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The PhD degree in the Environmental Health Sciences is an advanced research degree that prepares students to employ laboratory and community approaches to address adverse environmental health impacts. Students use basic and applied research methodologies to examine consequences of chemical and non-chemical stressors and disasters. Graduates of the PhD programs advance to careers at academic institutions, governmental agencies, industry and nonprofit organizations.
Applicants must meet the school's admission requirements for entrance into doctoral programs.
Please visit the university course catalog for degree program competencies and requirements.
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
PhD Required Courses
Advanced Doctoral Study – At least 30 didactic credits of advanced study beyond the master’s degree are required:
Elective courses
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
Students will be required to pass a written comprehensive examination that demonstrates in-depth knowledge of environmental health sciences.
Prospectus
Students must prepare and defend a prospectus of proposed research.
Dissertation
Students must conduct original research, and prepare and defend a dissertation.
Academic Standards
Students in the PhD program are required to maintain standards of performance and must earn a "B" or better in all required coursework.
Department Chair: Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH
Program Director: Charles Miller, PhD
Department Administrator: Geraldine Neville
Email: gehsinfo@tulane.edu
Phone: (504) 988-5374
You can learn more in a webcast.
