Ph.D. in Public Health with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences
Course Descriptions Required Competency:
For admission to the doctoral programs in public health, students must have successfully completed graduate coursework in the five core areas of public health (Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Occupational/Environmental Health, Behavioral Sciences, and Health Services Administration). Students who have not met this competency requirement in all five areas must take the necessary course(s). These competencies may be satisfied from courses in the MPH program or from an appropriate course in other departments in consultation and approval from the student’s advisor. Credits from these core courses may not be counted towards completion of the 45 required credits.
Public Health Core Seminar (3 credits taken over three semesters):
PUBH 6490 Public Health Seminar (1)
Instructor: Ann Ferris
The seminar is common to all doctoral students in all the concentrations in public health. This student-centered seminar series meets bi-weekly in the Fall and Spring semesters of the student’s first year in the program, and in the Spring semester of the second year. During their fourth semester in the program (Spring semester of the second year), students present a preliminary review of the literature supporting their proposed doctoral research project.
Research Methods (9 credits):
Students must complete a minimum of nine credits of graduate level research methods. Courses must be pre-approved by the student’s advisory committee. The following are the core research courses for the Social and Behavioral Health Sciences concentration.
At least one course (3-credits) each from those listed for Advanced Research Design and Methods, and Advanced Statistical Methods. Students whose dissertation will involve a qualitative component should choose their remaining 3-credits from those courses listed under Qualitative Research Methods.
Advanced Statistical Methods
EPSY 5610 Applied Regression Analysis for the Education Sciences (3)
Instructor: To be determined
Multiple regression analysis and related
techniques with applications to research in
education. Topics include assumptions and inference;
matrix representations; diagnostics and remedial
measures; polynomial regression and interaction
models; treatment of categorical independent
variables, autocorrelation of errors in time series
data, problems of missing values and selection bias,
and logistic and ordinal regression models.
EPSY 5613 Multivariate Analysis in Educational Research (3)
Instructor: Swaminathan
An extension of EPSY 5607. Practical emphasis on
multiple regression, canonical correlation, multivariate
analysis of variance and covariance, discriminant
function analysis, and factor analysis.
STAT 5105 (STAT 379) Quantitative Methods in the Behavioral Sciences (3)
Instructor: Cillessen
A course designed to acquaint the student with the application of statistical methods in the behavioral sciences. Correlational methods include multiple regression and related multivariate techniques.
STAT 5665 Applied Multivariate Analysis (3)
Instructor: To be determined
Prerequisite: Matrix algebra, a prior statistical methods course, Statistics 3375Q or 5585 or consent of instructor
Multinormal techniques with applications, topics covered: Hotelling's T2 test, multivariate analysis of variance, discriminant analysis, principal components, factor analysis, cluster analysis, introduction to and use of SAS computer package.
Advanced Research Design and Methods
EPSY 6626 Sampling Designs and Survey Research Methods in Education (3)
Instructor: To be determined
Probability and non-probability sampling, single- and multi-stage sampling, sampling errors, design effects, unit-of-analysis concerns, confidentiality/anonymity issues, questionnaire design, interview procedures, item development, question format, ethics.
EPSY 6601 Methods and Techniques of Educational Research (3)
Instructor: McCoach
A survey of the principal methods employed in the investigation of educational problems, including problem formulation, stating hypotheses, sampling, instrument design, types of research methods and design principles.
Qualitative Research Methods
SOCI 5231 Qualitative Methodology (3)
Instructor: Naples
Open to master’s and
doctoral students in Sociology, others with permission.
Introduction to qualitative methods of social
research. Topics include epistemologies of qualitative
methodologies; ethical issues in qualitative research;
the Chicago School; symbolic interactionism and
grounded theory; introduction to fieldwork; basic
fieldwork techniques; inter viewing; narrative analysis;
textual analysis; data analysis; content analysis using
computers; and writng analyses of data.
