PhD in Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences

The purpose of the PhD program in Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences is to train experts who will advance the field of social, behavioral, and population sciences through research, development and application of theory, and teaching. The PhD is a highly specialized training program, integrating theory and research in a focused substantive area of global importance. Graduates will have in-depth expertise necessary for a research career, and are expected to develop careers in universities, medical schools, and other higher institutions of learning as faculty members or in research organizations globally.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the school's admission and application requirements for entrance into doctoral programs at SPHTM.

Degree Program Requirements & Competencies–49 hours

Revised for Fall 2022

Students must complete 49 credit hours of coursework and doctoral studies beyond the baccalaureate, with a minimum of 30 didactic hours at Tulane. Up to 18 Credits can be transferred from Master’s degree.

Please visit the university course catalog for: 

Educational teaching assistant experience

All PhD students at SPHTM are required to serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for two SPHTM courses while enrolled in the PhD program. Students should register for Teaching Assistantship Educational Experience (0 credits) during the terms they complete each TA requirement. 

All other program requirements (e.g. research ethics, comprehensive exam, prospectus, and dissertation) remain the same across the old and revised programs, as outlined in the SPHTM PhD Handbook.

Degree Program Requirements & Competencies–72 hours

Please visit the 2022 university course catalog for:

Educational teaching assistant experience

All PhD students at SPHTM are required to serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for two SPHTM courses while enrolled in the PhD program.  Students should register for Teaching Assistantship Educational Experience (0 credits) during the terms they complete each TA requirement. 

*All other program requirements (e.g. research ethics, comprehensive exam, prospectus, and dissertation) remain the same across the old and revised programs, as outlined in the SPHTM PhD Handbook.

Contact Us

Department Chair: Akilah Dulin, PhD

Program Director: Shokufeh Ramirez, PhD, MPH

Program Manager: Anita Jobson

Email: sbps@tulane.edu or sramirez@tulane.edu

Phone: (504) 988-5391

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