Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science

All graduates will be able to:

1. Acquire an understanding of theory and basic research on child, youth, and adult development in the contexts of family, peers, school, and community.
2. Acquire an understanding of: individual, family, and environmental risk and protective factors and how they relate to optimal human development; and the epidemiological approach to the  assessment of their prevalence.
3. Apply theory and research findings to the design of programs that promote optimal development and prevent poor physical, social, and emotional outcomes.
4. Design and conduct scientific tests of program efficacy and effectiveness.
5. Conduct translational research on program implementation, outcomes, dissemination, cost, and sustainability (moving programs from research to practice).
6. Develop effective written and oral communication skills for the dissemination of research findings to a variety of audiences and for effecting evidence-based policy decisions.
7. Write successful grant and contract proposals to fund prevention research.

Students must submit three letters of recommendation, GRE scores on verbal, quantitative, and analytic aptitude tests.  Official transcripts from all colleges attended.  A written statement (Statement of Purpose) by the applicant 1) detailing reasons for applying 2) research interests; 3) relevant research and professional experiences; and 4) career goals.  Also list the faculty member(s) you are interested in working with.  When listing faculty members, note their location, and only list faculty members at the location you are applying to.  The Prevention Science program is offered at the Pullman, Spokane, and Vancouver campuses.  A few faculty members are located at other locations; they can advise students at any of the three locations.

Admission to the graduate program in Prevention Science is determined by the Prevention Science Graduate Committee.  Decisions are based on careful appraisal of completed material submitted in the application process.

For this year's application cycle (i.e., students applying to enter the program for the 2022-23 academic year), we are not requiring GRE scores. If they are submitted, they will not be considered during the application review process

Graduates of the program will be qualified for positions such as:

program evaluators, research analysts, and administrators in government, private research institutes, social service agencies, and consulting firms; foundation program officers and grant evaluators; tenure-track faculty members in departments of child development, communication, developmental psychology, educational psychology, family studies, human development, public health nursing, rural sociology, and social work; and other university positions such as extension faculty, research associates, or program coordinators for grant-funded projects.

New program

Gather Your Documents

Check the admission requirements for information about academic standards and required documents.

Your application for admission must include:

• Official transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Copy of your passport identification page or national identity card

Get the admission application and other necessary forms.

Prepare Your Information

You will want to prepare some information before beginning your online application.

• Be ready to answer questions about your anticipated visa status
• Be ready to tell us how you meet the language proficiency requirement (through an English proficiency exam score or an exam waiver)

You may upload electronic copies of your documents when you submit your application online. If you upload transcripts they will be considered unofficial. It is best to send transcripts separately after you submit your application.

Complete the Application and Submit Documents

To complete the application and submit it for our review you will need to pay the $70 application fee by credit card or wire transfer. If you have questions about paying this fee please contact us.

If you do not wish to upload documents into the application, or do not have them ready to upload and submit, you may mail or email them to the International Undergraduate Admissions Office when you submit your application.

Office of International Programs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Kruegel Hall
PO Box 643251
Pullman, WA 99164-3251
USA
[email protected]