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.
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.
To receive a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, from one or more disciplines, ranging from at least 60 - 109 units of graduate-level courses. Most plans require research, a dissertation, and comprehensive exams. All plans have residency requirements regarding time spent on the Flagstaff campus engaged in full-time study.
The full policy can be viewed here.
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
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Doctoral degree requires 60 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 60 units:
Doctoral Requirements
Research Requirements (21 units)
Transfer Credits : With approval from IH PhD steering committee, a maximum total of 12 units of prior graduate-level coursework can be applied to the IH PhD program coursework requirements. The number of units that can be applied to each requirement area is limited: Analytic skills (no more than 6 of 9 required units), Specialization/Area courses (no more than 6 of 12 units), or Electives (no more than 6 units).
Course Prerequisites: Students should be aware some SBS/HHS graduate courses have prerequisites that must be completed prior to enrollment.
Comprehensive Exam (P/F)
Students must demonstrate competence in content in core courses and in area of program focus, and demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in English. The timing of the comprehensive exam can occur after the 4th semester but no later than the 8th semester of the program.
Research Competency Requirement
Research competency must be demonstrated. For the IH PhD degree, this competency is demonstrated through successful completion of IH 601 (3 units); IH 685 (6 units), and the Analytical Skills requirements (9 units). This totals 18 units.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.