Become a leader in public health with a Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences

Pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences allows you to position yourself as a leader in solving today’s most pressing health challenges. This degree is designed for people who want to make a lasting impact on communities while advancing their own career in meaningful ways. 

Advance your public health expertise 

With a Ph.D., you gain advanced training in public health theory, methodology and research. At UNT Health, you will study with experienced faculty in small cohorts, ensuring personalized mentorship and access to research opportunities that build your expertise in epidemiology and health behavior research. 

Open doors to research and leadership careers 

Graduates of a Ph.D. program in public health sciences are prepared for roles in academia, government and nonprofit sectors. Whether you aim to become a faculty member, senior researcher or policy advisor, this degree equips you with the skills to lead projects and organizations that improve population health. 

Contribute to health and population well-being 

Your research will address urgent health issues such as chronic disease prevention, infectious disease control, health disparities and health behavior change. By developing evidence-based solutions, you help shape policies and programs that create healthier communities. 

Gain mentorship and professional networks 

As part of a Ph.D. program, you will work closely with faculty mentors and collaborate on projects with peers and professionals. These connections will strengthen your academic and professional networks, which are crucial for research opportunities and career advancement. 

In conclusion, earning a Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences gives you the knowledge, skills and connections to become a thought leader in public health. 

Apply today in order to begin your journey toward advancing public health and shaping healthier communities. 

The Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences at UNT Health is a full-time, on-campus program. This structure ensures that you receive the intensive training, opportunities and mentorship needed to prepare for leadership roles in public health. 

Why full-time matters 

• You will take a full course load each semester, usually nine credit hours. 

• The program includes rigorous coursework, research projects and a dissertation. 

• Students often serve as teaching assistants or research assistants, gaining valuable academic experience. 

Time to degree 

Most students complete the program in three years, depending on prior academic preparation. The program requires a master’s degree and may require additional leveling courses if the master’s degree was not in public health. 

Funding and support 

Some students admitted into the program receive comprehensive financial support. This typically includes a stipend, tuition and fee waivers, and health insurance for the first two years of study. After this, students are encouraged to apply for intramural and extramural funding for their remaining years.  

Apply today in order to take the next step toward becoming a leader in public health research and practice. 

The Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences at UNT Health is driven by faculty whose research spans critical areas of population health. As a student, you will work alongside scholars who apply advanced methodologies and collaborate with communities to address today’s most pressing health challenges. 

Diverse areas of expertise 

Our faculty bring expertise across the full spectrum of public health: 

• Maternal and child health: Research in fetal origins, perinatal outcomes, family planning, reproductive health and maternal services utilization (Dr. Ashenafi Cherkos, Dr. Stacey Griner). 
• Health behaviors and risk reduction: Studies on physical activity, substance use, adolescent health and interventions to prevent problematic alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use (Dr. Gregory Knell, Dr. Matthew Rossheim, Dr. Scott Walters).
• Epidemiology and health disparities: Work on perinatal to geriatric health, socioeconomic and racial disparities, infectious diseases and vulnerable populations worldwide (Dr. Uyen-Sa Nguyen, Dr. Babayemi Olakunde, Dr. Malinee Neelamegam).
• Community health and engagement: Engaged research in health inequities, women’s wellness, interpersonal violence, poverty and resilience-focused interventions (Dr. Emily Spence). 

Cutting-edge methods and innovation 

Faculty employ advanced approaches to push the boundaries of public health science: 

• Biostatistics and machine learning: Application of causal inference, Bayesian modeling, latent variable modeling and AI to advance epidemiology and clinical neuroscience (Dr. Eun-Young Mun, Dr. Rajesh Nandy, Dr. Zhengyang Zhou).
• Implementation science: Translation of evidence-based guidelines and interventions into practice through mixed-methods research and community partnerships (Dr. Stacey Griner, Dr. Babayemi Olakunde).
• Aging and neurodegenerative diseases: Studies on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and related comorbidities, focusing on early diagnosis, prevention and health disparities (Dr. Malinee Neelamegam, Dr. Zhengyang Zhou). 

Real-world impact 

Faculty at UNT Health lead projects that inform public health practice, policy and clinical care. Their research addresses urgent issues such as the opioid epidemic, chronic disease prevention, maternal and infant nutrition, and strategies to reduce health inequities across communities. Students benefit from mentorship in grant writing, publishing and applying findings to practice, preparing them to become impactful leaders in the field. 

