Students walk along Mirror Lake on Ohio State's Columbus campus

Health Behavior and Health Promotion - Doctor of Philosophy

Harness applied and basic research skills that will prepare you to contribute to community and individual health and well-being.

The Health Behavior and Health Promotion doctoral program provides students with advanced understanding of the field and strong abilities to develop original research. Students partner with and learn from faculty who study behaviors and health choices as well as the methods used to change behaviors and individual and community levels.

Learn about the Public Health PhD

Get answers to your questions about Ohio State's public health PhD specializing in health behavior and health promotion. Sign up for an upcoming session and learn more how you can become a Public Health Buckeye.

Available dates

July 9

Graduate program information session

Sept. 16

Graduate program information session

The PhD curriculum

Coursework in the doctoral program includes foundation, advanced health behavior and health promotion and research methods courses, a related minor and dissertation. Up to 30 credits of master’s level coursework may count toward the PhD, with approval.
Download sample curriculum

Research expertise

Our faculty are experts in community-placed work in urban and rural centers of the state. They work with ethnic and gender minorities in Columbus as well as those from the rural Appalachia parts of the state to prevent and intervene the unique health issues faced by the diverse populations across Ohio.
Explore faculty interests

Funding opportunities

Ohio State offers paid research, teaching and administrative assistantships as well as competitive fellowships and other grant opportunities. Learn more about how financial support is awarded to graduate students.
Graduate funding

Program requirements

  • Minimum credit hours: 80
  • GRE scores are optional
  • TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores for international students: See minimum scores
  • Program start: Autumn semester

2025/2026 deadlines to apply

DEC
1
 International student deadline

DEC
15
 U.S. student deadline

Take your next step

We have prepared a list of recommendations for you to use as you prepare your application to the PhD program. Remember, to be considered for funding, you must submit your application to SOPHAS before the December 1 priory deadline.

Prepare your application
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