PhD in Public Health Sciences

Vital and groundbreaking research is being conducted at more than a dozen research centers, and you'll have access to the work and scholars forging the future of your field. Our faculty are top scholars and experts, and students receive the benefit of their mentorship and guidance. During your first year, you will start conducting public health research guided by one or more faculty mentors. You will also have formal faculty advisors who will assist you in navigating the doctoral program and help prepare you for a career in public health scholarship and leadership. 

The PhD curriculum includes three units of required teaching and research practica. These practica typically occur after the first semester in our program and round out the individualized curriculum plan. Teaching practica ensure students are well-trained in substantive content and pedagogy as they prepare for independent teaching at the graduate level. Research practica provide opportunities to engage in different aspects of the research process and increase a student's capacity for completing independent research. Additional opportunities for research development are available within specific research fellowship programs, faculty laboratories and research centers.

We are dedicated to providing our doctoral students full tuition scholarships, four-year stipends and professional development accounts. Base stipends for students are $22,000 per year for four years. Receipt of this stipend is linked to a student's performance of mentored research in public health at the Brown School. Additional funding is possible through paid research and teaching fellowships, among other sources.

All applicants must meet the admissions requirements of the Graduate School at Washington University as well as the requirements of the Brown School PhD Program. Application requirements include:

• A personal statement
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Master's degree in relevant discipline
• GRE scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• CV
• Writing sample

The application deadline is December 1. Informational visits/interviews will be held in February each year for select candidates.