The PhD in Community Health Sciences is designed to equip students with the advanced
knowledge and skills needed to address complex health issues within communities. By
integrating research, theory and practice, our curriculum prepares graduates to become
leaders in public health, policy development and health promotion. Students will engage
in interdisciplinary learning experiences, benefit from mentorship by leading experts
in the field and have opportunities to contribute to impactful research projects that
improve community health outcomes.
The program requires 60-credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree:
Community Health Core – 15 credit hours
Statistics and Research Methods Core – 12 credit hours
Community Health Electives – 9 credit hours
Cognate Area – 9 credit hours
Independent Research – 15 credit hours
Research and Faculty
Our mission is to advance the health and well-being of communities through rigorous
research, innovative education and collaborative partnerships. You will have the opportunity
to participate in faculty-led research within the areas of disease prevention, behavioral
interventions, physical activity promotion, overall wellness and public health.
Faculty research expertise:
Health communication and health literacy
Development, evaluation and dissemination of physical activity intervention
HIV interventions in high-risk, African American men
Psychological factors associated with exercise adherence
Applications to the program are accepted on a rolling basis. Students are strongly
encouraged to apply no later than six weeks prior to the start of the semester.
To apply to the Community Health Sciences PhD program, submit the following:
Transcripts from all previously attended institutions (3.5 minimum graduate GPA required)
Current resume/vita
Three letters of recommendation
Professional goal statement (approximately two pages, double-spaced)
Professional writing sample (scholarly paper, thesis, report or other publication
within the last 10 years)
*If you have not completed a master’s degree prior to admission, you must complete
all master’s-level prerequisites in addition to the doctoral requirements.
Cost & Assistance
Full-time students may be eligible for graduate assistantships in the School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology,
either as a Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA) or a Graduate Research Associate (GRA).
These positions are highly competitive and typically awarded in the spring semester.
Those granted assistantships are eligible to receive a tuition waiver, health insurance
and stipend. Please contact hohan@okstate.edu for more information.