Public Health: Joint Doctoral Program

University of California, San Diego (UCSD), in collaboration with San Diego State University (SDSU), offers doctoral degrees in 3 Public Health areas: Epidemiology, Global Health, and Health Behavior.

Epidemiology is an essential scientific discipline in public health, which deals with the causes of and prevention of factors associated with disease. Our understanding of the etiology of many infectious and chronic diseases is based on data from epidemiologic studies.

If you are you interested in researching the causes of disease, why some populations are healthier that others, and investigating methods to promote health, this program offers the training. The program applies the principles of population‐based research. Methodology for investigating the etiology of infectious and chronic diseases. Use of epidemiologic methods for the prevention and control of disease in human populations. A wide range of research opportunities with a multidisciplinary faculty from two campuses.

Emphasis is on producing graduates with a mastery of the central concepts and analytic processes of epidemiology and biostatistics. Required and elective courses include epidemiologic methods, study design, occupational and environmental health, exposure assessment, clinical epidemiology, women's health, cancer prevention, research dissemination and scientific ethics. The PhD in Epidemiology trains individuals for careers in research and teaching in a variety of settings, including academic and research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector.

Applications to both institutions are required for admission. Please make sure to submit your applications in your area of choice to UC San Diego, San Diego State University and the national application system, SOPHAS.

University of California, San Diego (UCSD), in collaboration with San Diego State University (SDSU), offers doctoral degrees in 3 Public Health areas: Epidemiology, Global Health, and Health Behavior.

Many of today’s leading causes of death are preventable through lifestyle changes. The Health Behavior program will help students master the central concepts and analytic processes of health promotion. Faculty research interests are numerous, and include smoking uptake and cessation, using technology to promote good health habits, strategies to improve nutrition and physical activity habits, investigating how our environment influences health behaviors, and conducting community based participatory research. If you are you interested in learning how a person's actions influence their health, and investigating innovative ways to promote health and prevent disease, this program offers the training. The program applies behavior change theories and strategies for population application; as well as, qualitative and quantitative research methods. Training in the development and evaluation of health behavior interventions in underserved populations. Understanding and changing health policy.

Emphasis is on producing graduates with a mastery of the central concepts and analytic processes of health behavior. Required and elective courses include health behavior theory, study design and development of interventions, clinical trial design, health-related measurement scales and health policy. Students can develop advanced skills deploying and evaluating mHealth, ‘Big Data’, and sensor-based technological solutions to public health problems. Graduates of the program are competitive for a variety of research, teaching, and community service positions in areas such as academic institutions, local and state health departments, federal and international agencies, and both privately and publicly sponsored research institutions.

Applications to both institutions are required for admission. Please make sure to submit your applications in your area of choice to UC San Diego, San Diego State University and the national application system, SOPHAS.

University of California, San Diego (UCSD), in collaboration with San Diego State University (SDSU), offers doctoral degrees in 3 Public Health areas: Epidemiology, Global Health, and Health Behavior.

Global health relates to health issues and concerns that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity and culture.  Studies in global health stress the commonality of health issues for the United States and international partners, and involve collective, science-based interventions to resolve these issues.  If you are passionate about these issues and concerns, this program offers the training. The program applies rigorous scientific methods to contemporary global health issues. There is an emphasis on principles of social justice and health diplomacy. Cross‐cultural learning near the largest international border crossing in the world. Field‐based and multi‐national organization research opportunities. Plus dynamic faculty working in more than a dozen different countries.

Emphasis is on preparing graduates with the fundamental scientific knowledge, ethical understanding, and specific skills necessary to become public health researchers and professional leaders in multiple settings. Required and elective courses include global health practice and theory, program planning and evaluation, emerging infectious diseases, advanced epidemiology and biostatistics, research methods, environmental health, and global maternal/child health. In addition to didactic classes at both partner institutions, students will be expected to complete an international field practicum involving research, policy work, or cultural training. Graduates of the program are competitive for a variety of research, teaching and service positions in academic institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and businesses with global health interests both within and outside of the United States.

Applications to both institutions are required for admission. Please make sure to submit your applications in your area of choice to UC San Diego, San Diego State University and the national application system, SOPHAS.