PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences
PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Social and Behavioral Sciences doctoral program is based on the principle that health and health behaviors are influenced by multiple psychological, behavioral, social, and cultural factors. This program is designed for master's prepared students who seek advanced training in social and behavioral sciences theories and methodologies. This CEPH-accredited interdisciplinary doctoral program is intended to be completed in three years. There are competitive assistantships available with full tuition waiver and an annual stipend. PhD degree can be earned in-person and full-time or part-time.
Program Flyer SOPHAS ExpressTaking LOCAL Impact to GLOBAL Change
The PhD degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences is the highest academic degree for individuals planning to pursue scholarly careers in this discipline.
The program is ideal for graduate students seeking advanced training in theories and
methodologies to examine how psychological, social, and cultural factors influence
health and health behaviors.
Students can enhance their skills through graduate certificates in one of the following areas, or create their own plan in consultation with an academic advisor:
- Health Analytics
- Population Health Informatics
- Health Systems Leadership
- Population Health
Students work closely with faculty mentors in research areas such as smoking, addiction, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, STDs, cancer, nutrition, physical activity, obesity, maternal and child health, and neighborhood environment with strong mixed methods training. As a metropolitan research university, we are especially committed to health equity and social justice issues in urban communities.
Graduates of the program are prepared to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary, and translational research in community settings with an emphasis on vulnerable populations, and to design, implement, administer, and evaluate public health interventions and policies. The program will emphasize urban health and health disparities issues in Tennessee, the Mid-South region, and globally.
Credit Hours: 36
SBS CORE COURSES - 12 CREDIT HOURS
- PUBH 8130 | Social Determinants of Health
- PUBH 8132 | Health Program Evaluation
- PUBH 8340 | Behavioral Intervention Development
- PUBH 8161 | Health Behavioral Theories
DOCTORAL SEMINAR CORE - 3 CREDIT HOURS
- PUBH 8901 | Doctoral Professional Development Seminar
RESEARCH METHODS CORE - 12 CREDIT HOURS
Quantitative Methods Courses
Three of the following
- PUBH 8141 | Epidemiologic Survey Methods
- PUBH 8172 | Epidemiology in Public Health II
- PUBH 8174 | Epidemiology in Public Health III
- PUBH 8450 | Randomized Clinical Trials
Quantitative Methods Course
- PUBH 8347 | Qualitative Methods in Health Research
BIOSTATISTICS CORE COURSES - 6 CREDIT HOURS
- PUBH 8152 | Biostatistical Methods II
and one of the following: - PUBH 8104 | Large Data Sets in Public Health Research
- PUBH 8310 | Mixed Model Regression Analysis
- PUBH 8311 | Applied Categorical Data Analysis
ELECTIVE COURSES - 12 CREDIT HOURS - In consultation with faculty and/or academic advisors
DISSERTATION - 9 CREDIT HOURS
- PUBH 9000 | Dissertation
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
- PhD candidates are required to pass a comprehensive exam covering SBS Core courses, PUBH 8901 and PUBH 8347.
In Numbers
How to apply
Requirements:
- Completed SOPHAS application
- Undergraduate degree with minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed Calculus I and Calculus II with a grade of B or higher
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (400-500 words)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Credentials evaluation for foreign transcripts
- Language proficiency test if language of instruction was not English
Connect with us
Greg Lubiani, PhD
Division Director and Associate Professor
Briana McNeil, MBA, MEd
Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator
Shirl Sharpe, MS
Manager, Academic Services