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PhD in Health Promotion Sciences
In this unique degree program, you not only study the causes of health-related behaviors, you also design effective interventions to prevent disease and promote health. The well-rounded training encompasses theory and methods from the allied fields of communications, psychology, preventive medicine, cultural studies, biostatistics, public health and epidemiology. A low student-faculty ratio and a commitment to teaching at the highest level foster a highly collaborative learning and research environment in which you play a central role. You will work with faculty who are world leaders in health promotion and disease prevention research; they will mentor you from the start of your training until the successful completion of your doctoral degree. Because they bring a robust record of scholarly activity and experience—from being funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other well-known agencies to publishing in hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and running countless research centers—you will gain firsthand knowledge and insight into the life of a research scientist. This substantial education prepares you to become a public health scholar and expert.
72 units
required units
PhD in Health Promotion Sciences
degree awarded
Online
modality
Spring, Fall
program start
5 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Gain an understanding of the principle methods of biostatistics through informatics, basic mathematical and computational tools, modeling, and computer applications.
Take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding key public health challenges that transcend local and national boundaries and require collaborative solutions.
Increase your knowledge of key challenges in health communication and how it works through curricular development, persuasive technologies, interpersonal processes, and more.
Note: This concentration is not currently accepting new students.
Study neurocognitive sciences through the field’s impact on community and global health prevention, decision making, language, memory, and evolution’s impact on the brain.
Understand major public health issues in the United States and abroad through the lenses of health services, environmental and occupational health, program planning, and leadership.
Master the use of information for public health practice, including information technology, and systems to improve effectiveness of public health enterprises.
American Heart Association
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
World Health Organization
Orange County Children’s Hospital
City of Hope
Blue Shield of California
Associate Professor of Community and Global Health
Research Interests
Epidemiology, chronic disease, cancer etiology, cancer survivorship, molecular and genetic epidemiology, lifestyle intervention trials, exercise, nutrition, quality of life, community-based interventions
Distinguished University Professor
Executive Director, Claremont Evaluation Center
Executive Director, The Evaluators' Institute (TEI)
Research Interests
Positive Organizational Psychology, Health/Well-Being & Positive Functioning Across Cultures, Program Design & Re-Design, Culturally Responsive Theory-Driven Measurement & Evaluation
Professor
Founding Dean, School of Community & Global Health
Research Interests
Transnational prevention of tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse, HIV-AIDS, and obesity; Community-based substance abuse prevention; Social and environmental influences on health; Community and mass media approaches to health
Professor of Community and Global Health
Director of the PhD in Health Promotion Sciences program
Research Interests
Determinants of health among ethnically diverse populations; Community-based participatory research among under-served, underrepresented populations; Health of Pacific Islanders and South Asians; Technology applications for health behavior interventions; Tobacco control, mental health, disaster management, health of migrants and indigenous peoples; Maternal and child health
Professor of Practice, Community and Global Health
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Director of the Certificate and Master of Public Health (MPH) programs
Research Interests
Evaluation of Health Communication Campaigns, Effects of Pro- and Anti-Tobacco and Alcohol Marketing; Public Health Education Accreditation
Professor
Research Interests
Nutrition and physical activity, Health promotion and disease prevention, Diabetes and obesity
Professor
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Research Interests
Application of theories and methods of human memory; Cognitive neuroscience and social cognition to health behavior: etiology, prevention, and media effects; Translation of basic research to field research, high-risk populations, and prevention; Validation issues in assessment
Professor of Community and Global Health
Director of the Applied Biostatistics (MS) program
Research Interests
Obesity prevention; Tobacco control; Diet, physical activity, body image in adolescents; Psychological adjustment to obesity; Diabetes and cancer; Application of statistical analysis in prevention research
Networking Opportunities
With more than 80 chapters throughout the world, the Delta Epsilon chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health at CGU opens up numerous academic and professional opportunities for SCGH students, including:
Research Projects
Gain direct experience in the global health community through a collective research and service focus on the needs of communities in Southern California, the Pacific Rim, South Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
University Requirements | |
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Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
Program Requirements | |
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Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
Letter of Recommendation | 3 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
Standardized Test Scores | GRE or GMAT required GMAT or GRE examination scores must be dated within the past five years. Request that an official GMAT or GRE score be sent to admissions directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Scores must be sent directly to CGU by the testing agency. CGU’s school codes: |
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2025
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2024
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2024
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2024
Classes begin – January 21, 2025
Fall 2025
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2025
Classes begin – August 25, 2025
Program | 49 units (students can transfer up to 13 units) |
Tuition per unit* | $2,020 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
$245 Student Fee |
$150 Technology Fee |
International Student Services Fee*: $661 fall semester, $776 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to change. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2024-2025.