PhD Public Health (Health Behavior) (Joint with San Diego State University) at University of California, San Diego

Programme overview

PhD in public health with a concentration in health behavior, offered jointly by the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego and the School of Public Health at San Diego State University. Students complete coursework and research at both institutions, with faculty from each campus on advisory and dissertation committees. Emphasis is on mastery of the central concepts and analytic processes of health behavior.

Faculty: Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science | Department: Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health | Duration: First year of coursework at SDSU and second year at UC San Diego; advancement to candidacy in year 3; applicants entering with a master's degree are expected to graduate by the end of year 5 | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: La Jolla, CA, United States

What you will study

Graduates are expected to gain advanced skills in applied behavioral analysis for population application, advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, interventions for health behavior in disenfranchised populations, and health policy change. Areas of specialization include physical activity, tobacco control, skin-cancer prevention, nutrition and obesity, and HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis prevention.

Career pathways

Graduates are competitive for research, teaching and community service positions in academic institutions, health departments, federal and international agencies, and research institutions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Classified graduate standing at both UC San Diego and SDSU: an acceptable baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent, a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted, and good standing at the last institution attended. Preference is given to applicants with an MPH or MS in public health, and applicants are expected to have a strong grounding in quantitative, behavioral and biological sciences. Statement of purpose, transcripts, CV or resume and three letters of recommendation are required; GRE scores are not required; applications are submitted to SOPHAS, Cal State Apply (SDSU) and UC San Diego. Fall admission only.

Intake: Fall

Duration: First year of coursework at SDSU and second year at UC San Diego; advancement to candidacy in year 3

Apply through the official page: https://ph.ucsd.edu/phd/jdp/admissions/index.html

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences