Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in Public Health Studies provides expertise in research design, methods and dissemination in an interdisciplinary setting. Students gain a solid understanding of public health science, including the distribution and determinants of health and disease across populations.
SLU's Ph.D. program prepares students to become researchers both independently and within a team. We use an apprenticeship model that links a student with a mentor as they enter the program in order to leverage their training opportunities immediately.
Doctoral students work with their mentors to forge their research pathways, while also working collaboratively with other students and faculty.
Our students learn how to work collaboratively with clinic, community, government and industry partners by developing, implementing and disseminating research in domestic and international settings. Students become productive researchers presenting at local, national and international conferences; publishing their research findings in esteemed journals; and competing for research grants.
Saint Louis University's Ph.D. program in Public Health Studies continues to improve its curriculum to match the skills and competencies graduates should have. The overall Ph.D. competencies are listed below and additional competencies are described within the concentration areas.
Domain 1: Critical Thinking
Critically evaluate, integrate and challenge existing scientific knowledge. Assess gaps in research to develop research questions.
Domain 2: Analytical Skills
Plan, design and conduct research studies. Interpret the results using inferential statistical methods and methods of qualitative data analysis.
Domain 3: Communication
Communicate clearly and effectively about scientific information for diverse audiences through scientific publications, grant applications, teaching/ training, etc. Develop partnerships in community, clinic, academic and/or governmental settings to conduct research projects collaboratively.
Domain 4: Collaboration
Work collaboratively to conduct research and provide peer review to colleagues.
Domain 5: Ethics and Professionalism
Adopt and apply ethical principles for public health research and decisions on social justice and equity in the global environment. Conduct research that requires Institutional Review Board approval.
Domain 6: Community/Cultural Orientation
Evaluate the impact of cultural, structural, legal, political, and public health and social justice on health outcomes.
Domain 7: Translation and Dissemination
Use innovative methods to communicate scientific findings and implications to diverse audiences, ensuring appropriate strategies.