorous research on public health phenomena. Students will be able to design a study drawing upon mixed method approaches and complete a study using a methodology appropriate to their research area.
4. Communication–Effective scientific communication skills, especially the ability to convey complex concepts and information in a clear and concise manner. Students will be able to communicate their knowledge of contemporary Social Sciences methods to diverse audiences.
5. Team Science (transdisciplinary research)–Understanding of team science roles and transdisciplinary approaches to addressing public health challenges. Students will use transdisciplinary approaches to address a pertinent public health challenge.
6. Independent research–The ability to initiate and conduct independent research that makes an original contribution to Public Health knowledge. Students will produce a variety of research of a quality that can be published in a peer-reviewed outlet.
7. Professionalism–Proficiency in the skills needed to participate in the intellectual and organizational aspects of the profession of Public Health. Students will become active members of the professional public health community, including attending and participating in conferences and other appropriate venues.