Graduate Programs

Academic Programs (select a program in blue to jump to the section)

• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs
  • Certificate in Analytics - online program
  • Certificate in Population Health Science - online program
• Executive Master of Science Degree Program
  • Executive Master of Science in Population Health Management - online program
• Master of Science Degree Programs
  • Master of Science in Biostatistics and Data Science
  • Master of Science in Population Health Science - online program
• Doctor of Philosophy Degree Programs
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics and Data Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health Science
• MD-PhD in Population Health Science

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Analytics – online program

INTERIM PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Jeanette Simino, PhD, MS

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The graduate certificate program in analytics is a distance or in-person education program aimed at individuals seeking to expand their knowledge in the areas of data analytics and computer programming languages. Students who successfully complete 12 credit hours will be able to analyze and translate vast amounts of data into actionable evidence and communicate results to individuals from other disciplines.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the certificate program is to give professionals, promising researchers, and potential students the basic analytical tools to conduct independent and practical data analysis. Those who complete the certificate program will be able to:

• Analyze data from many domains with a programming emphasis on biomedical, clinical, and population health data

• Efficiently program in a variety of statistical languages (R, Stata, SAS, Python)

• Think critically through the data analysis process, not only being able to apply techniques but understanding what statistical and data science analytical tools should be used in specific situations

• Establish a foundation of course-work that could be applied towards a formal degree, should the student wish to continue towards the Master of Science

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The program accepts students for fall enrollment. To be considered for fall admission, all applications must be submitted and completed by June 1.

Post-baccalaureate certificate applicants will be evaluated on the following:

• Baccalaureate degree in mathematics or a related field;

  • Applicants must have completed coursework in calculus through multiple variable integration and differentiation; basic probability and statistics; matrix algebra, matrix multiplications, inversions, and determinants

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale

• Official transcripts from all schools attended

• Curriculum Vitae OR one letter of recommendation

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Students must successfully complete 12 credit hours of coursework for certificate completion.

PLAN OF STUDY

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Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Population Health Science – online program

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Victoria M. Gholar, DNP, RN, PMH-BC

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The graduate certificate program in Population Health Science is a distance education program aimed at working professionals or post-baccalaureate students seeking fundamental training in population health. Students who successfully complete 12 credit hours will be able to demonstrate knowledge in the emerging and interdisciplinary field of population health science.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Students will understand the fundamentals of population health science and the contribution of the field to improving health and health care.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The program accepts students for fall, spring, and summer enrollment. Application deadlines for each semester are listed below:

• Summer: May 1

• Fall: June 1

• Spring: December 1

Post-baccalaureate certificate applicants will be evaluated on the following:

• Baccalaureate degree;

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 or better on a 4.0 scale

• Official transcripts from all schools attended

• One letter of recommendation

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Students must successfully complete 12 credit hours of coursework for certificate completion.

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Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics and Data Science

Interim Program Director: Jeanette Simino, PhD, MS

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Master of Science (MS) program in Biostatistics and Data Science will train students to extract, analyze, and translate vast amounts of data into actionable evidence and communicate results to individuals from other disciplines. This program synergizes competencies in statistics, computer science, and epidemiology, an important combination of skills for analyzing increasingly complex health-related data. Through supervised consulting sessions and an internship, students will develop the technical and collaborative skills necessary to excel in clinical, academic, government, industrial, and population health work organizations. Students must install the following statistical programs onto their personal laptops prior to orientation: Stata, R, and SAS OnDemand for Academics.

Program objectives: The primary objective of the program is to educate students on statistical theory, practical data analysis, big data management and manipulation, and communication with the scientific and general community. Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Efficiently collect, clean, organize, and appropriately analyze biomedical, clinical, and population health data

• Use standard programming languagesl (R, SAS, Stata and Python) to reproducibly explore and visualize data, fit models, conduct inference, and translate analysis results

• Conduct all facets of big data analysis, including the extraction, storage, manipulation, and analysis of publicly available data, using data science techniques and machine learning

• Adhere to rigorous ethical and methodological standards when analyzing real-world data

• Collaborate with non-statisticians and communicate findings to the scientific and general community to improve health care and prevent disease

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The program accepts students for fall enrollment. To be considered for fall admission, all applications must be submitted and completed by June 1.

