Doctoral training in health promotion sciences is designed to produce independent researchers who can study the causes of health-related behaviors and can also design novel and effective interventions to prevent disease and promote health. We believe strongly in a mentorship model where close research collaboration between students and faculty, as well as coursework, produce independent researchers of national and international reputation. Toward that end, we keep student to faculty ratios low and foster ongoing collaboration between students and faculty from the beginning of their training until their successful completion of the doctoral degree. 

Program faculty comprise world leaders in health promotion and disease prevention research. They collectively bring a robust record of National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other funding, a wealth of scientific and administrative expertise, numerous successful ongoing funded research centers and projects, hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, and decades of experience in graduate training program development and operation. Their research and service focus on the needs of our Southern California communities and communities throughout the Pacific Rim, South Asia, Latin America, and Africa.