Public Health (PhD)

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Program Description

The rigorous Public Health PhD program at GPH allows students to balance the theoretical with the practical; the innovation with the application. Students will work side-by-side with, and under the guidance of, esteemed faculty from NYU’s global and interdisciplinary network on vanguard research and solutions to universal public health issues.

Concentrations

Students will further tailor their studies by selecting one of the following four areas of study:

Epidemiology

The Epidemiology concentration is designed to deepen students’ understanding and application of advanced data analytic techniques and research methodology. Students complete coursework in advanced epidemiologic methods and applied biostatistics and engage in mentored research activities to develop mastery in the conceptualization and implementation of independent epidemiologic research.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration prepares individuals to use social science and behavioral theory and an array of methodological approaches to understand and address the social and behavioral determinants of health and illness on the population level. The curriculum provides students with rigorous training in foundational social and behavioral theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and intervention and implementation science. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be equipped to conduct independent scholarly research in academic and research settings and translate that knowledge to solve pressing public health challenges.

Public Health Policy and Management

The Public Health Policy and Management concentration is dedicated to the rigorous exploration and application of research methods, legal frameworks, policy development, and managerial strategies pertinent to contemporary public health issues and challenges. We delve deeply into a wide range of themes that are critical to the conceptualization, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public health policies and management strategies. These include, but are not limited to, healthcare delivery systems, health economics, and healthcare legislation, all seen through the lenses of legal principles, medical knowledge, and organizational contexts.

Biostatistics

The Biostatistics concentration focuses on statistical foundations and methods for study design, data analysis, interpretation and communication, with concern for ethics, equity, and awareness of structural racism and their roles in health. 

Admissions

All applicants are required to submit the following:

  • SOPHAS application form, select a single area of concentration from four different areas of study
  • Official transcripts from each institution attended (or an evaluation of your credentials if you graduated from a foreign institution)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume/CV
  • English language proficiency exam (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic) results for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. 
    • International students requiring a visa to attend NYU must complete the IELTS exam in person at an authorized test center. If you are required to take the exam but will not need it for visa purposes you may choose to take it online or at a test center.
  • Writing sample / Publication (must be sole author or first author among multiple)
  • Personal interview

Although not required, PhD applicants are encouraged to identify potential faculty mentors at NYU whose research interests align with theirs and with whom they would like to work with in a proposed area of research interest.