Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Interdisciplinary Health, Doctor of Philosophy


Academic Information

The Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Interdisciplinary Health (IH) brings together students and faculty with specialties in several disciplines within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) and the College of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide students with health related curriculum and opportunities in health-related research with an interdisciplinary focus. The research and curricular topics address important questions and issues related to health equity, disability, and psychosocial health.

IH students engage in interdisciplinary health-related research of the highest quality. The goal of the research is to integrate theoretical and/or applied perspectives to inform, aid, and improve knowledge, application, and assessment of health-related research.

Graduates from our doctoral program will be highly knowledgeable and qualified researchers, educators and leaders for interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of health equity, disability, and psychosocial health.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Interdisciplinary Health, Doctor of Philosophy


Careers

What Can I Do with a Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Health?

An interdisciplinary health PhD prepares students for at least three career paths. First, there are opportunities in academic research and instruction where mastery of multiple disciplines is especially valuable. Health specialties instructors are the fastest-growing segment of the postsecondary teaching market, with employment expected to increase 36 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Academic positions for individuals with expertise in interdisciplinary health are in demand at universities, academic medical centers, and biomedical research facilities in departments of public health, medicine, health sciences, and health psychology.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Academic opportunities at colleges and universities
  • Non-academic research opportunities:
    • Environmental Protection Agency
    • National Institutes of Health
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Private industry and philanthropic foundations
    • American Cancer Society
    • American Heart Associate
    • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Health care, public health, and community support service sectors
    • Municipal, state, tribal, and federal agencies
    • Non-profit organizations
    • International organizations, ministries of health

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Interdisciplinary Health, Doctor of Philosophy


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Interdisciplinary Health, Doctor of Philosophy


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion 60
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Dissertation

Dissertation is required.

Comprehensive Exam Comprehensive Exam is required.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Research Individualized research is required.

Purpose Statement

Solutions to health-related issues are found at the intersection of the health and social sciences. The Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Health (IH PhD) provides students with foundational skills in four core courses that cover 1) health and social science theory and application to health, 2) an overview of interdisciplinary health-related research methods, and 3) grant-writing skills. The degree program also requires three additional courses in methodology/statistics, three specialized courses related to one’s area of research specialization, two elective courses, and original and independent research. Graduates from this degree are trained for professional roles that address complex state, tribal, regional, national, and international health issues. Through coursework and research experience (including dissertation research), students work with faculty with expertise in one or more of the following areas: health equity, disability, psychosocial health. The IH PhD program's rigorous training in health theory, application, methodology, and scholarship prepares graduates for successful careers as health researchers, advocates, and educators.

Student Learning Outcomes

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Interdisciplinary Health, Doctor of Philosophy


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Doctoral Requirements
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Interdisciplinary Health, Doctor of Philosophy


Campus Availability

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