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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Systems

Student Timeline

Year 1

  • Intensive coursework, with a focus on biostatistics, epidemiology, management, and health systems
  • Two-day written comprehensive examination is taken at the end of the year
  • Begin drafting research proposal to serve as the basis for the preliminary oral examinations and dissertation work

Year 2

  • Complete any remaining course requirements
  • Formulate Thesis Advisory Committee
  • Complete preliminary oral examinations and begin setting up dissertation work

Years 3

  • Conduct dissertation research, often in conjunction with working on an advisor’s research project
  • Begin data analysis and writing for dissertation

Years 4 

  • Finalize data analysis and write-up
  • Defend dissertation