The MSPH/PhD program in Health Behavior Health Promotion (HBHP) is offered by the Department of Health Promotion Sciences. The doctoral degree program in Health Behavior Health Promotion has an emphasis on the biological, behavioral, and socio-cultural determinants of health and health behavior, as well as the interventions and policies aimed at improving community and population health.  The doctoral program offers a diverse and challenging curriculum addressing health behavior health promotion theory, knowledge and skills for working on health issues within the diverse communities of the Southwestern United States.

Outstanding course performance and strong evidence for research interest and aptitude in health behavior health promotion is required for all admitted students.  A bachelor's degree is required for entry into the PhD program.  However, applicants without a prior related master’s degree will complete a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in route to their PhD in Health Behavior Health Promotion. The MSPH develops the student's ability to think critically, develop and execute research, while also providing depth in health behavior health promotion, epidemiology and biostatistics, essential skills of a future PhD student and health promotion health behavior scholar.

The MSPH is not a stand-alone degree; students interested in graduate studies in HBHP who are uncertain of a research career focus are encouraged to discuss applying for the Master of Public Health (MPH) with department faculty and MEZCOPH’s Office of Student Services and Alumni Affairs. The MPH with a concentration in HBHP affords sound preparation for the PhD program while foremost being designed as a functional terminal degree for immediate workforce entry.

The doctoral program requires approximately four to five years for completion. The first two years of this time are usually devoted to coursework, the comprehensive doctoral examinations, and development of doctoral research. The program is research oriented and centers on a major research project.

View Information about the PhD program in Health Behavior & Health Promotion (for students that already have a Master's Degree)

For Students Entering without a Master’s Degree - 63 Units

The PhD curriculum will require a minimum of 73 credit hours (units), with 40 units required toward completing the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH). The MSPH component requires 25 required major course credits; 3 units are required on US minority/health disparities; 6 units of other electives; and 6 units of thesis. Additional required units post completion of the MSPH include 2 additional major units, 4 additional selective units, 9 units (minimum) for the minor, and 18 units for the dissertation, allowing for a maximum of 30 units to be shared between the MSPH and PhD.  Additionally, a maximum of 8 units from prior graduate coursework (6 units from a prior awarded degree) may be considered (pending review) to be applied towards the MSPH component.