HDFS 5505 Qualitative Research
Methods in Human Development and
Family Studies (3)
Instructor: Descartes
Seminar. Open to graduate
students in Human Development and Family Studies,
others with permission. Prerequisite: HDFS 5003.
Philosophical bases of qualitative research in the
social sciences; developing qualitative strategies;
including: existential-phenomenological, intensive
inter views, participant obser vation, and textual
analysis.
Additional Courses that can fulfill the Research Methods requirements:
EPSY 6621 Program Evaluation (3)
Lecture. Prerequisites: EPSY
5605, EPSY 5607, and EPSY 6601.
An over view of quantitative and qualitative
procedures used in the evaluation of educational
programs. Current trends and practical applications
are stressed.
EPSY 5613 Multivariate Analysis in Education (3)
Lecture.
An extension of EPSY 5607. Practical emphasis on
multiple regression, canonical correlation, multivariate
analysis of variance and covariance, discriminant
function analysis, and factor analysis.
SOCI 6203 (SOCI 327) Quantitative Research II (3)
Seminar.
Advanced quantitative methods of social research.
Topics include generalized linear models, including
binary logit and probit, multinomial logit, ordered logit
and probit, and count data; censoring, truncation, and
sample selection; panel data; and correlated errors
SOCI 5751. Demography
(3)
Seminar.
Survey and analysis of theories and present
problem areas in demography. This includes such
topics as: population growth and distribution,
population composition, mortality, fertility, migration,
and population policy.
STAT 5315. Analysis of Experiments (3)
Lecture. Prerequisite: STAT
5001. Not open to students who have passed STAT
2215Q.
Straight-line regression, multiple regression,
regression diagnostics, transformations, dummy
variables, one-way and two-way analysis of variance,
analysis of covariance, stepwise regression.
STAT 5515. Design of Experiments (3)
Lecture. Prerequisite: STAT 5005.
Not open to students who have passed STAT 3515Q.
One way analysis of variance, multiple comparison
of means, randomized block designs, Latin and
Graeco-Latin square designs, factorial designs, two level
factorial and fractional factorial designs, nested
and hierarchical designs, split-plot designs.
STAT 5625. Introduction to Biostatistics (3)
Lecture.
Rates and proportions, sensitivity, specificity, twoway
tables, odds ratios, relative risk, ordered and nonordered
classifications, rends, case-control studies,
elements of regression including logistic and Poisson,
additivity and interaction, combination of studies and
meta-analysis.
PSYC 5332 Research Design and Test Construction (3)
Lecture. Open to graduate
students in Clinical Psychology and to others with
instructor consent.
Theoretical issues and practical problems in
developing valid measures of personality variables
and in designing experimental and quasi experimental
research.
PSYC 5702. Field Research Methods (3)
Seminar. Prerequisite: PSYC
5701.
An examination of various methods of field
research, focusing on design, analysis, theory, and
practical issues.
Social and Behavioral Health Sciences Core Courses (7 credits)
The following are common courses taken by students in the Social and Behavioral Health Sciences concentration.
PUBH 5405 Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health (3)
An introductory survey emphasizing basic social science concepts in the analysis of public health including orientations toward health, disease and health care, the origins and distribution of health care resources, and the role of social movements and research in improving public health.
PUBH 6491 Advanced Topics in Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health (1)
To be taken concurrently with PUBH 405 with the
goal of more in-depth exploration of the topics
presented in the survey course. Provides the conceptual framework for integrating the
societal, interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors that
influence the public’s health.
GPAH 6324 Critical Issues in Health Promotion, Disease and Disability Prevention (3)
Instructor: Faghri
An in-depth study of health promotion, disease and disability prevention policies, programs and strategies.
Must be accompanied by a one-credit doctoral seminar course.
EKIN 6425 Special Topics in Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan (3)
Instructor: Pescatello
An in-depth examination of health issues across the lifespan. The health issues addressed will involve perspectives from social and behavioral health science, occupational and enviromental health science, and/or public policy.