Apply today to join a team where your doctoral work can flourish. 

As a Ph.D. student in Public Health Sciences at UNT Health, you will gain rigorous training in the theories, methods and applications that shape population health research. The program is designed to build your expertise in both core public health foundations and specialized concentration areas, preparing you for impactful careers in academia, research and leadership. 

Core areas of study 

Every student develops a strong foundation across public health sciences, including: 

• Epidemiologic theory and methods: Study design, causal inference, biostatistical modeling and advanced analytic strategies 
• Health behavior theories: Frameworks for understanding and changing health behaviors in diverse populations
• Research design and analysis: Quantitative and qualitative methods, survey design and longitudinal data analysis
• Public health policy and practice: Translation of evidence into programs, policy and community-based solutions 

Concentration options 

You will select a primary concentration that aligns with your career goals: 

• Epidemiology: Focused on disease distribution, risk factors, study design and analytic methods to understand health outcomes and inform policy. 
• Health Behavior Research: Emphasizing social, cultural and behavioral influences on health, as well as the design and evaluation of programs to improve community health. 

Research and dissertation 

Beyond coursework, you will: 

• Collaborate with faculty mentors on funded research projects.
• Engage in hands-on research through assistantships and community partnerships.
• Complete a dissertation that contributes original knowledge to the field of public health.  

Program structure 

• Cohort-based, full-time model to encourage collaboration and peer support 
• Typically completed in about three years, depending on your background
• Includes milestone exams, research seminars and professional development opportunities to prepare you for competitive careers 

In conclusion, you will study a curriculum that combines rigorous scientific methods, population health perspectives and real-world application to address today’s most urgent public health challenges. 

Apply today in order to begin your journey toward advancing knowledge and shaping the future of public health. 

Yes, the Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences program at UNT Health provides you with the flexibility to shape your doctoral studies through elective coursework that complements your core training and chosen concentration. Electives allow you to tailor the program to your research interests and career goals while gaining interdisciplinary perspectives. 

Flexibility in your curriculum 

In addition to required core courses and concentration-specific classes, you will be able to select electives that deepen your expertise or broaden your skill set. Options often include topics such as: 

• Advanced biostatistics and data science methods 
• Global health and health disparities
• Maternal and child health
• Behavioral intervention design and evaluation
• Chronic disease prevention and control
• Community health research and policy 

Benefits of electives 

By choosing electives, you can: 

• Build a more specialized focus in your area of interest, such as epidemiology or health behavior 
• Gain exposure to complementary fields that strengthen your career readiness
• Collaborate with faculty across different departments and research teams 

A program designed around your goals 

Electives are integrated into your individualized degree plan, developed in close consultation with your faculty advisor and dissertation committee. This ensures your coursework not only satisfies degree requirements but also supports your long-term career goals. 

In conclusion, electives give you the chance to customize your doctoral experience, making your Ph.D. both structured and flexible to match your professional aspirations. 

Apply today to design a doctoral journey that aligns with your unique research and career goals. 

Earning a Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences can lead to strong earning potential, though actual salaries vary widely by role, location, employer type and years of experience. Here’s what you should expect: 

Salary ranges and benchmarks 

• Across the U.S., Ph.D.-educated public health professionals commonly average $110,300 a year in many research or institutional roles. (Nursing Process) 
• In the role of public health researcher, recent data places mean compensation near $118,000 annually (U.S.) (Glassdoor)
• According to Payscale, people holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health report an average base salary of about $98,000 in the U.S., though this can climb higher with experience, specialization or leadership responsibilities. (Payscale) 

Salary data by role and specialization 

• Public health researcher 
  • Average U.S. salary: $113,102 a year  (ZipRecruiter)
  • Some higher-end roles report up to $145,000 in competitive markets (Glassdoor)
• Public health epidemiologist
  • Mean salary: $113,000 a year (Glassdoor)
  • Range: $87,000 to $148,000 (Glassdoor) 
• Public health assistant professor (Payscale)
  • Average: $87,018 a year
  • Range: $63,000 to $126,000
• Research scientist (Payscale)
  • Average: $93,226 a year
  • Range: $66,000 to $129,000 

Factors that shift these numbers 

• Sector: Academia, government, nonprofit and private industry pay differently  
• Geography and cost of living: Major metro areas and states with higher living costs pay more
• Experience and seniority: Recent graduates make less than those with five- to 10-plus years of postdoctoral or leadership experience
• Specialization and methods: Skills in biostatistics, data science, modeling or grant-writing can command premiums
• Institution/reputation: Top-tier institutions or high-impact research centers often offer higher pay 

What this means for you 

When you join the Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences program, you’re positioning yourself to enter roles that pay considerably above average. With solid experience, you could move into senior leadership or faculty positions that push your compensation well above six figures. 

