Public Health P.h.D.

Program Overview

The Public Health Doctorate (PhD) Program in the College of Health Sciences prepares public health professionals in practice, research, and life-long learning; to preserve and promote the health of local, state, regional, national, and international populations through a focus on cultural competency and health disparities. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is an advanced professional degree for public health that prepares researchers at the doctoral level, which focuses on cultural humility and reduction of health disparities. This program examines public health issues through a holistic approach using cultural competency frameworks.  

This program is designed for those that have already completed an accredited MPH program or related health master’s degree. The PhD in Public Health program is offered on-ground, on-campus, traditional format. The program is designed for full-time and part-time students, including early and mid-career working professionals. 

Program Goals

The program-specific goals of the PhD in Public Health are to prepare students: 

1. To identify factors contributing to health disparities, with a special focus on the influence of culture on health. 

2. To conduct research to address health disparities, including program development and evaluation using cultural competency frameworks. 

3. For research careers and leadership roles in academia, government agencies, research institutes, consulting firms, and industry. 

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the Public Health Doctorate (PhD) Program, the following requirements must be fulfilled:  

1. Have an MPH or related master’s degree 

2. Overall GPA at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) 

3. Official transcripts from all institutions attended, including TSU 

4. Personal Statement (Two parts) 

5. Statement of Purpose and Objectives (max. 1500 words) 

6. Research Statement (max. 500 words) 

7. Resume or CV 

8. GRE (TSU code: 1803) 

9. Three (3) letters of recommendation 

10. An interview with the PhD Admissions Committee may be necessary 

11. Proof of immunization will be required, if admitted to the program 

12. Refer to the program website for more detailed information 

Program Duration

The PhD in Public Health program can be completed in four years for full-time students.  

Program of Study and Credit Hours Required:  

The PhD in Public Health program is a 72-credit hour program, with a required dissertation. 

Degree Requirements 

The students will complete a minimum of 72 hours and successfully fulfill all dissertation requirements for the Ph.D. in Public Health (CIP 51.2201). The students will complete: 

• 18 hours of Core Courses in the five core areas of public health;  

• 12 hours - 15 hours of research methods;  

• 12 hours of Public Health Sciences focused courses for the concentration;  

• 18 hours of electives that align with their research focus; 

• at least 12 hours of dissertation hours; and 

• the dissertation requirements, including but not limited to a qualifying examination, dissertation proposal, dissertation defense, and dissertation submission.  

Accreditation Information

Accredited by CEPH 

Career Opportunities 

• Academia (e.g., instructor, assistant professor) 

• Post-doc researcher 

• Health promotion officer 

• Program director 

• Policy analyst 

• Epidemiologist 

• Biostatistician 

• Public Health (Disease) surveillance 

• Grant proposal writer 

• Health research scientist 

Important Dates  

• Priority Deadline: December 1st 

• Final Deadline:  

• International Students: March 1st 

• Domestic Students: April 1st 

Program Website  

              https://www.tnstate.edu/phas/public_health.aspx 

Program Coordinator/Contact Information

Miranda Sanford-Terry 

msanfor2@tnstate.edu 

615-963-7367