BOSTON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Community Health Sciences
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 4 yearsAverage program duration for full-time students
- 44 creditsTotal credits required, including 8 elective credits
- Fully fundedAll admitted full-time students receive funding (stipend, tuition, fees, health insurance)
- Community-engaged research focusEmphasis on partnerships with communities and organizations
- Social justice perspectiveIntegrates a commitment to health equity in research
- 4-5 studentsExpected annual cohort size
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Community Health Sciences program at Boston University is designed to prepare you to become an independent, innovative, and productive research scientist. The curriculum emphasizes social and behavioral science theories and methods, community-engaged research, and social justice, with the goal of training the next generation of community health scholars. This doctoral program integrates advanced methodological training with a social justice perspective and a focus on collaborations with community members and organizations to ensure research is rigorous, impactful, and equitable. The program aligns with Boston University’s strategic priorities by offering a high-quality residential education, fostering research that addresses complex public health challenges, and promoting social justice through scholarship. Graduates will be equipped to analyze the social and behavioral determinants of health, develop theoretically informed research questions, apply diverse research methods, and communicate findings effectively to various audiences.
Curriculum
The program requires students to complete 44 credits, with at least 36 credits taken at the Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH). Students will engage in required core courses, elective courses for specialized training, departmental seminars, and training in the ethical conduct of research. The curriculum is structured to provide breadth in key theoretical frameworks and methodologies, as well as specialized skills. Students must also complete a two-step qualifying process and orally defend a dissertation that advances health equity.
- Year 1-4
- Social Justice in Action: Theories and Methods for Community Health SciencesSPHSB 855
- Community-Based Participatory Research: Theory and MethodsSPHPH 803
- Community-Engaged Research for Social JusticeSPHSB 865
- Social EpidemiologySPHEP 775
- Qualitative Research MethodsSPHSB 818
- Implementation Science: Linking Research to PracticeSPHPM 839
- Introduction to Statistical Applications in RSPHBS 730
- Data Science and Statistical Modeling in RSPHBS 845
- Grant Writing for Doctoral Students ISPHPH 885
- Grant Writing for Doctoral Students IISPHPH 886
- Pedagogy and Curriculum DevelopmentSPHPH 895
- Mentored Teaching PracticumSPHPH 896
- Foundations of Public HealthSPHPH 700
- Continuing Study in Community Health SciencesSPHSB 980
- Electives8 credits
- Doctoral Seminar
- Proseminar
- Doctoral Dissertation
Careers
Graduates of the PhD in Community Health Sciences program are well-prepared for academic, research, public health practice, and policy careers. The program equips students with expertise in community-engaged research and social justice-focused scholarship.
- Academic positions (Professor, Researcher)
- Research Scientist
- Public Health Practitioner
- Policy Analyst
Frequently asked questions
- Is the PhD in Community Health Sciences program fully funded for international students?
- Yes, the program is fully funded for all admitted full-time students. This funding covers tuition, mandatory fees, and individual basic health insurance, along with a monthly stipend.
- What are the minimum academic requirements for admission?
- Applicants need a Master's degree in public health or a related discipline. A graduate-level Biostatistics course and a graduate-level Epidemiology course, both with a grade of B or better, are also required.
- What is the duration of the PhD program?
- The average program duration for full-time students is 4 years. Students are required to complete 44 credits.
- What are the career prospects for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for academic positions, research scientist roles, public health practice, and policy analysis. The program emphasizes community-engaged research and social justice-focused scholarship.
- When should I apply for the PhD in Community Health Sciences program?
- Application review begins after November 1st. Competitive applicants will be invited for virtual interviews in January and potentially a second round of interviews by early February.
Entry requirements
Master's degreeIn public health or a related discipline (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work).
Graduate-level Biostatistics courseMinimum of one course with a grade of B or better, completed prior to February of the year of matriculation.
Graduate-level Epidemiology courseMinimum of one course with a grade of B or better, completed prior to February of the year of matriculation.
At least 1-2 years of research or applied experience in a public health or related setting is strongly encouraged. Applicants should demonstrate strong analytic skills, written and oral communication skills, research experience, and a commitment to community health and health equity. A good fit with current departmental research projects is also considered.
Fees
Tuition (international)The program is fully funded for all admitted full-time students, covering tuition, mandatory fees, and individual basic health insurance.
Tuition (home)The program is fully funded for all admitted full-time students, covering tuition, mandatory fees, and individual basic health insurance.
LivingA monthly stipend is provided as part of the funding package.
Funding is provided in the form of fellowship or assistantship support for four years.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application, including required essays and supporting documents.
2. Statement of PurposeClearly articulate your research interests, including specific faculty members or projects you are interested in working with.
3. List of Faculty InterestsUtilize the designated space on the application to list faculty members you are interested in working with.
4. Virtual InterviewsCompetitive applicants will be invited for virtual interviews in January.
5. Second Round InterviewsSelected candidates will participate in a second round of virtual interviews with departmental faculty by early February.
Scholarships
PhD Program FundingCovers tuition, mandatory fees, and individual basic health insurance, plus a monthly stipend.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PhD in Community Health Sciences program fully funded for international students?
+
Yes, the program is fully funded for all admitted full-time students. This funding covers tuition, mandatory fees, and individual basic health insurance, along with a monthly stipend.
What are the minimum academic requirements for admission?
+
Applicants need a Master's degree in public health or a related discipline. A graduate-level Biostatistics course and a graduate-level Epidemiology course, both with a grade of B or better, are also required.
What is the duration of the PhD program?
+
The average program duration for full-time students is 4 years. Students are required to complete 44 credits.
What are the career prospects for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for academic positions, research scientist roles, public health practice, and policy analysis. The program emphasizes community-engaged research and social justice-focused scholarship.
When should I apply for the PhD in Community Health Sciences program?
+
Application review begins after November 1st. Competitive applicants will be invited for virtual interviews in January and potentially a second round of interviews by early February.