Apply today in order to take the next step toward a rewarding career in public health leadership and research. 

Yes. A Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences equips you with the expertise and credibility to work in high-level government agencies and policy organizations. The program’s emphasis on research, data analysis and evidence-based solutions prepares you to influence health systems, shape policy and address pressing public health challenges at local, state, national and even global levels. 

Government career paths 

Our graduates often pursue leadership and research positions with agencies such as: 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Conducting surveillance, outbreak investigation and program evaluation 
• National Institutes of Health: Advancing scientific discovery and leading federally funded research
• U.S. Public Health Service: Serving in applied research, community health and federal health initiatives
• State and local health departments: Leading epidemiology programs, health behavior interventions and community health initiatives 

Policy and advocacy roles 

Your Ph.D. training also prepares you to: 

• Provide evidence-based recommendations that shape health policy 
• Design and evaluate programs that reduce disparities in vulnerable populations
• Collaborate with nonprofits, advocacy groups and international NGOs to influence health systems worldwide
• Serve as an expert advisor to policymakers on issues such as chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health or infectious disease control 

Why this matters for your career 

With a doctorate, you’re not only able to conduct rigorous research. You’re also trusted to translate findings into real-world action. Government and policy employers look for professionals who can connect scientific evidence to effective solutions, and this program gives you the tools to do exactly that. 

Apply today in order to prepare for influential roles in government, policy and public health leadership. 

Applying to the Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences program is a multi-step, competitive process. Use the information below to guide you through the steps and maximize your chances of acceptance. 

Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria and provide these materials as part of their application in SOPHAS: 

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) earned from a regionally accredited institution 
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Minimum GPA: A cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic or professional abilities, such as professors, advisors or supervisors. Students currently enrolled in another master’s or doctoral program should include a letter from current program faculty.
• Personal statement outlining your academic interests, research goals and professional aspirations
• Writing sample that demonstrates your scholarly or professional writing ability
• The GRE is encouraged but not required. Submit scores using code 6565. 

English proficiency for international applicants 

Please see information on the International Admissions Requirements page regarding how to demonstrate English proficiency. 

Application deadlines and completion 

Applications are reviewed only after all materials (transcripts, letters, test scores, etc.) are verified and submitted.  

The current application deadline is Jan. 15, 2027. 

Admission decision and next steps 

UNT Health uses a holistic review process considering all parts of your application.  

If accepted, then you must submit an Admissions Decision Form by the April 15 deadline to confirm your enrollment.  

Apply today in order to begin building your path toward doctoral training, research mentorship and leadership in public health. 

A master’s degree is required for admission into the Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences at UNT Health. Most successful applicants hold an MPH, MS, MA or other graduate-level training in either public health or a related field. Applicants without a public health master’s degree may need to complete additional prerequisite coursework to ensure readiness for doctoral-level study. 

If not, there may be remedial coursework required to meet basic competencies.  

Preferred qualifications 

• Master’s degree (i.e., MPH, MS, MA) in epidemiology, biostatistics, health behavior or a closely related discipline to public health 
• Prior research experience, such as working on faculty-led studies, publishing or completing a thesis
• Strong foundation in statistics, research methods and health sciences coursework 

Why this matters 

The admissions committee takes a holistic review approach, weighing your academic background, research experience, letters of recommendation and career goals.  

Apply today in order to take the next step toward advanced research and leadership in public health. 

No, the GRE is not required for the Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences program at UNT Health. However, students have the option to submit their scores.  

What that means for your application 

• You may submit GRE scores if you believe they strengthen your application, but they are not required. 
• The admissions committee uses a holistic review process, considering all parts of your application — i.e., transcript, research experience, letters, statement of purpose — regardless of whether you submit GRE scores.
• Since the GRE is optional, strong performance in other areas (e.g., academics, research, recommendation letters) becomes more important in distinguishing your application. 

Apply today in order to submit a compelling, well-rounded application — either with or without GRE scores.