Office of Student ServicesPhone: 979.436.9356SPH-GradInfo@tamu.edu
General Questions
Tami HawkinsAcademic Advisor IIPhone: 979.436.9420thawkins@tamu.edu
The program prepares students to conduct research in basic and applied health education. All students are expected to work closely with faculty in research and service projects to become skilled, independent and ethical researchers and to publish in health education journals.
A transdisciplinary approach is used to produce researchers and academicians who are trained to understand how one’s health and wellness is both positively and negatively influenced by one’s total environment from factors ranging from micro (interpersonal relationships, families) to macro (cultural, environmental, policies, infrastructure). The goal is to train professionals who understand and consider the interaction between the individual, their respective state, and their social, structural and political environment.
The program is grounded in the Responsibilities and Competencies for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) developed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).
Most applicants have completed a master’s degree, but students may be admitted with a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree applicants must have an exemplary record of achievement at the undergraduate level and significant preparation in health education.
The Ph.D. program admits in the Fall term only (not spring or summer terms). Applications for Fall 2024 will open on Sept. 1, 2023.
Fall 2025
January 15, 2025
(final deadline for all applicants)
TBD
(Mid August 2025)^
*All new graduate students must attend SPH mandatory orientations. More information will be shared via email.
**All new international students must attend a SPH mandatory orientation. More information will be shared via email.
^Dates will be determined upon release of the official 2025-2026 academic calendar.
For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our cost and tuition rates webpage (https://aggie.tamu.edu/billing-and-payments/cost-and-tuition-rates). This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.
PhD applicants must submit all of the required documents by the posted deadline to be reviewed for admission. International applicants should review the international applicant information for additional requirements.
Review the instructions section in your SOPHAS application for more details. In addition to describing why you want to pursue the chosen degree plan/concentration with the School of Public Health, SOPHAS recommends the following topics:
Doctoral applicants must submit a writing sample that demonstrates their analytical and writing skills. Preference is given to samples in which the applicant is the sole and/or primary author.
Standardized test scores (GRE) are waived.
In addition to the requirements listed above the applicant may be asked to participate in an interview.
SPH - Graduate Student Services Phone: 979.436.9356 SPH-GSS@tamu.edu
We have world-class tenure-track/tenured faculty bringing decades of experience to our students. It is highly recommended that before you apply for our PhD program, you choose the field you are interested in, identify a potential advisor for your doctoral program, and contact them for more information about their research. You can find more specific information in the table below or visit: https://public-health.tamu.edu/departments/hb/faculty.html
(Professor)
(Associate Professor)
International Health
Maternal and Children Health Public Health Genomics
Substance use
Mental Health
Comorbidity of behavioral health risks
Disparities/Vulnerable populations (e.g., Black American, military-connected)
Emerging adulthood
(Assistant Professor)
Every student’s course of study is individually designed on the basis of career goals and interests. The program required a minimum of 64 hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree and 96 hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree and must include: health education core; statistics/research requirement; teaching internship; dissertation of original research; students may petition to substitute elective courses for required health education courses already completed.
Texas A&M has the 6th largest student body in the nation, and is ranked among the nation’s top 25 public universities and top 10 public engineering schools by U.S. News & World Report. The campus is located in the twin cities of Bryan and College Station, Texas, which boasts a low cost of living, good educational and support for students, sunbelt environment, and is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the country.
The school has world-wide faculty with diverse backgrounds, strong research skills and a desire to help and mentor students. Their research fields are widespread and varied, including but not limited to cancer, HIV, sexuality, health policy, school health, substance abuse, physical activity, health disparities, mental health, interpersonal violence, health communication, international research, social network analysis, maternal and children health, public health genomics.
There is a wide range of employment in health education. Most of our PhD graduates are highly competitive in the job market, with many getting faculty positions inside and outside the United States or working in government or hospitals.
The school offers comprehensive curricula that prepares students to help people improve their health, and thereby their quality of life, through effective health education, powerful networking, strong leadership, meaningful research and selfless service to others. The vision of those who teach health education is to be a leader in improving the quality of life for individuals on personal, community and global levels. The mission is to train and equip professionals to facilitate improving human health through practice, research, and service.
Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
No, the GRE is not required.