MS in Biostatistics and Data Science applicants will be evaluated on the following:

• Baccalaureate degree in a relevant discipline

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (preferred)

• Three letters of recommendation from faculty members at accredited institutions or employment supervisors

• A personal statement

• Curriculum Vitae

• GRE; A GRE score >295 on the combined verbal and quantitative scores is preferred

In addition, students must have documented training in calculus (including multiple variable integration and differentiation) and linear algebra. Additional training in statistical or computer programming languages is preferred.

Program Completion Requirements: Students must successfully complete the prescribed plan of study, meeting a minimum of 38 credit hours beyond a baccalaureate degree, to be eligible for the awarding of a degree.

*Students intending to complete the PhD in Biostatistics and Data Science are advised to register for BDS 751: Statistical Inference in Genetics.

**Students may substitute PHS 703. Epidemiology I for MSCI 710. Epidemiology I in the fall of their second year.

***Electives: In certain cases, the advisor and program director may recommend that students take additional credits.

• BDS 711 – Statistical Methods in Research (3 hours)

• BDS 712 – Statistical Methods in Research II (3 hours)

• BDS 713 – Intro to Data Management and Programming (3 hours)

• BDS 714 – Statistical Methods for Clinical Trials (3 hours)

• BDS 715 – Intro to Sample Survey Analyses (3 hours)

• BDS 726 – Generalized Linear Models (3 hours)

• BDS 727 – Nonparametric Analyses (3 hours)

• BDS 728 – Multivariate Analysis (3 hours)

• BDS 742 – Statistical Inference II (3 hours

• BDS 743 – Theory of Linear Models (3 hours)

• BDS 752 – Advanced Statistical Genetics (3 hours)

• BDS 753 – Bioinformatics (3 hours)

• BDS 762 – Advanced Data Science (3 hours)

• BDS 763 – Database Systems (3 hours)

• BDS 764 – Data Visualization (3 hours)

• BDS 766 – Advanced Computational Methods (3 hours)

• BDS 767 – Deep Learning Applications (3 hours)

• BDS 791 – Special Topics (1-9 hours)

• BDS 793 – Seminar Series: Microtopics (1 hour)

• BDS 796 – Directed Research (3 hours)

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biostatistics and Data Science

Interim Program Director: Jeanette Simino, PhD, MS

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Biostatistics and Data Science will produce graduates equipped to conduct cutting-edge research, teach the next generation of biostatisticians and data scientists, and collaborate with basic research scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and population health organizations. The doctoral course of study includes supervised consulting, internships, and a dissertation expanding knowledge in one or more emphasis areas, namely biostatistics, data science, or bioinformatics & genomics. Students must install the following statistical programs onto their personal laptops prior to orientation: Stata, R, and SAS OnDemand for Academics.

Program objectives: The primary objective of the program is to prepare graduates to lead cutting-edge biostatistics, genetic epidemiology, or data science research. Students receive didactic training in statistical theory, practical data analysis, big data management and manipulation, and communication with the scientific and general community. Graduates of the program will:

• Lead cutting-edge research in statistical methodology, genetic epidemiology, or data science

• Act as a consummate resource in the design, analysis, and interpretation of a wide array of studies

• Use standard statistical (R, SAS, and Stata) and computer (Python) programming languages to reproducibly explore and visualize data, fit models, conduct inference, and translate analysis results

• Conduct all facets of big data analysis, including the extraction, storage, manipulation, and analysis of massive datasets, using data science techniques and machine learning

• Collaborate with non-statisticians with authority, communicating complex findings to the scientific and general community to improve health care and prevent disease

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The program accepts students for fall enrollment. To be considered for fall admission, all applications must be submitted and completed by June 1.

PhD in Biostatistics and Data Sciences applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

• Baccalaureate degree in a relevant scientific discipline

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (preferred)

• Three letters of recommendation

• A personal statement

• Curriculum Vitae

• GRE; A GRE score >300 on the combined verbal and quantitative scores is preferred.

In addition, applicants must have documented training in calculus (including multiple variable integration and differentiation) and linear algebra. Additional training in programming languages is preferred. Applicants may submit code exhibiting their knowledge in a statistical or computer programming language and/or slides presenting a completed data analysis project. These materials are optional but may strengthen the overall application.

