Program Details

Start Date Fall
Duration 4-6 Years (typically 4-5 years for full-time students)
Tuition Tuition for PhD students is typically covered by funding packages. For reference, estimated annual tuition (2023-2024) is approximately $34,000 for Michigan residents and $56,000 for non-residents, excluding fees and living expenses. Most admitted PhD students receive comprehensive funding.
Format On-campus
Credits Minimum of 60 credits post-baccalaureate, including coursework and dissertation

Program Statistics

Acceptance Rate Not publicly available. Admission to PhD programs is highly competitive.%
Employment Rate Graduates pursue careers in academia (professors, researchers), government agencies (e.g., CDC, NIH), research institutions, and non-profit organizations, leading health behavior research and intervention development. Specific rates are not publicly disclosed.%

The PhD in Health Behavior and Health Education (HBHE) at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is a distinguished, research-intensive program designed to cultivate future leaders in public health. Students engage in rigorous training grounded in social and behavioral sciences, focusing on the theoretical underpinnings of health behavior, the multi-level determinants of health, and the development of effective, evidence-based interventions. The program fosters critical thinking and advanced analytical skills, preparing graduates to address complex public health challenges through innovative research and practice.

This doctoral program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from various fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of health promotion and disease prevention. Through a combination of advanced coursework, mentored research experiences, and a culminating dissertation, students develop the capacity to design, implement, and evaluate public health programs and policies. Graduates are well-prepared for impactful careers in academia, government agencies, research institutions, and non-profit organizations, contributing significantly to the advancement of public health knowledge and practice.

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Curriculum

The PhD curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in health behavior theory, research methods, and statistical analysis, culminating in original dissertation research. The program typically involves:

  • Core Coursework: Advanced courses in health behavior theories, research design, epidemiology, biostatistics, and qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
  • Electives: Students select elective courses to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of interest, such as health communication, social determinants of health, intervention science, or specific health topics.
  • Preliminary Examination: A comprehensive examination typically taken after completing core coursework, assessing the student's mastery of the field's foundational knowledge.
  • Dissertation Proposal: Development and defense of a detailed research proposal outlining the student's original dissertation project.
  • Dissertation Research: Independent research conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor, contributing new knowledge to the field.
  • Dissertation Defense: Oral defense of the completed dissertation before a committee of faculty members.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for teaching, grant writing, conference presentations, and publications.

The program typically requires a minimum of 60 credits beyond a bachelor's degree, including a significant portion dedicated to dissertation research.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the PhD in Health Behavior and Health Education program must demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to public health research. Key requirements include:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; a master's degree in public health or a related field is preferred.
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • A Statement of Purpose outlining academic and research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing doctoral study in HBHE at UMich.
  • A Personal Statement addressing how personal experiences have shaped the applicant's interest in public health.
  • A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume detailing academic history, work experience, research activities, publications, and relevant skills.
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic abilities and research potential, preferably from faculty members.
  • A writing sample (e.g., a research paper, thesis chapter, or publication) demonstrating scholarly writing and analytical skills.
  • English Language Proficiency for international applicants, typically demonstrated through TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless eligible for an exemption.
  • GRE scores are NOT required for admission to this program.

Application Process

Prospective students apply to the PhD in Health Behavior and Health Education program through the University of Michigan's Rackham Graduate School application portal. The application process generally includes the following steps:

  1. Complete the online application form via the Rackham Graduate School portal.
  2. Upload all required supporting documents, including official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, your Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement, CV/Resume, and writing sample.
  3. Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted directly by your recommenders through the online system.
  4. Submit English Language Proficiency scores (TOEFL or IELTS) if required for international applicants.
  5. Pay the non-refundable application fee ($75 for U.S. applicants, $90 for international applicants). Fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants.
  6. Selected candidates may be invited for an interview with faculty members, which is an important part of the admissions decision.

It is highly recommended to review the specific application instructions and deadlines on the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Rackham Graduate School websites well in advance of the application period.

Application Fee: $75 (U.S. applicants), $90 (International applicants)

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