PhD Community Health Education at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Programme overview

A PhD preparing students for teaching and research positions in academia and leadership in health agencies, focused on health inequities faced by marginalised and vulnerable populations, using multimodal methods such as digital storytelling and participatory action research.

Faculty: School of Public Health and Health Sciences | Department: Health Promotion and Policy | Intake: Fall (priority deadline December 1, 2026; final February 1, 2027) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Amherst, MA, United States

What you will study

Three to five major concentration courses (9-15 credits), three to five minor concentration courses (9-15 credits), three to five research methods courses (9-15 credits), two doctoral seminars (6 credits) and a dissertation (10-18 credits).

Career pathways

Teaching and research positions in academic institutions and leadership positions in health and health-related agencies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Community Health Education graduate programs: two-step process (SOPHAS application by February 1, then UMass supplemental application by March 1; Fall admission only). US bachelor's degree or international equivalent by the start of the program; successful applicants typically have at least a 3.0/4.0 GPA; no specific undergraduate courses required, though familiarity with social scientific theories helps; responses to short essay questions for PhD applicants; minimum of three letters of recommendation; resume/CV. GRE scores are not required and are not considered. International applicants typically have a TOEFL score of 5 (100 for tests taken before January 2026) or higher, or equivalent on other approved tests.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Fall (priority deadline December 1, 2026; final February 1, 2027)

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