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS: The PhD degree is a research degree and is not conferred solely as a result of formal course work, no matter how superior and extensive. The program leading to the PhD degree represents more than the sum of time in residence, and the plans of study listed below are only a minimum. To receive the doctoral degree, the candidate must demonstrate evidence of proficiency and distinctive attainment in a special field, and a recognized ability for independent investigation as presented in a dissertation based upon original research.

• COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION – The comprehensive examination covers four first-year courses, namely BDS 721: Analytics, BDS 722: Advanced Analytics, BDS 741: Statistical Inference I, and BDS 751: Statistical Inference in Genetics. The comprehensive exam is offered in May to students who have completed the requisite coursework. Students must successfully pass this exam before undertaking the qualifying examination.

• QUALIFYING EXAMINATION AND ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY – The qualifying examination is given to graduate students in good academic standing upon completion of coursework successful passage of the comprehensive examination. The qualifying examination must be successfully completed for admission to candidacy for the doctor of philosophy degree. This examination includes a 45-minute oral presentation of a biostatistics or data science project that the student completed under the mentorship of a program faculty member. The examination panel includes the research mentor and two additional faculty from the Biostatistics and Data Science program.

• DISSERTATION – The dissertation must show the originality of thought and demonstrate the results of independent investigation. It should contribute to the advancement of knowledge, exhibit mastery of the subject literature, and be written with an acceptable degree of literary skill. The dissertation, written according to the prescribed form, is prepared under the direction of the candidate's advisor and must be approved by the candidate's doctoral advisory committee and the Dean of the SOPH. This approval must be obtained and all other requirements completed by the date given in the official academic calendar. Guidelines outlining the prescribed form for a student's written thesis can be found on the SOPH Dissertation and Thesis website.

• DISSERTATION PROPOSAL AND DISSERTATION DEFENSE – The oral dissertation proposal defense to the doctoral advisory committee and dissertation defense to the public are mandatory for the successful completion of the dissertation. The candidate's advisory committee will oversee the dissertation process. See the SOPH Thesis and Dissertation Defense policy for details.

• REQUIRED COURSEWORK - Students must successfully complete BDS 706: Ethics in Biostatistics and Data Science Research and Practice.

• PUBLICATION REQUIREMENT - A student enrolled in the Biostatistics and Data Science Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program must have the results of their co-author research accepted for publication and the results of their first-author research submitted for publication before the awarding of the degree, as outlined in the SOPH Student Publication Requirement policy.

*Electives will be chosen from the courses offered by the Department of Data Science or other graduate degree departments upon approval of the program director.

**Students may substitute PHS 703. Epidemiology I for MSCI 710. Epidemiology I in the fall of their second year.

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Executive Master of Science (MS) in Population Health Management – online program

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Victoria Gholar, DNP, RN, PMH-BC

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The 12-month executive program is designed for experienced health care professionals, such as providers, clinical managers, health care executives, or others with at least three (3) years practice experience, who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills to create sustainable models for value-based and accountable care. Students will gain expertise in value-based health care delivery, including practice redesign, team-based models of care, incentive payment models, improving health care quality and safety, working with accountable care organizations, implementing population health management approaches, adopting appropriate health information technology, effectively leveraging data to drive health care improvement, maximizing community assets to address social determinants, and much more. The program will culminate in a Population Health Capstone, during which students will develop and implement projects aligned with the triple aim within their practice settings.

The executive program offers asynchronous online classes that allow you to earn your master's while working; strategically aligned weekend seminars that allow for in-depth exploration of key topics; a cohort-based structure that fosters collaboration with other clinicians and administrators; courses led by respected population health leaders; and a strong focus on applied learning, so you quickly put new knowledge and skills into practice.

Program objectives: The program has a strong focus on applied learning. Students will gain knowledge and skills in value-based health care delivery, including practice redesign, team-based models of care, incentive payment models, improving health care quality and safety, working with accountable care organizations, implementing population health management approaches, adopting appropriate health information technology, effectively leveraging data to drive health care improvement, maximizing community assets to address social determinants, and much more.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The program accepts students for Fall enrollment. To be considered for fall admission, all applications must be submitted and completed by July 1.

