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The PhD degree requires a significant program of study and research that qualifies the recipient to work independently and contribute to the advancement of the field of knowledge. Thus, the emphasis is on mastery of the field and particularly on the acquisition of research skills as a basis for original work.
Residency Requirement
In addition to the overall credit requirement, doctoral students must fulfill the following residence requirements after the master’s degree has been earned or after the first 30 credit hours of graduate credit have been completed (for more information visit the Graduate School's page on this topic):
- A minimum of 24 graduate credit hours required for the PhD must be completed at this University
- A minimum of two consecutive pre-candidacy semesters or one semester and a summer session with full time enrollment must be completed while in residence at this University
- A minimum of six graduate credit hours over a period of at least two semesters or one semester and a summer session must be completed after admission to candidacy.
Course Requirements
Each PhD student must have a specialization (“major”) that is drawn primarily from one of the core areas of the College. While the definition of the major field may be responsive to individual interests, it is the responsibility of the division and the student’s Advisory Committee to ensure that the student has an adequate grounding in the representative content of the field. In addition, the student is required to show expertise in the research methods appropriate for the major field chosen and to select a supporting minor field. Fields of specialization may create standardized curriculum requirements to meet the expectations of the discipline or may permit more discretion by the Advisory Committee.
The PhD in Public Health can be pursued in any of the following areas within the College of Public Health:
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International graduates of this major's Epidemiology specializations, are approved by the Department of Homeland Security for three (3) years of work permission in the United States after graduation. Visit the Office of International Affairs website for more information.