Steps to Apply for a PhD

Generally, a doctoral program at the University of Michigan School of Public Health consists of one to two years of full-time coursework, followed by two to five years of full-time, independent research. Because each of our departments administers its own degrees, requirements and courses of study differ. Visit our department PhD pages for more specific information about each public health doctoral degree.

*Michigan Public Health does not require and does not review GRE or other standardized test scores for admission to any master’s or doctoral programs. 

Application deadlines for Fall 2024 admission to doctoral programs vary by department and program, though most are due by December 1, 2023. Contact the Department Coordinator in the department you are applying to for specific deadline information.

Applications for all Doctoral Degrees at the School of Public Health are submitted through the Rackham Graduate School via ApplyWeb.


Biostatistics Doctoral Program 

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biostatistics focuses on research and prepares you for a career in university-level teaching and research. A dissertation with original research is part of this degree.

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Health Management and Policy Health Services Organization and Policy Doctoral Program

The Health Services Organization and Policy (HSOP) Program is the Health Management and Policy doctoral program leading to a PhD and prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and policy analysis in health services and policy.

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Nutritional Sciences Doctoral Program

Faculty resources, expertise, and program coursework support three focus areas within the Nutritional Sciences doctoral program:

  • Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Nutritional Interventions

Applicants should have a strong interest in science and health, an undergraduate degree in some field of basic or applied science, and, at a minimum, should have taken courses in biology, physiology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and calculus.

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Health Behavior & Health Equity Doctoral Program

The PhD degree in Health Behavior & Health Equity focuses on research and prepares you for a career in university-level teaching and research. A dissertation with original research is part of this degree.

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Environmental Health Sciences Doctoral Programs

Environmental Health Sciences PhD

Research  areas of interest include a broad range of environmental and occupational areas. Many topics include aspects of Environment, Sustainability, and Heath,  Occupational Health Sciences-Industrial Hygiene and occupational and environmental epidemiology.

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Epidemiology Doctoral Program in Epidemiologic Science

The PhD program in Epidemiologic Science produces scientists who are experts in recognition and investigation of those basic aspects of etiology and pathogenesis of disease relevant to prevention and control of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Graduates are qualified for positions in academia, research institutes, government, and industry.

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