Executive MS applicants will be evaluated on the following:

• Baccalaureate or professional degree

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (preferred)

• Three letters of recommendation

• A personal statement that includes information regarding relevant experiences or work history pertinent to the degree program

• Curriculum Vitae (Applicants must have >3 years of work experience)

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS: To graduate, students must complete a population health capstone project. This will entail developing and implementing a project to address one or more dimensions of the Quadruple Aim, i.e. improve the patient experience, improve health outcomes, improve the provider experience or reduce health care costs, in a specified setting.

• WEEKEND SEMINARS – Students must attend 3 seminars offered throughout the year and the time commitment estimate is 2-3 days each weekend

• ****May be required to attend a conference at your own cost

*Students may be allowed to substitute one three-credit hour course (except the capstone) with another course offered by the department of population health science if they have taken an equivalent course as approved by the program director.

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Master of Science (MS) in Population Health Science – online program

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Jennifer Reneker, PT, MSPT, PhD

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The MS in Population Health Science is a distance education program offered by the John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center. The program will be completed entirely online using UMMC's electronic student learning platform. The program is designed to educate students to examine health determinants and outcomes using a population health framework and to develop policies and interventions to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and improve the health care system. The program will culminate in a capstone project demonstrating application of competencies for the program.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the program are reflected in the competencies below:

• Describe the fundamentals of population health science and the contribution to improving health and health care

• Apply evidence-based approaches for knowledge acquisition in population health science, including the ability to:

  • Critique the literature, summarize the evidence, and synthesize knowledge

  • Analyze and interpret primary and secondary population-level data to reach valid conclusions about the health of populations

  • Design and execute appropriate research studies to identify clinical and non-clinical determinants of health, distribution of health outcomes, and health disparities

  • Conduct community health needs assessment, including information about health status, multiple determinants of health, and community assets and resources

• Practice mechanisms for knowledge translation and exchange

• Apply knowledge of the organization, financing, delivery, and value of health care to the design of interventions to improve health outcomes for clinical, organizational, and geographical populations

• Conduct a capstone project with real-world applications to improving health or health care for a defined population

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The program accepts students for fall enrollment. To be considered for fall admission, all applications must be submitted and completed by June 1.

MS in Population Health Science applicants will be evaluated on the following:

• Baccalaureate or professional degree in a relevant discipline

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (preferred)

• Three letters of recommendation

• A personal statement describing professional background and aspirations pertinent to the degree program

All applicants to the research track must meet the minimum admission requirements set forth by the SOPH. In addition to the general requirements, applicants to the Preventive Medicine track must be physicians undergoing preventive medicine residency training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS: Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours to graduate from the program. All students in the research track must complete a directed research course and they must complete a capstone project.

Research Track

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE TRACK

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Population Health Science

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Jennifer Reneker, PT, MSPT, PhD

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Population Health Science program will educate students to examine health outcomes and patterns of health determinants, to develop policies and interventions to reduce health disparities and improve population health outcomes, and to effectively communicate scientific studies to a range of stakeholders. Graduates will develop advanced research, analytic, and communication skills necessary for generating and disseminating new knowledge in the science of population health improvement. Enrolled students will be able to complete the program in approximately 5 years, completing a minimum of 73 credit hours. The program will culminate in an original dissertation designed to have real-world application. All PhD students major in the interdisciplinary field of Population Health Science, with an emphasis on knowledge translation. Following completion of similar coursework to acquire core competencies in Population Health Science, students take a written qualifying examination. Students who pass their written qualifying examination will identify faculty to serve on their doctoral dissertation committee. Each student prepares a proposal for an original dissertation research project under the supervision of their committee. A dissertation proposal defense is required after which the dissertation committee decides whether to approve the proposal. Once the research proposal is approved by the dissertation committee and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the student can start working on their dissertation research. At the completion of their dissertation, in addition to the formal written work, all students must defend their project in an oral presentation to the wider university community.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: the objectives of the program are reflected in the competencies below:

• Describe the fundamentals of the field of population health science and the contribution to health and health care

• Apply evidence-based approaches for knowledge acquisition in population health science, including the ability to:

  • Critique the literature, summarize the evidence, and synthesize knowledge

  • Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret primary and secondary population-level data to reach valid conclusions about the health of populations, including quantitative and qualitative data, and data clustered in space and time

