Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science

The Prevention Science Graduate Program at Washington State University provides training opportunities at the doctoral level for students interested in developing expertise in the study of individuals and families and in the development and evaluation of prevention programs. The Ph.D. program in Prevention Science at Washington State University is an interdisciplinary program, participating faculty are from Human Development, Communication, Educational Psychology, Psychology, and Nursing. The program emphasizes training in both the generation of research-based knowledge and its translation into effective programs and policies that positively impact the well-being of children, youth, adults, families, and their communities. Examples of prevention programs include drug and alcohol prevention programs, broad based youth development programs, and early child care and learning quality improvement programs.

Students in the program complete required courses in three areas of prevention science: 1) Human Development in Context, 2) Research Methods, and 3) Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Students are required to take core courses in at least three of the following disciplines: Communication, Educational Psychology, Human Development, and/or Nursing. All students will complete a Master's thesis as part of their Ph.D. program, as well as a Ph.D. dissertation. Students are required to have faculty members from at least two (preferably three) disciplines on their thesis and dissertation committees. Besides the required courses, students have the opportunity to take additional electives from three elective specialty areas: 1) Advanced Developmental Science, 2) Quantitative Methods, and 3) Social Policy.

We use a holistic review approach in the admissions process, which means that we evaluate each applicant according to all materials submitted. Because each applicant is unique, the materials submitted may include different sources of evidence to support each applicant's qualifications. We assess applications based on the evidence applicants provide about their academic and scholarly potential, alignment with the program, examples of relevant non-traditional learning, leadership/outreach/community involvement, and/or professional products. This approach allows the admissions committee to consider the whole applicant, rather than disproportionately consider any one factor alone.
Only completed applications will be evaluated. An application is not complete until the following information and items are on file with WSU Graduate School:

Official transcripts from all colleges attended
Three letters of recommendation
In the section of the online application entitled 'Statement of Purpose please provide a maximum-1000 word written statement detailing your: 1) reasons for applying, 2) research interests, 3) relevant research and professional experiences, and 4) career goals. The statement is where to describe examples of relevant non-traditional learning, leadership/outreach/community involvement, and/or professional products. In your statement, list the faculty member(s) with whom you are interested in working. When listing faculty members, note their location, and only list faculty members at the location to which you are applying. The Prevention Science program is offered at the Pullman, Spokane, and Vancouver campuses.
A writing sample which could include student-driven research sample (e.g., publication, presentation, class assignment, research paper, research or policy report, poster). You may also choose to create a new writing sample, such as a research paper or literature review of an area of your interest.
Supporting materials. The following are examples of acceptable supporting materials that provide evidence for potential success in graduate study:
Analysis, presentation, report, or campaign produced for a work assignment.
Graduate Record Examination (G.R.E.) scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytic aptitude tests. For students applying to enter the program for the next academic year, we are not requiring GRE scores. If they are submitted, they will be considered during the application review process in context with additional materials that the student elects to submit for consideration.
Toefl PBT 550 TOEFL Minimum score
Applicants with at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) grade point Avg, or the equivalent in the last 60 graded semester (90 quarter) hours, from an accredited college or university, or at least a B grade point Avg in any graduate work from a recognized graduate school are eligible for admission to regular student status. Applicants with at least 12 semester hours of approved coursework from accredited graduate schools with at least a B grade point Avg are eligible for admission to regular student status.