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PhD in Health Promotion Sciences

Advance Public Health through rigorous research – design evidence-based solutions for real-world health challenges.

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Research, Educate, Lead

Step into a dynamic world of health promotion sciences with our PhD degree at OU Hudson College of Public Health, the only accredited public health school in Oklahoma. Our graduates are making a difference in public health, addressing social determinants of health, promoting health equity, and reducing health disparities.

As a graduate of the PhD in Health Promotion Sciences, you’ll be ready to solve public health challenges with evidence-based solutions. Develop advanced expertise in health behavior research, disease prevention, and community health interventions with a PhD in Health Promotion Sciences.

Curriculum

This advanced, research-oriented 60-credit hour program immerses you in an in-depth study of health promotion sciences, preparing you to make significant contributions in this field. Envision yourself mastering courses like Health Promotion Theory I: Individuals and Small Groups, where you'll delve into the nuances of health promotion at a micro level. In Social Marketing, you'll learn to apply marketing strategies for health promotion, while Advanced Research Methods in Social and Behavioral Sciences will equip you with the tools to conduct rigorous research.

Course Requirements

Core Courses
HPS 6633 Health Promotion Theory I: Individuals and Small Groups
HPS 6643 Health Promotion Theory II: Communities, Organizations, and Government
HPS 6943 Advanced Program Evaluation

 

Methods Courses
15 credit hours, not including any required pre-requisites
Required Specific Courses:
HPS 6933 Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health
BSE 5173 or 5663 or 5183 Biostatistics Methods II or Analysis of Frequency Data or Intermediate Biostatistical Methods for Health Professionals
HPS 6953 Advanced Research Methods in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Two additional courses in either Qualitative or Quantitative Methods Electives, such as the following options:

Qualitative Methods Electives (Prerequisite: HPS 6933):
HPS 6453 Focus Group Research
HPS 6833 Social Marketing
SOC 5313 Mixed Methods
Quantitative Methods Electives (Prerequisite: BSE 5173 or BSE 5663):
BSE 5643 Regression Analysis
BSE 5653 Nonparametric Methods
BSE 6643 Survival Data Analysis
BSE 6663 Analysis of Multivariate Data
Substantive Area (Major): 15 credit hours
A minimum of fifteen credit hours in a substantive area of public health / health promotion will comprise the primary area of concentration specific to the student’s interests. Examples of concentration areas relevant to this department include social determinants of health, minority health, health disparities, nutritional health/food security, workforce development, health and aging, and social justice. Students and advisors must identify sufficient courses to satisfy the declared major.
Related Area (Minor): 9 credit hours
A minimum of nine credit hours from relevant areas of public health or an established discipline in the social and behavioral sciences will comprise a secondary area of concentration specific to the student’s interests. 

 

Dissertation: Minimum of 12 credit hours

Dissertation work occurs in steps. Close collaboration with the faculty advisor and dissertation committee members is required throughout the process. 

  • The required coursework noted above (Core, Methods, Major, and Minor) is completed first.
  • Written comprehensive exams are then taken that cover three content areas: Theory, Methods, and the student’s substantive and related concentrations. The Theory and Methods content comprises a departmental exam. It will have no fewer than three evaluators and any faculty member in the department can submit questions and serve as an evaluator.  The Substantive Area exam will be prepared by the student’s dissertation committee. In the event that a student fails part or all of a comprehensive exam, she/he will be required to retake the exam.
  • Dissertation Proposal Oral Defense – Once the student has successfully passed the written comprehensive exams, the student will complete and orally defend a dissertation proposal under the direction of the five-member Dissertation Committee.
  • Dissertation Oral Defense – Once the student has successfully completed the dissertation work, the five-member Dissertation Committee will conduct the oral defense of the dissertation.

 

Other Opportunities and University Requirements: 1 credit
  • Doctoral students will have a range of teaching experience opportunities and may be invited to facilitate educational activities.  Such opportunities should be discussed by the student and their advisor and/or advisory committee to determine suitability. 
  • Doctoral students are required, prior to initiation of Doctoral research, to complete a one credit course in RCR approved by the Department, complete CITI training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Protection of Human Research Subjects, and attend the OUHSC IRB In-House Education Program.

 

Course Sequencing

Not all courses are offered on an annual basis and certain courses are important prerequisites for other courses.  In order to assure that students are following the proper course sequence, all students must meet with their advisor each semester in order to complete enrollment for the next semester.  In addition, all students are requested to enroll for at least six credit hours per semester to facilitate students progressing through the curricula as a cohort.

