Program Details

Start Date Fall
Duration 4-5 Years
Tuition Fully funded (tuition, health insurance, stipend) for up to 5 years for students in good standing.
Format On-campus
Credits <p>The program involves a comprehensive curriculum spanning core coursework in health services research, epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, and policy. Students also complete specialized elective courses tailored to their research interests. The program culminates in a qualifying examination and the completion and defense of an original dissertation.</p>

Program Statistics

Acceptance Rate Not publicly available%
Employment Rate Graduates pursue careers in academia (research faculty), government agencies (e.g., AHRQ, NIH, CDC), non-profit research organizations, and healthcare systems, conducting research, evaluating programs, and informing policy.%

The PhD in Health Services Research & Policy at the University of Rochester is an intensive, interdisciplinary program designed to train future leaders in the field. Housed within the Department of Public Health Sciences at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, the program equips students with advanced research skills, methodological expertise, and a deep understanding of health systems and policy. Graduates are prepared to conduct rigorous, independent research that informs healthcare delivery, improves population health outcomes, and shapes health policy.

This doctoral program emphasizes a strong foundation in quantitative methods, including biostatistics, epidemiology, and health economics, alongside specialized training in health services research and policy analysis. Students benefit from close mentorship by faculty engaged in cutting-edge research, access to rich clinical and administrative data, and opportunities to collaborate on ongoing projects within the University of Rochester Medical Center and its affiliated institutions. The curriculum integrates coursework, comprehensive examinations, and a culminating dissertation, fostering the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for impactful careers.

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Curriculum

The curriculum for the PhD in Health Services Research & Policy is structured to provide a robust foundation and specialized expertise. It typically includes:

  • Core Courses: Foundational coursework in areas such as advanced biostatistics, epidemiology, health economics, health policy, research methods, and grant writing.
  • Electives: Students select elective courses to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of health services research, guided by their faculty mentor.
  • Qualifying Examination: A comprehensive written and oral examination typically taken after the completion of core coursework, assessing the student's mastery of the field.
  • Dissertation Research: Extensive independent research culminating in an original dissertation that makes a significant contribution to health services research and policy.
  • Dissertation Defense: A final oral defense of the dissertation before a committee.
  • Seminars and Professional Development: Participation in departmental seminars, research-in-progress meetings, and professional development workshops to enhance presentation, writing, and networking skills.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the PhD in Health Services Research & Policy program must submit the following:

  • A completed online application form.
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and/or research abilities.
  • A statement of purpose outlining academic background, research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing this specific PhD program.
  • A current curriculum vitae or resume.
  • GRE scores are encouraged but not required for admission.
  • For international applicants whose native language is not English, official TOEFL or IELTS scores are required, unless they have completed a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

Application Process

The application process for the PhD in Health Services Research & Policy program involves several steps:

  1. Online Application: Complete and submit the online application form through the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry's Graduate Education admissions portal.
  2. Document Submission: Upload all required supporting documents, including official transcripts, statement of purpose, and CV/resume directly to the application portal.
  3. Letters of Recommendation: Ensure that your designated recommenders submit their letters directly through the online system by the application deadline.
  4. Test Scores: Arrange for official GRE scores (if submitting) and TOEFL/IELTS scores (if required for international applicants) to be sent directly to the University of Rochester.
  5. Review and Interview: Applications are reviewed by the admissions committee. Highly qualified candidates may be invited for an interview, typically held virtually, to discuss their research interests and suitability for the program.
  6. Decision Notification: Admission decisions are generally communicated by March for Fall matriculation.

Application Fee: $60

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Interested in this program? Use the form below to request more information or start your application.

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