PhD Program Vision:
A new doctoral program in Social and Behavioral Health is accepting applications for Fall 2009. The program will equip students with an understanding of health as the intersection of structural, cultural, social, behavioral and biological factors. Graduates of the SBH doctoral program will have strong methodological and theoretical skills that will prepare them to make important contributions to the field of public health.
A minimum of 49 post-master's credit hours is required for the doctoral degree which is expected to involve 4 years of full-time study. Requirements include 12 hours of required courses in research methods, 9 hours of required courses in the behavioral and social sciences, 4 hours of departmental seminar and at least 6 hours of elective courses that reflect a student’s research interests. In addition, required research experience will include 9 hours of applied research practicum and 9 hours of dissertation credits.
Six assistantships are available for the first class. The assistantships include annual stipends, waivers of tuition and fees, and health insurance.
Applications received by January 31 will receive priority consideration but applications will be accepted after that. Candidates must have a master's degree in public health or a related field from an accredited program and should have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0. To apply, follow the instructions at www.graduate.vcu.edu. It will be necessary to submit a statement of intent describing your background and research interests, 3 letters of recommendation, official transcripts and GRE scores less than 5 years old.
Additional information about the program is available in the online University Bulletin.
For further information on the new Social and Behavioral Health doctoral program, please contact Dr. May G. Kennedy, mgkennedy@vcu.edu, or our Education Coordinator, Diane Zotti.
