Doctoral Degree Programs

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Public Health Leadership

The Doctor of Public Health in Public Health Leadership provides extensive training in the public health sciences, public health practice, and leadership skills necessary to respond to the rapidly shifting, sometimes unanticipated challenges of the public health and health care systems. The focus of the DrPH program is in developing public health leaders who can integrate public health science into public health practice, apply models and theories in public health to chronic and emerging issues in practice, and demonstrate leadership in working with public health teams. For more information click on the link above.

Ph.D. in Epidemiology

The Ph.D. in Epidemiology is for applicants interested in conducting advanced research in epidemiology or teaching epidemiology at higher institutions of learning. This is a 3-5 year program. The first two years known as residency is dedicated to completing the required coursework of 90-92 semester credit hours and practice in research, on campus. An additional 1-3 years is usually expected for completing the dissertation research. The actual coursework for the Ph.D. program consists of 50 credit hours of instruction. The remaining 40-42 credit hours constitute prerequisites that will be credited towards meeting the Epidemiology MPH requirements. For more information click on the link above.

Ph.D. in Health Systems and Services Research

The Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health offers a program of instruction leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Health Systems and Services Research. The program provides students with the theoretical and methodological foundations necessary to conduct creative and independent research on health systems, with the ultimate goal of identifying pathways to improved health system performance through evidence-based policy and management. The curriculum involves intensive and focused study in the theoretical perspectives and methodological strategies relevant to research on the organization, financing, and delivery of health services, including issues of quality, accessibility, efficiency, and equity within systems of care. Students will advanced skills in quantitative research methods, confidence in their teaching, and a high standard of scientific integrity and professionalism. Job opportunities exist in university-based and independent health services research centers, health policy institutes, foundations and philanthropic organizations, consulting firms, and professional and advocacy associations working at state and national levels. Research assistantships are available for qualified students that cover tuition and up to $25,000 a year in stipends. For more information click on the link above.

Ph.D. in Health Promotion and Prevention Research

The Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health (COPH) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Promotion and Prevention Research (HPPR). The degree is awarded by the UAMS Graduate School in recognition of scholarly achievement evidenced by a period of successful advanced study, the satisfactory completion of prescribed examinations, and the defense of a dissertation addressing a significant issue relevant to social and behavioral sciences in public health. The curriculum of the HPPR program provides extensive training in basic and applied research methodology that will allow public health scientists to serve as Principal Investigators responsible for developing an extramurally funded program of independent research. Integrated within the multidisciplinary environment of an academic health sciences center, the proposed Ph.D. program is uniquely positioned to advance the understanding of interactions among biological, behavioral and cultural processes that are associated with the etiology and prevention of major chronic illnesses that constitute a significant public health challenge in Arkansas. An advanced understanding of these complex interactions will expand the current knowledge base and foster the development and evaluation of new health care strategies and public health initiatives that subsequently can be implemented to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and communities throughout the state of Arkansas. A strong emphasis on applied and community-based research methods provides graduates with a solid foundation in the design and evaluation of public health service programs. This perspective will foster collaboration with public health practitioners in the development of programmatic research that is truly responsive to the health needs of Arkansas residents and makes optimal use of public health infrastructure in the state. For more information click on the link above.