Key Features
Outstanding course performance and strong evidence for research interest and aptitude in health behavior health promotion is required for all admitted students. A bachelor's degree is required for entry into the PhD program. However, applicants without a prior related master's degree will complete a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in route to their PhD in Health Behavior Health Promotion. The MSPH develops the student's ability to think critically, develop and execute research, while also providing depth in health behavior health promotion, epidemiology and biostatistics, essential skills of a future PhD student and health promotion health behavior scholar.
The MSPH is not a stand-alone degree; students interested in graduate studies in HBHP who are uncertain of a research career focus are encouraged to discuss applying for the Master of Public Health (MPH) with department faculty and MEZCOPH's Office of Student Services and Alumni Affairs. The MPH with a concentration in HBHP affords sound preparation for the PhD program while foremost being designed as a functional terminal degree for immediate workforce entry.
The doctoral program requires approximately four to five years for completion. The first two years of this time are usually devoted to coursework, the comprehensive doctoral examinations, and development of doctoral research. The program is research oriented and centers on a major research project.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Biostatistics for Research
- Public Health Fundamentals for Researchers
- Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health
- Evaluating the Public Health Literature
- Advanced Research Methods in Health Promotion
- Health Behavior Health Promotion Seminar
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test — 110
- TOEFL® IBT — 90 (OR)
- PTE Academic — 60
- IELTS — 7
Other requirements
General requirements
- Master's degree in the area of health behavior health promotion or similar field required for PhD applicants
- GPA of 3.2 or higher (3.6 is considered competitive)
- GRE scores are waived for Fall 2025 admissions
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose and objectives
- Research statement
- Writing sample
- Mission and values statement
- Resilience statement (optional)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international applicants
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
International (Non-residents): 33,011 AUD / year (≈ 23,400 USD / year)
Out-of-State: 33,011 AUD / year (≈ 23,400 USD / year)
Domestic (In-State): 17,916 AUD / year (≈ 12,700 USD / year)
Living costs
Tucson, United States
1,171 - 1,608 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships
