Health Sciences (Ph.D.)

Prepare yourself for a clinical or research career in health care and academia.

Overhead view of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences lobby

The demand for health science experts has never been greater. Our program is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in research, academia and industry, with concentrations in communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, nursing and social work. You’ll graduate ready to fill these critical leadership roles — and to lead the future of health sciences.

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Programs Offered

Doctor of Philosophy

Sample Courses

Philosophy of Science
Intermediate/Advanced Statistics
Grant Writing
Scoping Review

View Courses & Degree Requirements

Special Admission Requirements

Learn about specific program admission requirements at our Ph.D. in Health Sciences page.

Our Faculty

You’ll be paired with a major advisor who will be your research mentor and guide the types of emphasis courses completed for your program of study. Our faculty include leaders in communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, nursing and social work.

What Sets Us Apart

Solving A National Shortage
To meet the demand for faculty and clinical research scientists, our Ph.D. in health sciences focuses on specific areas. Our program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry and provides students with a strong knowledge basis of statistical analysis tools that allow for a multitude of various research designs and for different population groups. By taking a personalized and collaborative approach, we’re equipping the next generation of faculty and researchers to work across disciplines and meet tomorrow’s health care challenges head-on.

Career Prospects

Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

With a Ph.D. in Health Sciences, you’ll be prepared for a career in research or policy, equipped to work in a range of laboratory and classroom settings. Become part of innovative solutions to tomorrow’s problems and educate the next generation of scholars and practitioners.