Academic Program

The PhD Program in Health Promotion Sciences is an academic degree program designed to prepare students for research positions in the areas of preventive medicine, public health, behavioral epidemiology, and policy research. The goal is to train independent researchers in the field of health promotion sciences who will be prepared to conduct etiological research on the causes of health-related behavior and who will be equipped to fashion and evaluate effective intervention strategies to prevent and manage disease.

 

Degree Requirements

The program requires 72 units, consisting of 18 courses. Students complete 36 units of core courses, 16 units of directed research, a minimum of 16 units of elective coursework that constitute a concentration,  and four dissertation units. Students may select one of ten established concentrations or construct one of their choosing in collaboration with the Program Director. Students will undergo a qualifying exam, dissertation and defense.

 

Core Courses                                                                                                                                                    

CGH 300  Theoretical Foundations of Health Promotion & Education (4 units)

CGH 301  Biostatistics (4 units)  

CGH 302  Epidemiology (4 units)

CGH 313  Research Methods (4 units)                                    

CGH 400  Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Health Promotion & Education (4 units)                                

CGH 401  Advanced Statistical Methods (4 units)                                                                              

CGH 402  Advanced Research Methods (4 units)                                                                               

CGH 403  Manuscript Development (4 units)                                                                                      

CGH 404  Capstone in Health Promotion Sciences (4 units)

                                                                 

Research Courses

CGH 490 Directed Research  (1-4 units)

CGH 495 Dissertation Research (4 units)

CGH 499 Doctoral Study                                                                                               

 

Research Tools. In lieu of a specific language requirement, demonstrative proficiency in two research tools tailored to individual needs is required. Research tools in health promotion include statistics, computer programming, statistical programming applications, survey research, evaluation research, neurocognitive assessment, and physical activity/dietary assessment. The selection of research tools is part of each student’s advisement plan. Students should plan to complete the requirement within the first three years of study. 

Annual Reviews. Annual reviews of doctoral students occur at the end of each spring semester. The review is a constructive process in which students receive feedback on their progress in the program. Career goals and avenues of development are also discussed. The review is attended by the doctoral program director and at least two faculty members familiar with the student’s course work or research activities.  At the time of the review, the student submits a portfolio which includes a current vita, list of courses and grades received, and statements of accomplishments and goals for the upcoming academic year.

Qualifying Examination. The oral and written examination centers around the dissertation proposal and assesses the depth and breadth of a student’s knowledge and aptitude in approaching and solving fundamental research issues in health promotion. Student must pass this exam before they are considered a PhD candidate and prior to enrollment in doctoral dissertation units.

Dissertation. Each candidate must submit acceptable dissertation research conducted with the approval of an advisory committee and must take an oral examination upon the dissertation.

 

Other Degree Requirements

Transdisciplinary Course. All doctoral students are required to complete the transdisciplinary course requirement usually during the second year of coursework. For details on the requirement, see the “Doctor of Philosophy Degree” section in this Bulletin.

Residence Requirement and Time Requirement/Limit. Consult the “Degree Regulations” section of this Bulletin under “Doctor of Philosophy Degree” for institutional requirements.