

The Ph.D. program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences is a research-intensive program for people holding a master’s degree in an area related to health and human services who are interested in furthering their careers as researchers, higher education faculty, and leaders of interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The program uses a cohort model, with approximately 12 students admitted biennially in even years through a competitive process. No more than three students are admitted from any one discipline in any cohort. The program is designed to build competence in interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and problem solving. We stress that it is interdisciplinary “by design, not default.”
The program also is tailored to develop competence in the three areas of contribution expected for university faculty—research, teaching, and service. Thus, it aims to address current and pending national shortages in doctoral level faculty across the fields of health and human services. Graduates are prepared to assume leadership positions in other venues as well. In any setting, the interdisciplinary skills of the graduates of this program prepare them uniquely to address complex problems and contribute to interdisciplinary evidence-based practice.
The program uses a combination of on-campus weekend and intensive summer sessions and distance learning technologies to provide high quality doctoral education that is accessible to working professionals. Students are encouraged to develop their in-depth knowledge within chosen areas through their cognate courses and research practicum, supported by interdisciplinary mentoring by faculty across the College of Health and Human Services and beyond. Program and college faculty provide supportive mentoring in a context of rigorous standards and expectations.
Please review our web pages to learn more about this exciting, innovative program, and communicate with us directly through our email addresses. We value your input and interest.
Sincerely,
![]()
Nickola Wolf Nelson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Program Director
Spotlight
Attention Students:
Applications for admission to the 2012 (July) IHS Ph.D. cohort are due January, 15, 2012.
Earn a Ph.D. with the opportunity to work with faculty on projects in the fields of blindness, deafness, or deaf blindness. Visit website.
View the IHS Ph.D.
2011-2012
Newsletter