Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science at Washington State University

    Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science at Washington State University

    Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science at Washington State University

    The Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science at Washington State University is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the Vancouver campus in Pullman , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 6 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on July 1, 2027.

    About 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 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.

    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.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science at Washington State University

    Entry Requirements

    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

    English Program Requirements

  • 550 TOEFL Minimum score
  • GRE
  • Career Opportunities after Completing Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science

    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.


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    Tuition and Fee Information for Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science at Washington State University

    Application Fee 70

    How to Apply for Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science at Washington State University

    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]

    Doctor of Philosophy in Prevention Science at Washington State University
    Washington State University
    Washington State University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Pullman

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