Graduate Studies in Behavioral Health
PhD Program
The Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute and the College of Public Health (COPH) jointly offer behavioral health as part of the Master’s and Doctoral programs in the Department of Community & Family Health (CFH). Graduate Studies in Behavioral Health examines community and family issues in policy, evaluation, systems performance, and outcomes of alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services. Students with public health, psychology, education, counseling, social work, and nursing backgrounds analyze current trends and research in behavioral health services.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Behavioral Health Focus is an advanced research degree program for students intending to pursue academic, research, or high-level administrative careers in behavioral health services. The curriculum at the doctoral level is individualized based upon the student’s career goals and previous experiences. Requirements include COPH prerequisites (for individuals without an MPH or MSPH), departmental foundation courses, behavioral health courses, research method courses, qualifying exams, and a dissertation. Interested students should consult CFH’s most recent Doctoral Program Guidelines & Manual for the complete degree requirements.
A graduate from the PhD program will be able to:
- Contribute to the improvement of the health and well being of individuals, families, and communities through intra- and interdisciplinary effort
- Implement change within the community and public health
- Conduct basic and applied research in identification, prevention and evaluation of public health problems
- Teach in University settings
- Assume leadership roles at the local, state, national and international levels
Course Offerings
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
For admission information click here
PhD Curriculum
For a list of courses, click here