PhD in Health Promotion and Prevention Research Program Competencies

• Apply knowledge of major risk factors for morbidity and mortality to analyze causal influences and health disparities in specific population segments.
• Appraise key issues associated with racial/ethnic health disparities as they pertain to the design of studies examining the efficacy, effectiveness, and dissemination of culturally appropriate interventions to address these disparities.
• Appraise knowledge of gaps in health promotion and prevention research and formulate focused research questions to address these gaps.
• Coordinate and/or integrate input provided by interdisciplinary teams.
• Design and conduct methodologically sound research testing the efficacy and/or effectiveness of theory-based and evidence-based interventions to promote health and/or prevent disease.
• Design and implement health promotion and prevention research that incorporates knowledge or pertinent cultural, social, behavioral, and biological factors at multiple levels of the ecological model.
• Design procedures to assure the protection of human subjects and ethical conduct of research.
• Develop and implement theory-based and evidence-based interventions designed to promote health and/or prevent disease.
• Effectively summarize research methods and interpret findings in oral and written communication for diverse scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Examine the relative strength and limitations of major theories and concepts that are utilized in educational and behavioral approaches to health promotion and disease prevention.
• Review, critique, and prepare grant applications in accordance with guidelines for peer review established by relevant government agencies and private foundations.