A PhD degree in Applied Health Sciences is an advanced research-focused program of study that examines various aspects of population health, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. The degree is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of public health and health services research (HSR) through advanced coursework, rigorous research, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation.

HSR studies the end results of public health interventions and health services, to identify the most effective programs, policies, and interventions to improve the health of individual patients and populations. It can also play an important role in identifying disparities among different populations and guiding equitable resource allocation, policy formulation, and intervention strategies.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Offers a strong methods-oriented, didactic program combined with opportunities to conduct advanced health services research.

 

  • Trains graduates to analyze data from diverse sources, apply appropriate analytic methods, address complex health and healthcare challenges, and contribute to the population health improvements in various settings.
  • Equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct rigorous original research and contribute to the advancement of health services research.
  • Prepares doctoral students to make meaningful contributions to population health improvement through original research, critical analysis, and the application of their expertise in various professional settings.

Curriculum

Admission Criteria

Tuition and Fees

Questions?
Contact Us

Elena Dent, PhD
Interim Program Director
 edent@augusta.edu

Kim Dyches
Program Coordinator
 kdyches@augusta.edu

ASK A QUESTION

The PhD program is of interest to the fields of

  • Clinical Laboratory Science
  • Dietetics
  • Health Administration
  • Health Informatics
  • Medical Illustration
  • Medical Imaging
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physical Therapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Respiratory Therapy

Interests

Graduates of this collaborative program will be research-focused and clinically oriented, able to work on health care teams in evidence-based practice or as allied health faculty. The program is awarded through the Graduate School at the Augusta University’s Health Sciences Campus in Augusta.

aREAS OF INTEREST

  • DIAGNOSTICS SCIENCE
  • HEALTH OUTCOMES
  • REHABILITATION SCIENCE

Why a PhD in Applied Health Sciences?

The Augusta University's PhD in Applied Health Sciences Program addresses the acute need for discipline-specific health care PhD programs.

  • We offer health care professionals a doctoral education that meets individual, professional, and societal needs.
  • Academic programs in many fields increasingly prefer PhD-trained faculty to meet accreditation standards. 
  • Many accrediting bodies also now require interprofessional education in curriculums.
  • Team-based research is increasingly emphasized for federal research funding.

Our program combines advanced health education with excellence in research. We provide graduates with the innovative research skills needed for health care in Georgia and beyond.

Student Profiles

Kendra Bufkin

"One of the strengths of the Applied Health Science Ph.D. program is the faculty. They are passion about training students and always willing to go above and beyond for their students.  They take pride in making sure their students are excelling academically and are involved in research projects that will have a great impact."

Kendra Bufkin >>

Stephanie Johnson and Lawrence Ramiscal

"I enjoy research, but needed enhanced knowledge and skills to produce quality research. This program is allowing me to do just that- become an expert within the field of my choice (ALS and QoL) while learning the essentials to be a solid researcher."  - Stephanie Johnson 

"As a clinician first and foremost, the program allows me to continue to think like one while I start transforming of becoming a scientist for which my research will support the advancement of my profession of physical therapy." - Lawrence Ramiscal

 Stephanie Johnson and Lawrence Ramiscal >>