Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IHS) is designed to prepare Health and Human Service professionals for careers in research, teaching, and leadership. Several national commissions, including the Pew Health Professions Commission and the National Commission on Allied Health, have challenged higher educational institutions to respond to fundamental changes in health and related systems by designing more flexible curricula, removing disciplinary boundaries, and increasing research. The College of Health and Human Services has met this challenge by developing a three-strand curriculum - research, policy and service delivery, and pedagogy - all with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. In order to meet the needs of working professionals, the courses are delivered through a hybrid of e-learning modalities and intensive on-campus weekend and summer sessions. Students enter the program as a cohort once every two years (in even years) and can complete the didactic sequence in two years. Comprehensive examinations and dissertation research can be completed in an additional two to three years.

Minimum of two years of professional experience in health and human services.
Master’s degree in a related field with a minimum graduate grade point average of 3.25.
Completion of at least one graduate level course in statistics, with a minimum of a grade B, within the last 10 years. You may take the statistics course after admission, but you must take it before you begin doctoral program courses.

Minimum English proficiency test scores:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 80 iBT

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: 6.5

Pearson Test of English, Academic Module (PTE): 54

Michigan English Test (MET): 57

Application deadlines:

Applications are due by June. 1 for a summer II start date (even years only)