Additional Courses to Complete Plan of Study (Electives: 9 – 12 credits)
The student and committee will develop a plan of study that includes 9 – 12 credits of graduate level course work that supports the research program. No more than 6 credits of recent graduate course work that has not been transferred towards the completion of a degree may be used on the plan of study.
Due to the diverse nature of public health, a broad range of graduate courses will be available to Public Health doctoral students. Students will work with their academic advisors to determine the best combination of courses to fulfill their individual plan of study. The following are examples of advanced courses from departments with a public health mission that may fulfill requirements for the Ph.D. Program:
GPAH 5331 and NUSC 5314 Nutrition for Healthy Communities (3)
Instructors: Ferris and Duffy
Development of knowledge and skills in public nutrition including community assessment, development of program policies, and program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
HDFS 5340 Prevention, Intervention and Public Policy (Seminar) (3)
Instructor: O’Neil
Survey course of the theory, practice and science of primary prevention of human problems. Prevention concepts and case studies are presented. Students give analysis and critique of course content and develop personal and professional perspectives on prevention practice and possible social policy initiatives.
HDFS 5240 Aging: Personality and Social Interaction (3)
Instructor: Sheehan
Open to graduate
students in Human Development and Family Studies,
others with permission.
Patterns of adjustment to aging; continuity versus
change in personality, role changes, and family
relations of the elderly.
NURS 5040 Needs Assessment and Planning (3)
Instructor: Mull
Prerequisite: NURS
5020 or EPSY 5605 and NURS 5030. An interdisciplinary survey course that prepares students to conduct a needs assessment on a selected population. Includes elements of epidemiology, identification of populations at risk and the development of plans to market, implement and evaluate programs to enhance the health and well-being of selected populations.
PSYC 5123 Work Organization and Health Psychology, Proseminar (3)
Instructors: Henning, Magley, Warren
A seminar discussing the interconnected factors associated with work organization and health.
SOCI 5371 Deviant Behavior (3)
Instructor: Sanders
Review of theory and research, with emphasis on their implications for a general theory of deviant behavior.
Dissertation Research Credits (15 credits):
Each student will complete 15 credits of dissertation research.
GRAD 6950 Doctoral Dissertation Research
This course is associated with the research efforts of students pursuing a doctoral degree, and may be used to meet the 15-credit doctoral research requirement.
GRAD 6960 Full-Time Doctoral Research
This course is to be used by those students who have completed all courses on the plan of study and who are performing doctoral level research on a full-time basis. It may contribute to meeting the 15-credit doctoral research requirement. No other courses may be taken concurrently. In the summer, this is a 12-week course. Since this course denotes a full time commitment, students may not hold graduate assistantships while taking this course.
GRAD 6930 Full-Time Directed Studies (Doctoral Level)
This course denotes that the student is participating in a full-time internship, fieldwork experience, or other course of off-campus study required as part of the student’s doctoral program. No other courses may be taken concurrently.
