BROWN UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The Ph.D. in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences at Brown University focuses on understanding and addressing the social, psychological, and behavioral factors that influence health and illness. Students engage in interdisciplinary research, collaborating across various departments and with community partners. The program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and methodological skills to identify risk factors for diseases, understand determinants of healthcare, and develop evidence-based interventions. The curriculum emphasizes original research, culminating in a dissertation. Brown University's School of Public Health provides a rich research environment with numerous centers and institutes focused on areas such as alcohol and addiction, health promotion, behavioral medicine, and international health. These resources offer doctoral students opportunities to explore diverse research topics.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences program?
- Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $71,700. This amount includes various university fees and the Student Health Insurance Plan.
- What are the academic and English language requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants generally need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. A master's degree in public health or a related field, completed quantitative coursework (calculus, statistics), and relevant research experience are preferred.
- How do I apply to the Ph.D. program?
- The application opens in mid-August and the deadline is November 15, 2025. You will need to submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a CV. Identifying and contacting potential faculty mentors in advance is highly recommended.
- What kind of careers can I pursue after completing this Ph.D. program?
- This program prepares graduates for careers in research, teaching, and as experts in public and private sectors.
- Does the university offer any English language support for international graduate students?
- Yes, the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning offers an English Language Pre-Orientation Program (ELP) in August for incoming international graduate students to help develop academic and social English skills.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeA master's degree in public health or a related behavioral or social science field (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, education, communication) is preferred for competitive applicants.
Quantitative CourseworkApplicants should have completed quantitative courses, such as undergraduate or graduate-level calculus and statistics or probability.
Research ExperienceRelevant research experience in public health is required.
TOEFL/IELTSRequired if applicable
A strong assessment of the fit between the applicant's intellectual and research interests and those of one or more faculty members is crucial. Applicants are highly encouraged to identify potential faculty mentors and correspond with them in advance. GRE scores are not required.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition for 2025-2026 is $71,700 per year. This includes Tuition, Undergraduate Student Activities Fee, Undergraduate Student Resources Fee, Student Recreation Fee, Health Services Fee, Academic Records Fee, and Student Health Insurance Plan.
Tuition (home)Not specified. All tuition and financial aid for Dual Degree students will be based on Brown rates for the duration of the program.
LivingEstimated Cost of Attendance (COA) includes tuition, fees, and living expenses. Specific living cost estimates are not provided separately.
Tuition and fees are billed per semester, except for the Student Health Insurance Plan which is billed annually. The provided tuition figures appear to be for undergraduate programs and may not reflect actual graduate tuition costs.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume/CV.
2. Identify Faculty MentorsResearch faculty members whose research interests align with yours and identify potential mentors. Advance correspondence with potential mentors is highly recommended.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application through the School of Public Health's admissions portal. Pay the application fee.
4. International Applicant RequirementsIf applicable, provide language proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS) and transcript evaluations.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences program?
+
Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $71,700. This amount includes various university fees and the Student Health Insurance Plan.
What are the academic and English language requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants generally need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. A master's degree in public health or a related field, completed quantitative coursework (calculus, statistics), and relevant research experience are preferred.
How do I apply to the Ph.D. program?
+
The application opens in mid-August and the deadline is November 15, 2025. You will need to submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a CV. Identifying and contacting potential faculty mentors in advance is highly recommended.
What kind of careers can I pursue after completing this Ph.D. program?
+
This program prepares graduates for careers in research, teaching, and as experts in public and private sectors.
Does the university offer any English language support for international graduate students?
+
Yes, the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning offers an English Language Pre-Orientation Program (ELP) in August for incoming international graduate students to help develop academic and social English skills.