The PhD program in Health Promotion Sciences trains well-rounded researchers and scholars in the theory and method of prevention research. Our students examine health-related behavior to create novel, effective interventions for disease prevention and health promotion.
In this unique degree program, you not only study the causes of health-related behaviors, you also design effective interventions to prevent disease and promote health. The well-rounded training encompasses theory and methods from the allied fields of communications, psychology, preventive medicine, cultural studies, biostatistics, public health and epidemiology. A low student-faculty ratio and a commitment to teaching at the highest level foster a highly collaborative learning and research environment in which you play a central role. You will work with faculty who are world leaders in health promotion and disease prevention research; they will mentor you from the start of your training until the successful completion of your doctoral degree. Because they bring a robust record of scholarly activity and experience—from being funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other well-known agencies to publishing in hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and running countless research centers—you will gain firsthand knowledge and insight into the life of a research scientist. This substantial education prepares you to become a public health scholar and expert.
Program Highlights
- Proximity to local health departments in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties provides employment and educational opportunities for students.
- The SCGH Student Association provides opportunities for leadership and impact through intellectual, social and cultural contributions that meet the needs of public health students through community service, dialogue, and special events.
- Classroom discussion and projects use the latest technologies to enhance learning and presentation skills, including in-class multimedia lectures and demonstrations.
- You can pursue the PhD in Health Promotion Sciences in conjunction with another degree program, such as an MA in Economics. You earn a diploma for each degree, and unit sharing across programs decreases your required total units.