PhD in population health
The doctoral program in population health at ASU’s College of Health Solutions offers advanced training and study that bridges health care and public health systems. Through the program, you can address the social, environmental and policy determinants of health and improve health outcomes for local populations with your own impactful research and its application to the communities you explore and collaborate with.
The 84-credit program can be completed in three to five years and prepares you to become a researcher, educator and leader dedicated to advocating, promoting and achieving improvements in population health.
Population health concerns itself with the patterns of determinants, interrelated conditions and systemic variations that affect health outcomes for groups of people united by commonalities, such as their area of residence or health concerns. Researchers who are interested in deep connection and understanding of the communities they serve — as well as a desire to improve health at the community level — are prime candidates for a career in population health.
The College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University translates scientific health research and discovery into practice. Its programs prepare students to address the challenges facing our populations to stay healthy, improve their health, and manage chronic disease — all toward improving health outcomes.
Improve population health outcomes and reduce health inequalities.
29% much faster than average job growth expected for medical and health services managers through 2033.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
ASU is #1 in the U.S. and top 10 worldwide for global impact in research, outreach and stewardship ahead of MIT and Penn State.
Times Higher Education, 6 years, 2020-25
PhD in population health
As a doctoral student, you will engage in research throughout the program, allowing you to strengthen your knowledge while building your credentials.
Featured courses
POP 605 Population Health Systems Science and Theory
Understand systems science theory and methodology and its application to population health.
POP 610 Social Epidemiology
Consider how human activities and social interactions yield differential exposures resulting in health disparities. Explore dynamic social relationships and human activities that exacerbate those disparities.
POP 615 Organizational Behavior and Theory in Population Health
Discuss questions and perspectives relevant to understanding organizational behavior and theory across population health, including health care and public health sectors.
BMI 515 Applied Biostatistics in Medicine and Informatics
Learn the statistical methods used to analyze quantitative data collected in clinical trials and epidemiologic studies. Master SAS statistical software.
Choose from five tracks
Specialize with 15 credit hours of coursework in one of five areas:
Health equity
Conduct community-embedded and theory-driven research to analyze multidimensional influences producing health disparities. Collaborate with local communities and key stakeholder groups to develop strategies and interventions to address social determinants of health and increase health equity.
Urban environments for health
Analyze health challenges facing city-dwelling populations, including infectious diseases, chronic illnesses and behavioral health conditions. Students will develop strategies to address challenges by focusing on environmental conditions and integrating transdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies.
Dissemination and implementation science
Conduct research bridging the gap between evidencebased interventions and real-world practice. Develop theoretical knowledge and methodological skills to promote the adoption of evidence-based interventions into health care, public health and other service delivery settings.
Health services research and policy
Develop the knowledge and skills to analyze access to and use of health care services, associated costs, and quality and safety of care. Analyze policy impacts on health care delivery, organization, financing and associated health care outcomes.
Complex adaptive systems
Apply systems thinking and methodological approaches to address complex population health challenges. Gain experience using systems science methods, learn to identify structural causes and leverage optimal points for interventions with robust improvements in outcomes.
Finding your mentor
Your mentor is the key to your success as a PhD candidate. You will work with your mentor from the beginning to the end of the doctoral program. Multiple faculty members conduct impactful and innovative research within each track — explore your options with the faculty listings on chs.asu.edu and email potential mentors to gauge compatibility. Opt for a mentor based on mutual research interests who has the availability and expertise to support your plan of study.
Funding your PhD
Funding can be sought through awards, fellowships, or becoming a teaching or research assistant. For more information on funding resources, visit graduate.asu.edu.
