The PhD program in International Health and Sustainable Development (IHSD) prepares the next generation of global public health researchers to conduct state-of-the-art research on global health and development issues, to reduce inequities, and to shape a sustainable future for the planet. The PhD program provides students with the skills to identify, assess, and apply scientific theories and research methodologies; to conduct original scientific research studies in resource-constrained settings; to leverage research findings towards best practice and strategic planning for global health programs; and to teach, mentor and advise students, programs, development officials, and governments. Students will develop understanding of relevant theories, the capacity to employ interdisciplinary and mixed-method research approaches, cultural competency, and the skills for ethical conduct of research.

Program Competencies

• Critique empirical and theoretical knowledge relevant to health and development issues and factors associated with inequities in resource poor settings.
• Formulate evocative, relevant, and clear research questions addressing global health and development issues.
• Generate applied qualitative and quantitative field research, including working with local partners, maintaining appropriate cultural sensitivities, addressing ethical issues, and managing and analyzing primary and secondary data.
• Explain research methodologies, scientific findings, and programmatic and policy implications of research findings to the scientific community and program implementers.
• Teach in an area of specialization, whether substantive, regional/geographic, and/or methodological.

Research ethics

IHSD doctoral candidates will complete the CITI ethics training course (or equivalent) no later than the end of the second year of their program and will remain certified for the duration of the academic program.

Teaching Assistant Requirement

All PhD students at SPHTM are required to serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for two SPHTM graduate courses while enrolled in the PhD program.  Students should register for Teaching Assistantship Educational Experience (0 credits) during the terms they complete each TA requirement. The courses for which the student will serve as a TA must be approved by the faculty advisor.

Comprehensive Examination

Upon completion of required coursework listed above students will be required to pass a comprehensive examination to demonstrate knowledge of, and competency with, the PhD core coursework, and concentration-specific coursework, as well as their specialty area. The exam will be administered by the concentration PhD program director and two additional faculty members in the department.

Prospectus

After passing the comprehensive exam a student must defend their prospectus. Upon agreement of all committee members, a student will defend the prospectus in an oral exam which is open to the school. Students need to follow all deadlines and submit all forms as specified in the school PhD handbook.

Dissertation

Students must complete a dissertation representing applied public health research that meets the school requirements for a PhD dissertation. Upon agreement of all committee members, a student will defend the dissertation in an oral exam which is open to the school. Students need to follow all deadlines and submit all forms as specified in the school PhD handbook.

Model Schedule (not including Foundational Courses)

The model schedule represents an overall plan for completing degree requirements. Students should consult their academic advisor to plan their actual schedule in terms of total credits per semester and course sequencing.