Doctoral Degree

The IU Bloomington School of Public Health offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a major in Health Behavior. For decades, students who plan to pursue scholarly careers in the areas of sexual and reproductive health have been attracted to this program given that it is led by faculty who are among some of the nation’s leading scholars in these areas. And in fact, many of today’s leading scholars across the globe are alumni of this doctoral program.

The program requires 90 credits of graduate coursework and students are required to have previous graduate coursework (e.g., masters or professional program) prior to entering the program. Up to 30 credits of graduate coursework from previous institutions can be counted, with some limitations, toward the 90 credits for this degree.

Here is a checklist for students who are interested in pursuing the Ph.D. in Health Behavior and who would plan to focus their work on sexual and reproductive health.

• Review the program description, admission requirements, and academic characteristics.
• Consider how well your interests align with the expertise of our faculty. Faculty who have specific research programs in sexual and reproductive health are listed on this website. Once you identify faculty with whom you share interests, we encourage you to write to that faculty member directly. We always want to hear from prospective students and an initial email from you is the best way to start a discussion about your interest in joining that faculty member’s research team.
• Visit our two primary research centers focused on these areas to learn more about current work, current students, and areas of research.
  • Center for Sexual Health Promotion
  • Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention

For questions about the admissions process, funding opportunities, and general information about the degree program and the department, contact the Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Applied Health Science, Dr. Jon Macy