  • Design and execute appropriate research studies to identify clinical and non-clinical determinants of health, distribution of health outcomes, and health disparities

  • Conduct community health needs assessment, including information about health status, multiple determinants of health, and community assets and resources

  • Conduct health impact assessment for a public policy or program outside of the health sector

  • Develop a program evaluation proposal for a population health intervention

• Practice applied skills in science communication, knowledge translation, and exchange

• Practice effective collaboration skills while working in interdisciplinary teams

• Apply knowledge of the organization, financing, delivery, and value of health care to the design of interventions to improve health outcomes for clinical, organizational, and geographical populations

• Apply systems thinking to address complex health challenges.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The program accepts students for fall enrollment. To be considered for fall admission, all applications must be submitted and completed by June 1.

PhD in Population Health Science applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

• Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. health sciences, social sciences, etc.) or a professional degree in a health-related field

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (preferred)

• Three letters of recommendation

  • One letter from an academic referee

• Current resume or curriculum vitae

• A personal statement describing the applicant's professional background and aspirations pertinent to the degree program.

• (Optional) GRE; A GRE score >300 on the combined verbal and quantitative scores is preferred. If an applicant believes that the GRE score would help their application, this may be submitted with the application materials.

In addition, applicants show previous coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level showing at least one course in statistics, research methods, and biology respectively, with a grade of B or better in each course.

Program Completion Requirements: The PhD degree is a research degree and is not conferred solely as a result of formal course work, no matter how superior and extensive. The program leading to the PhD degree represents more than the sum of time in residence, and the plans of study listed below are only a minimum. To receive the doctoral degree, the candidate must demonstrate evidence of proficiency and distinctive attainment in a special field, and a recognized ability for independent investigation as presented in a dissertation based upon original research.

• QUALIFYING EXAMINATION AND ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY – The qualifying examination is given to graduate students in good academic standing upon completion of coursework and must be successfully completed for admission to candidacy for the doctor of philosophy degree.

• DISSERTATION – The dissertation must show the originality of thought and demonstrate the results of independent investigation. It should contribute to the advancement of knowledge, exhibit mastery of the subject literature, and be written with an acceptable degree of literary skill. The dissertation, written according to the prescribed form, is prepared under the direction of the candidate's advisor and must be approved by the candidate's dissertation advisory committee and the dean of the SOPH. This approval must be obtained and all other requirements completed by the date given in the official academic calendar. Guidelines outlining the prescribed form for a student's written dissertation can be found on the SOPH Dissertation and Thesis website.

• DISSERTATION PROPOSAL AND DISSERTATION DEFENSE – The dissertation proposal and public oral dissertation defense are mandatory for the successful completion of the dissertation. The candidate's advisory committee will oversee the dissertation process. See the SOPH Capstone and Dissertation policy for details.

• PUBLICATION REQUIREMENT - A student enrolled in a Bower School of Population Health Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program must have the results of their research accepted for publication before awarding the degree, as outlined in the SOPH Student Publication Requirement policy.

PLAN OF STUDY

**Electives: In certain cases, the advisor and program director may recommend that students take additional credits from the following elective courses:

• PHS 791 Independent Study (1-9 credit hours)

• PHS 746 Systemic Review, Meta-analysis, and Evidence Synthesis (3 credit hours)

• PHS 745 Community Engagement and Community-based Participatory Research (3 credit hours)

• PHS 722 Health Information Visualization (3 credit hours)

• PHS 748 Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems for Population Health (3 credit hours)

• PHS 760 Health Economics (3 credit hours)

• PHS 761 Health care Finance (3 credit hours)

• PHS 762 Methods for Economic Evaluations of Health Programs (3 credit hours)

• Other departmental/school and university-wide electives may be suggested and taken with the approval of the faculty advisor and program director.

