PhD in Population Health Sciences

Study the forces that shape health across populations.

The PhD in Population Health Sciences provides advanced training in how biological, behavioral, social, environmental, clinical, and policy factors shape health outcomes. Working closely with nationally and internationally recognized faculty, students build advanced quantitative skills and complete original dissertation research using large-scale health data.

Rebecca Anumel-Ackah stands beside her research poster about disparities in the use of cancer immunotherapies.

55 credits

~4 years; ~$10K/year; in person; Galveston, TX

At a Glance

Modality

Full-time doctoral study;
In person, in Galveston, Texas.

Program Structure

~55 credit hours; advanced coursework, two-part qualifying exam, and dissertation.

Time to Degree

Designed to be completed in four years.

Estimated Cost

~$10K/year, TX residents;
~$21K/year, non-TX residents.

Cohort & Faculty Access

~10 PHS students enrolled across cohorts;
~13 faculty members working directly with PHS students.

Additional MPH Option

Eligible students may apply to earn an MPH in Epidemiology while completing the PhD.

Who this degree is for

If you're interested in understanding why certain populations experience worse health outcomes and want to use large-scale data to find answers and drive change at the population level, this program is for you.

Students looking to become independent researchers and whose career goals require rigorous doctoral training in population health methods are especially well-suited for this program.

A research career can take place in a university, health system, rehabilitation institute, government organization, nonprofit, or industry setting. This program is not limited to students seeking a traditional faculty career.

Two people stand in a UTMB hallway.

Research and Training

Students learn to conduct, communicate, and apply research that protects, promotes, and restores health in human populations.

Multidisciplinary Environment

As part of an academic health system, students can collaborate with clinical and research teams across UTMB. SPPH also brings together expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics and data science, population health and health disparities, aerospace medicine, bioethics, and health humanities.

Research Areas

What you could do with this degree

PHS alumni work in settings where rigorous population health research can inform knowledge, policy, and care.

Academic Research

Lead or collaborate on research in schools of public health, medical schools, universities, and research institutes; teach and mentor students; publish findings; and compete for research funding.

State & Local Health Depts

Use population-level evidence to identify health needs, evaluate programs, guide public health strategy, and communicate findings to leaders, policymakers, and communities.

Health Systems

Analyze large-scale clinical and population data, study health outcomes and disparities, and help health systems design and evaluate improvements in care.

After you earn this degree, you'll be able to...

Design and lead population health research studies
Apply epidemiological and biostatistical methods to large data sets.
Identify social, behavioral, environmental, biological, clinical, and policy drivers of health.
Develop and evaluate theories, conceptual models, and multidisciplinary research approaches.
Analyze and interpret quantitative and mixed-methods population health data.
Communicate research findings to scientific audiences, the public, health leaders, and policymakers.
A doctoral graduate holds flowers and gifts while posing in academic regalia before the UTMB seal.

You Belong Here

Population health research is collaborative.

  • Learn in a typical incoming cohort of one to three PHS students.
  • Build strong working relationships with faculty through training, feedback, and mentorship.
  • Collaborate across UTMB departments and research teams in an academic health system.
  • Take part in scholarly activities such as grant writing, publications, presentations, and community-engaged research.

Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree or equivalent; a master's degree is not required.
  • Well-defined career goals that require doctoral training.
  • Research interests that align with faculty expertise.
  • Familiarity with potential faculty mentors and their research.
  • Knowledge of current public and population health challenges.
PhD Application Requirements 

Funding

Funding may be provided through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or traineeships and may include:

  • A stipend
  • Tuition and fees
  • Health insurance

Funding is not guaranteed for every applicant. Prospective students should discuss current funding availability and the terms of any offer with the program before enrolling.

Testimonials

  • Portrait of Rebecca Anumel-Ackah smiling against a dark background.
    Rebecca Anumel-Ackah, MPH, PharmD, MPSGh
    "As a PhD student and graduate research assistant, my experience at UTMB has been enriching. I have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on meaningful research using large, complex datasets. These collaborations continue to strengthen my critical thinking and analytical skills while allowing me to contribute to the growing body of population health research. The seminars and webinars also broaden my understanding of the many areas within population health science, helping me to become a well-rounded emerging scholar."
  • Portrait of Alex Holland smiling outdoors.
    Alex Holland, MSW
    "When I was looking for graduate schools for my PhD, I wanted to make sure I chose a program that was the best fit for me, and SPPH was a perfect match. SPPH is unlike any graduate program I've ever encountered, from its friendly and supportive faculty who genuinely want you to succeed, to a multitude of opportunities to hone your research. I am happy to say while doing a PhD is challenging in and of itself, I feel like I am truly thriving at the School of Public and Population Health."

Common questions

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  • Is the program funded?

    Funding is available to qualified full-time students, pending available funds. A package may include a stipend, tuition and fees, and health insurance through a research assistantship, teaching assistantship, or traineeship. Funding is not guaranteed for every applicant. Funding is reviewed on an annual basis and is conditional on the student being in good academic and professional standing.

  • Do I need a master's degree to apply?

    No. A master's degree is not required. Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent. 

  • Is research experience required?

    No. Research experience is not required but it can strengthen an application.

  • Do I need to find a faculty mentor before I apply?

    No. You do not need to secure a faculty mentor before applying. You should review faculty research and explain how your interests align with the program. Identifying potential research mentors will strengthen an application. A strong, available match is an important part of the admission decision and the student's success.

  • Are there opportunities to collaborate across UTMB departments?

    Yes. Students are encouraged to work with faculty from different UTMB departments. UTMB's academic health system and multidisciplinary research environment create opportunities to work with clinical and research teams across departments. Specific collaborations depend on your mentor, research interests, and project needs.

  • Can international students apply?

    Yes. International applicants are welcome and must complete the current course-by-course academic-record evaluation and English-language proficiency requirements. Review the international applicant instructions before applying.

  • How long does the program take?

    The program typically takes four to five years to complete with full-time study. The curriculum includes advanced coursework, a two-part qualifying examination, and independent dissertation research.

  • What kinds of data do students work with?

    Students primarily use publicly available data from existing epidemiological and population health studies. Students conducting mixed-methods research may also use data collected from focus groups or interviews with individual participants. Students use these data investigate research questions in areas such as population aging, health disparities, cancer epidemiology, environmental health, chronic and infectious disease, and pharmacoepidemiology. Available data and methods depend on the student's mentor and research project.

  • Can I pursue this degree while working full time?

    The PhD is an in-person program designed for full-time doctoral study. The published time-to-degree and funding information apply to full-time students. If you plan to maintain full-time employment, contact the program director before applying to discuss whether your circumstances can be accommodated.

Ready to Study What Drives Health Across Populations?

Request information to discuss your research interests, faculty alignment, funding, and the application process with the PHS program team.