| Summary of course program requirements: |
|
|
Credits |
| Public health core seminar |
4 |
| Research methods |
9 |
| Concentration core |
7 |
| Dissertation related courses (electives) |
10 – 12 |
| Dissertation research credits |
15 |
|
|
| Total |
45 – 47 |
| Example Plan of Study
The following is a sample plan of study for a student with a focus on gerontology: |
| Fall Semester Year 1 |
Spring Semester Year 1 |
| PUBH 6490 |
Public Health Seminar |
1 credit |
| EKIN 6425 |
Special Topics in Health and Wellness across the Lifespan |
3 credits |
| EPSY 6621 |
Program Evaluation |
3 credits |
| EPSY 6626 |
Sampling Designs & Research Methods in Education |
3 credits |
| Total credits |
|
10 |
|
| PUBH 6490 |
Public Health Seminar |
1 credit |
| PUBH 5405 |
Social and Behavioral Foundations of PH |
3 credits |
| PUBH 6491 |
Advanced Topics in Social & Behav. Foundations of PH |
1 credit |
| STAT 5101 |
Quantitative Methods in the Behavioral Sciences |
3 credits |
| HDFS 5240 |
Aging: Personality and Social Interaction |
3 credits |
| Total credits |
|
11 |
|
| Fall Semester Year 2 |
Spring Semester Year 2 |
NUSC 6314
or
HDFS 5240 |
Nutrition for Healthy Communities
or
Aging: Personality and Social Interaction |
3 credits |
| NURS 5040 |
Needs Assessment and Planning |
3 credits |
| STAT 5665 |
Applied Multivariate Analysis |
3 credits |
| Total credits |
|
9 |
|
| PUBH 6490 |
Public Health Seminar |
1 credit |
| SOCI 5231 |
Qualitative Methodology |
3 credits |
| SOCI 5751 |
Demography |
3 credits |
| ANTH 5352 |
Medical Anthropology |
3 credits |
| Total credits |
|
10 |
|
Students will be evaluated according to the following benchmarks as they progress through the program:
- Satisfactory completion of course work
- Filing a plan of study
- Formation of a doctoral committee
- Completion of qualifying examinations in a timely manner
- Defense of dissertation prospectus and external review of prospectus
- Publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Advisory Committee
Each student, upon acceptance into the program, will be assigned an advisor who will assist the student in orientation to the program, identifying electives throughout the university, and the availability of funding through teaching or research assistantships or fellowships. By the end of the first year, students must select a major advisor to remain in the program. Each student’s advisory committee is formed after consultation between the student and the major advisor. The committee includes at least two associate advisors. The major advisor and at least one associate advisor are members of the graduate faculty appointed to advise Ph.D. students in the student’s field of study and area of concentration. The Graduate School reviews such appointments every seven years. An associate advisor may be chosen from outside the field of study or the University in accordance with Graduate School procedures.
Plan of Study
By the beginning of the third semester in the program, the student must prepare a plan of study containing the courses he or she will take to gain mastery of the body of knowledge of the field, including required courses. The advisory committee and the Executive Committee of the Graduate School must approve the plan of study. The student may not take the general examination before the plan of study has been approved.
General Examination
The general examination is taken at the end of the student’s sequence of courses, as contained on the plan of study. Both a written and oral examination will be required. No fewer than five faculty members, including all members of the student’s advisory committee, participate in the examination. No fewer than five faculty members will be invited to submit questions and to evaluate the student’s responses. The general examination will usually consist of three questions developed by the examination committee. The student is typically given one week to answer each question.
Dissertation Research Proposal
As the student continues on to the major work included in the dissertation research, a substantial proposal will be submitted, which will include the background, context of the proposed topic, a description of the work to be done, and the methodology through which it will be accomplished and evaluated. Two independent readers chosen by the program director will review the proposal. The review will provide the student a critique of all areas. Students may submit a proposal at any point after identification of the Dissertation Committee. Once the proposal is accepted, the student is expected to engage in independent research to complete the dissertation. Any substantive modifications in the original proposal must receive prior approval of the student’s advisory committee. Five credits are assigned for each of three (or more) semesters for the dissertation.
Candidacy
Upon successful completion of the general examination, courses contained in the plan of study, a formal defense of the dissertation proposal, satisfactory replies to both the examination committee and external reviewers, and final approval of the proposal by the Graduate Executive Committee the student becomes a candidate for the doctoral degree.
Dissertation
The dissertation will represent a significant contribution to ongoing research in the candidate’s field, and will represent the final 15 credits needed for completion of the doctoral programs. The advisory committee gives final approval of the dissertation following the final examination. Students are expected to meet with their advisory committee at least once each semester.
Dissertation Defense
The final examination is both oral and public and is under the jurisdiction of the advisory committee. It will be announced publicly via the University’s on-line events calendar. It deals mainly with the subject matter of the dissertation. Invitation to participate in the examination will be issued by the advisory committee, although all members of the faculty may attend.
Last page update: October 5, 2009 --- CC Cantor |