Courses outside the College of Public Health can support a concentration and are acceptable curricular elements with advisor approval.  Students will work with faculty advisors to determine the optimal selection of coursework.

STEM Designation

The Doctor of Philosophy in Health Promotion Sciences program is NOT considered a STEM-designated degree program.

A STEM-designated program is an academic program that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These categories are recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. DHS's updated STEM-designated degree list can be found here: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2022.pdf.

Admissions Requirements

For the general application requirements see our How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

  • Master’s degree in Public Health (or relevant Master's degree) from an accredited institution.
  • The applicant must be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended.
  • Completion of the five core public health courses.
  • Graduate grade point average of 3.5 or above.

If after reviewing the qualifications for the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Promotion Sciences program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact hcoph@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences.

Please also review the application requirements and application deadlines found on the How to Apply page. 

How to Apply

Experiential Learning

PhD students in Health Promotion Sciences gain invaluable experience through hands-on research projects and collaborations with community partners. Opportunities are tailored to each student's research interests, enabling them to dive deep into issues like diabetes prevention in Native American populations, health variability in communities, and community-based interventions. Through qualitative research methods, including one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and mixed methods, students not only contribute to significant public health outcomes but also build the skills necessary for advanced academic and research careers.

Hands-On Projects and Research Opportunities

PhD candidates engage in research projects that align with their specific focus areas. Some of the notable research areas include:

  • Diabetes prevention in local populations
  • Research into social determinants of health and their impact on community well-being
  • Investigating health variability and access to healthcare

Our PhD in Health Promotion Sciences students work closely with faculty members, using state-of-the-art research tools and methodologies, to address critical public health issues. Additionally, collaboration with community organizations and public health agencies ensures that the research is community-driven and applicable in real-world settings.

Careers

Graduates of the PhD in Health Promotion Sciences program are well-prepared for academic, research, and leadership roles across public health, healthcare, and academic sectors. Many of our alumni have gone on to pursue tenure-track academic positions, contribute to health policy development, or lead impactful public health initiatives. Career paths include:

  • University faculty positions and academic research
  • Research roles at public health agencies
  • Leadership in nonprofit organizations and community health programs

Make a Meaningful Impact

PhD students in Health Promotion Sciences actively contribute to meaningful public health solutions. Examples of impactful work include:

  • Leading diabetes prevention programs in partnership with tribal health organizations
  • Designing and implementing community-based interventions to reduce health disparities
  • Collaborating with public health departments to develop evidence-based policies that address critical health challenges

These efforts directly contribute to the advancement of community health interventions and the improvement of health outcomes for all communities.

Department of Health Promotion Sciences

The Department of Health Promotion Sciences provides a community-engaged and innovative program that prepares students to become leaders in health promotion and policy. Our department offers a diverse range of degrees, including the only MPH/MSW dual degree with the OU School of Social Work. Students benefit from our faculty’s real-world experience, our commitment to social justice and improving health outcomes, and our strong partnerships with key public health leaders and tribal communities.

About the Department 

Centers of Excellence

PhD students benefit from collaboration with respected centers in public health and health promotion. These include:

  • Health Promotion Research Center: A hub for cutting-edge research in health promotion and policy, providing students with hands-on opportunities to engage in high-impact public health projects
  • Center for Public Health Practice: This center leads transformative research and trains students to tackle the most pressing public health challenges in Oklahoma and beyond.
  • Oklahoma Public Health Training Center: Focuses on workforce development and community health worker training, equipping students with the skills needed to drive impactful change in their communities.
  • ONIE Oklahoma Nutrition Information Education conducts research evaluating behavior change in home meal preparation and food incentive, contributing to healthier living in Oklahoma.

Health Promotion Sciences Faculty

Explore the Hudson College Further

Academic Resources

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students are empowered with a diverse range of accredited degree programs, hands-on learning experiences, and state-of-the-art research opportunities, all guided by our multidisciplinary faculty.

Research

The Hudson College of Public Health is enriched by its research partnerships with esteemed institutions and organizations, providing students with a robust, real-world learning experience that complements their academic journey.

Field Work

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students apply their curriculum through immersive field experiences and practicums, fostering a hands-on, real-world understanding of public health challenges and solutions.