Ph.D. Behavioral and Community Sciences at University of South Florida

Programme overview

The interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Behavioral and Community Sciences focuses on research and policy in behavioral health, including the development and evaluation of services and interventions that promote resiliency and social well-being for at-risk populations in community settings. Research areas include substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, child and adolescent behavioral health, behavioral health and the justice system, disparities, positive behavior support, and disability and rehabilitation.

What you will study

9 core hours (community-based research and evaluation, evidence-based practice, policy and system change), 6 hours of proseminar and professional writing, 6 hours of research/statistics foundations, 12 hours of advanced research courses, 18 didactic hours, 9 specialization hours, 18 directed research hours, a qualifying exam based on a grant proposal, and 12 dissertation hours (three-article format).

Career pathways

Academic institutions, research centers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, health care facilities and private companies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Must meet USF graduate admission and English proficiency requirements. Apply by December 15 for fall to be fully considered for financial assistance. Bachelor's GPA of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale in a related field (behavioral healthcare, human services, human development, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, public health, social work, counseling, education). GRE with preferred minimums of Verbal 150, Quantitative 147 and Analytical Writing 4.0 (not required for those with a master's degree, though encouraged). Applicants not meeting minimums may be admitted on other strengths. Sole-authored writing sample, 2-3 page personal goal statement and two formal letters of recommendation. Master's coursework is evaluated toward the 90 hours.

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.

Doctoral admission is offered for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Final university deadlines for doctoral programmes: February 15 for Fall, October 15 for Spring, February 15 for Summer. Programme-specific priority deadlines apply for funding and consideration.

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