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Health Sciences

Prepare yourself for a research and teaching career in the health care industry and academia.

 Overhead view of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences lobby

A significant shortage of health sciences professors and scientific leaders exists to fill important positions. To meet this need, our Ph.D. focuses on specific areas of health sciences in one of two tracks: physical health sciences and social health sciences.

Our physical health sciences track focuses on issues in the fields of communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, nurse anesthesia and nursing.

The social health sciences track focuses on psychosocial issues in communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, nurse anesthesia, nursing and social work.

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Programs Offered


Sample Courses


  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Systems Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Quality of Life
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 guide the types of emphasis courses you complete based on your program of study. You’ll also select a research mentor, either at the beginning of the program or as soon as you identify your research interest area. Our faculty include leaders in communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, nurse anesthesia, 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 in one of two tracks: physical health sciences and social health sciences. 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


About one in every four new jobs added to the economy between 2014 and 2024 are related to health care, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections. 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.