Public Health (PhD)

Transforming Public Health Through Research, Leadership, and Policy

 

About the Program 

ALLPROG Tennessee State University’s PhD Program in Public Health , housed in the College of Health Sciences, prepares professionals for careers in research, practice, and lifelong learning with a focus on reducing health disparities. Designed for those with an accredited MPH or a related health master’s degree, the program follows a traditional on-campus format and accommodates both full-time and part-time students, including working professionals. Emphasizing holistic public health approaches, the curriculum aligns with CEPH core competencies to enhance research skills. 

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

PUBH 7010 - Statistical Analysis I

3

PUBH 7020 - Statistical Analysis II

3

PUBH 7030 - Cultural Competency

3

PUBH 7060 - Qualitative Research

3

PUBH 7080 -Environmental Justice

3

PUBH 7100 - Advanced Epidemiological Methods

3

PUBH 7110 - Program Planning & Evaluation

3

PUBH 7120 - Management & Public Health Policy

3

PUBH 7220 - Behavioral Science, Theory, & Practice

3

PUBH 7230 - Health Disparities

3

PUBH 7900 - Quantitative Research

3

PUBH 8000 - Dissertation

12

PUBH 8240 - Health Communication & Literacy

3

PUBH 8250 - Community-Based Research

3

PUBH 8330 - Global Health Issues

3

Total Credit Hours

54 Hours

   

Electives

 

PUBH 7150 - Healthcare Economics & Finance

3

PUBH 7210 - Mixed Methods Research Design

3

PUBH 7240 - Maternal, Child, & Family Health

3

PUBH 7260 - Public Health & Intersectionality

3

PUBH 7270 - Research & Grant Writing

3

PUBH 8100 - Seminar in Critical Public Health Issues and Leadership

3

PUBH 8110 - Special Topics

3

PUBH 8230 - Public Health and Aging

3

PUBH 8280 - Disability & Mental Health

3

PUBH 8290 - Rural & Urban Health

3

PUBH 8310 - Spirituality and Health

3

 

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.

NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

The official CEPH accreditation report and final self-study are available to the public upon request.  Please request a copy of the document by sending the request to Dr. Miranda Sanford-Terry, Public Health Program Director at msterry@tnstate.edu.

 

Additional Information

Course Descriptions

Admission Requirements and Links

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

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: msterry@tnstate.edu, phone: 615-973-7367.

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