School of Public Health and Tropical MedicineHome /Departments /Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences /Programs /PhD in Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences
The purpose of the PhD program in Global Community Health and Behavioral Science is to produce experts who will advance the field of global community health through research, development and application of theory, and teaching. The PhD is a highly specialized academic program, integrating theory and research in a focused substantive area of global importance. The GCHB PhD program has a strong theoretical base, is focused on health promotion and behavior change research, and emphasizes the social determinants of health, biostatistics, epidemiology, qualitative methods and research methods. A focus on health disparities and cultural competence are common themes throughout the coursework.
Applicants must meet the school's admission requirements for entrance into Doctoral programs at SPHTM.
Applicants to the PhD program must have completed a master’s degree in a related field with an outstanding academic record. Applicants are interviewed by faculty members during the admission review. Acceptance will also depend on the capacity of faculty mentors to mentor additional doctoral students.
Complete applications must be received by the priority deadline of December 1 to be considered for fellowships and other student funding. To be considered for admission to GCHB doctoral programs without funding, the completed application must be received by January 15.
A complete application includes all required documentation --career statements, letters of recommendation and verified transcripts and GRE scores. We recommend applications and required documentation be submitted in sufficient time for SOPHAS to receive and verify transcripts and GRE scores to meet the respective deadlines.
The PhD program requires a minimum of 72 post-baccalaureate degree credits with at least 30 credits of doctoral study at Tulane SPHTM. Up to 42 credits may be applied from the MPH or equivalent master’s degree. These credits will be reviewed and those that do not fulfill the PhD competencies may not be accepted. If a prerequisite course or equivalent has not been fulfilled, the student must take the course in addition to the 30 credits of advanced doctoral study, but may count toward the total 72 credits.
The advisor works with the students in identifying the course of study in the doctoral program. If the doctoral student does not have a prior public health degree, they must obtain a grounding in public health. See Doctoral Student Handbook.
Prerequisite Coursework: (from prior master’s degree )
Advanced Doctoral Study (at least 30 credits)
Elective Courses (11 credits)
Selected from courses offered within the department, school, or university in consultation with an academic advisor. Additional credits may be needed to obtain a total of 72 credits.
Research Ethics
Students are required to take online research ethics training via CITI or another equivalent training program in research ethics. This certification must remain current throughout the program duration.
Comprehensive Exam
On completion of the coursework listed above, students will be required to pass a comprehensive examination to demonstrate PhD program competencies, as well as knowledge related to their specific content area of expertise.
Dissertation
PhD students must complete a social behavioral science or community health dissertation based on original research that advances the field of knowledge, practice, or policy. Dissertations may have a strong applied focus and must demonstrate independent thinking with the potential to make unique and original contribution to the scientific literature.
Department Chair: Richard Oberhelman, MD
Program Director: David Seal, PhD
Department Administrator: Anita Jobson
Email: gchb@tulane.edu
Phone: (504) 988-2084
You can learn more in a webcast.