Are you considering a PhD in Population Health Sciences or Rehabilitation and Health Services Research? As program director for both doctoral programs at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Public and Population Health (SPPH), I'm excited to share insights about our programs and answer the most common questions prospective students ask.
About UTMB's School of Public and Population Health
UTMB was founded in 1891 as Texas' first medical school and has a long history of excellence in public and population health. Our School of Public and Population Health was established in 2022 and received full accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health in 2023. As a newly accredited school, we combine the expertise and resources of a historic institution with innovative approaches to addressing contemporary public health challenges.
Our Doctoral Programs
Population Health Sciences PhD
The Population Health Sciences PhD program focuses on conducting, communicating, and applying research aimed at the protection, promotion, and restoration of health in human populations. The program requires approximately 55 credit hours, a two-part qualifying examination, and a dissertation thesis.
Our students conduct research across diverse areas including:
- Population health and aging
- Health disparities
- Cancer epidemiology
- Environmental health
- Pharmacoepidemiology
Rehabilitation and Health Services Research PhD
The Rehabilitation and Health Services Research PhD program trains students to conduct rigorous and innovative research that improves the functional independence and healthcare outcomes of people with disabilities. This program requires approximately 58 credit hours, a two-part qualifying examination, and a dissertation thesis.
Research areas in this program include:
- Quality and outcomes of healthcare.
- Clinical and translational research in rehabilitation
- Aging with disability
- Rehabilitation outcomes
- Traumatic brain injury recovery and treatment
Frequently Asked Questions About Our PhD Programs
Is funding available?
Yes! Funding is available to qualified full time students in both PhD programs, pending available funds. Funding can include a stipend, tuition and fees, and health insurance. Funding is provided through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or traineeships.
Do I need to identify a mentor before I apply?
No. You do not need to secure a faculty mentor in advance of your application to either program.
However, we do recommend familiarizing yourself with faculty research areas so you can mention how your interests align with theirs. Finding a mentor typically happens after admission - you may be assigned an advisor or choose one once you begin the program, often after completing some initial coursework.
How long will it take to get my degree?
Both PhD programs typically take 4-5 years to complete with full-time study.
What careers can I pursue after receiving my degree?
Both PhD programs prepare graduates for career paths in academia, industry, and government.
Population Health Sciences PhD graduates can pursue careers such as:
- Faculty positions at schools of public health or medical schools
- Epidemiologists or senior population health scientists in government agencies (CDC, NIH, state/local health departments)
- Population health analysts or managers in healthcare delivery systems or hospitals
- Researchers or consultants in healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, or tech companies focused on health analytics
- Directors of public health programs developing evidence-based interventions
Rehabilitation Sciences PhD graduates are prepared for careers including:
- Academic positions as professors or researchers in university departments of rehabilitation science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or related fields
- Principal investigators or scientists in research institutes or healthcare organizations
- Research positions in government agencies
- Research positions in biotech or medical technology companies developing rehabilitation technologies
Both programs emphasize leadership, with the goal of producing graduates who become thought leaders in academia, industry, or government research sectors.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early! The application process requires time for gathering materials and preparing thoughtful statements.
- Learn about the faculty and their research. Review faculty profiles and recent publications to understand current research at UTMB and how your interests might align.
- Craft a compelling personal statement. This is extremely important and should clearly articulate your research interests, career goals, and why UTMB is the right place for your doctoral education.
- Secure strong letters of recommendation. Choose recommenders who know your academic work and research potential well and can speak specifically to your capabilities.
Why Choose UTMB?
UTMB offers distinctive advantages that set our doctoral programs apart.
| Personal Touch and Student Support We provide exceptional student support with highly accessible faculty, excellent faculty-to-student ratios, and a genuine sense of community that creates an inclusive environment where students thrive. | Data Access and Analytical Strength Students benefit from access to extensive health data resources and strong computational capabilities, providing exceptional opportunities for big data analysis in public health issues. |
| Multidisciplinary Environment Our school features distinctive groupings of expertise across departments, including aerospace medicine, bioethics, health humanities, and population health sciences, creating a rich interdisciplinary learning environment. | Tradition Meets Innovation As a school established in 2022 and accredited in 2023, we combine the innovative energy of a new program with the strength and stability of UTMB's historical foundation as Texas' first medical school (established 1891). |
Ready to Learn More?
Visit our program websites for detailed information:
Or contact us directly:
- Brian Downer, PhD, Program Director: brdowner@utmb.edu
- Tawny Stromberg, Coordinator II, Admissions & Dual Programs: tlstromb@utmb.edu
About the Author: Dr. Brian Downer, PhD, FACRM, FGSA, is an Associate Professor, Tenured in the Department of Population Health and Health Disparities and director of both doctoral programs. His research focuses on Alzheimer's disease, cognitive aging, and healthcare utilization in older adults. Dr. Downer holds the Lloyd and Sue Ann Hill Professorship in Healthy Aging and co-directs an NIA-funded training program supporting research on minority health and aging.