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MD-PhD in Population Health Science Program

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Jennifer Reneker, PT, MSPT, PhD

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The MD-PhD is a seven-year program consisting of the first three years of medical school (M1-M3), three years of graduate study in population health science (P1-P3), and the final year of medical school (M4). Years P1 through P3 are devoted to fulfilling the remaining program requirements for the PhD, including coursework and dissertation research. Enrolled students will be able to complete the PhD phase in 3 years.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: The goal of the MD-PhD track of the PhD in Population Health Science is to train medical students to become physician-scientists capable of conducting independent research to address clinical and non-clinical determinants of health to improve the health of populations.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Traditional Route: Students applying to this dual degree program should follow admission guidelines for both the School of Medicine and the Population Health Science PhD program (see below), and prospective students will complete a separate application for each school. Students interested in pursuing the MD-PhD program must first complete all medical school application materials through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) online portal, adhering to the School of Medicine Regular Decision Program deadlines. In addition, applicants must complete the following to AMCA: 1) MD-PhD Motivation and Significant Research essays, describing all relevant research experience, and 2) submit at least one supplemental faculty letter of evaluation from someone able to evaluate the research potential. If selected by the School of Medicine to continue in the MD-PhD application process, students will be invited to interview with and submit additional application materials to the John D. Bower School of Population health through BioMedCas. Students will receive notification of an admission in October, following interviews with both schools.

Alternate route: Currently enrolled first or second year students in the School of Medicine may also apply for admission to the MD-PhD program. Interested students should contact the MD-PhD Program Director for additional information.

Financial support: Students enrolled in the MD-PhD program are fully financially supported with tuition scholarships, health insurance coverage, and stipend for living expenses for the duration of their enrollment in the dual degree program. These scholarships are detailed below.

• $28,000 annual stipend

  • This living allowance is paid twice per month by the John D. Bower School of Population Health to each student while enrolled in the MD-PhD program. 

• Dean's Scholarship

  • This scholarship covers the cost of tuition for courses taken in the John D. Bower School of Population Health. This scholarship is awarded by the John D. Bower School of Population Health.

• Conerly Scholarship

  • This scholarship covers the cost of School of Medicine tuition and fees. This scholarship is awarded by the School of Medicine.

Population Health Science PhD admission requirements:

PhD in Population Health Science applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

• Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. health sciences, social sciences, etc.) or a professional degree in a health-related field

• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (preferred)

• Three letters of recommendation

  • One letter from an academic referee

• A personal statement describing the applicant's professional background and aspirations pertinent to the degree program.

• (Optional) GRE; A GRE score >300 on the combined verbal and quantitative scores is preferred. If an applicant believes that the GRE score would help their application, this may be submitted with the application materials.

In addition, applicants show previous coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level showing at least one course in statistics, research methods, and biology respectively, with a grade of B or better in each course.

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS: The PhD degree is a research degree and is not conferred solely as a result of formal course work, no matter how superior and extensive. To receive the doctoral degree, the candidate must demonstrate evidence of proficiency and distinctive attainment in a special field, and a recognized ability for independent investigation as presented in a dissertation based upon original research. To receive the doctor of medicine degree, the candidate must meet all requirements as defined by the School of Medicine.

• QUALIFYING EXAMINATION AND ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY – The qualifying examination is given to graduate students in good academic standing upon completion of coursework and must be successfully completed for admission to candidacy for the doctor of philosophy degree.

• DISSERTATION – The dissertation must show the originality of thought and demonstrate the results of independent investigation. It should contribute to the advancement of knowledge, exhibit mastery of the subject literature, and be written with an acceptable degree of literary skill. The dissertation, written according to the prescribed form, is prepared under the direction of the candidate's advisor and must be approved by the candidate's dissertation advisory committee and the dean of the SOPH. This approval must be obtained and all other requirements completed by the date given in the official academic calendar. Guidelines outlining the prescribed form for a student's written thesis can be found on the SOPH Dissertation and Thesis website.

• DISSERTATION PROPOSAL AND DISSERTATION DEFENSE – The dissertation proposal and public oral dissertation defense are mandatory for the successful completion of the dissertation. The candidate's advisory committee will oversee the dissertation process. See the SOPH Thesis and Dissertation Defense policy for details.

• PUBLICATION REQUIREMENT - A student enrolled in a Bower School of Population Health Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program must have the results of their research accepted for publication before awarding the degree, as outlined in the SOPH Student Publication Requirement policy.

*MD-PhD students in their third year must take at least three elective hours from any of the courses offered by the Department of Population Health Science, with the approval of the graduate program director.

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