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Public Health (PhD)

Transforming Public Health Through Research, Leadership, & Policy

NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

We welcome the inaugural PhD cohort for the Fall 2025 semester!

About the Program 

Tennessee State University Public Health Doctoral (PhD) Program in the College of Health Sciences prepares public health professionals in practice, research, and life-long learning; to preserve and promote the health of local, state, regional, national, and international populations through a focus on cultural competency and health disparities. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is an advanced professional degree for public health that prepares researchers at the doctoral level, which focuses on cultural humility and reduction of health disparities. This program examines public health issues through a holistic approach using cultural competency frameworks. This program is designed for those that have already completed an accredited MPH program or related health master’s degree. The PhD in Public Health program is an on-ground, on-campus, traditional format. The program is designed for full-time and part-time students, including early and mid-career working professionals. The PhD program requires the completion of a minimum of 72 credit hours, with a required dissertation, and may be completed in four years for full-time students. The public health curriculum emphasizes CEPH’s core competencies to enable students to become more effective public health researchers. Applications are for Fall semesters only. Priority deadline is December 1st. Applicants are encouraged to apply early!

Program of Study

The program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours, including a dissertation, and can be completed in four years by full-time students.

Required Courses

Electives

PhD Admissions Requirements:

• Educational Background:

  • Master of Public Health (MPH) or a related master’s degree

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

• Required Documents:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended (including TSU)

  • Personal statement, consisting of:

    • Statement of Purpose and Objectives (max. 1500 words)

    • Research Statement (max. 500 words)

  • Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

  • GRE scores (TSU code: 1803)

  • Three letters of recommendation

• Additional Requirements:

  • Interview with the PhD Admissions Committee (if required)

  • Proof of immunization upon admission

International Applicants Must Also Submit:

• Official transcripts and school records evaluated by a foreign educational credential agency

• English proficiency test scores:

  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (TSU code: 1803)

• Valid, current passport

• Documentation of financial resources

• Certificate of Financial Resources

• Certificate of Immunization

For more details, visit the TSU International Student Admissions page.

Additional Information

Course Descriptions

Admission Requirements and Links

Apply to the PhD Program
(applications are accepted via the Graduate School website) 

Ph.D. One-Page Flyer 

For Applicants:
All application materials must be submitted to the GradCAS Application portal. Applications must be complete by the posted application deadlines in order to be considered. For questions or inquiries, please contact Dr. Miranda Sanford-Terry, Public Health Programs Director, email: msanfor2@tnstate.edu, phone: 615-973-7367.

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