Degree Programs
Ph.D. Subtrack in Health Communication
Degree Description and Learning Objectives
The Ph.D. subtrack in Health Communication combines the core coursework from the Community and Behavioral Health Ph.D. curriculum with additional training at the doctoral level to prepare individuals for academic, research, and policy-making careers in the area of health communication.
Graduates of the Health Communications Program will be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of social and behavioral science theories related to public health.
- Demonstrate expertise in appropriate social and behavioral science research design and methodology related to public health.
- Design and implement research that incorporates knowledge of pertinent cultural, social, behavioral and biological factors.
- Understand the mechanisms of identifying and disseminating best practices in community health.
- Identify knowledge gaps, synthesize relevant information, and formulate focused research questions to address these gaps.
- Contribute to health communication knowledge by designing and conducting original research.
Prerequisites
A master's degree in a related area is required.
Supervision of a Ph.D. program
It is necessary for all Ph.D. students to be matched with appropriate department faculty who are available to advise their program of study and chair their dissertation committee. Prospective students should begin this matching process by speaking with the Interim Graduate Program Coordinator, Brenda Schropp, brenda-schropp@uiowa.edu or 319-384-1470, about which faculty members are currently available for the advisement and dissertation chair roles. The Graduate Program Coordinator will suggest personal contact with likely advisors as needed. Acceptance into the Ph.D. program will be in part dependent on the identification and agreement of an appropriate and available advisor and dissertation chair.
Ph.D. Health Communication Curriculum
During their first semester, students will work with their academic advisor to develop a Plan of Study that will satisfy both the students' individual goals, and the requirements listed below. The curriculum for the doctoral program requires that students complete at least 75 semester hours of course work past the baccalaureate degree. The transfer credit given for a master's degree counts towards these 75 semester hours. In addition to the courses below, students are required to attend departmental seminars.
College of Public Health Core
9 s.h. required
171:161 |
Introduction to Biostatistics |
3 s.h. |
172:101 |
Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention |
3 s.h. |
173:140 |
Epidemiology I: Principles |
3 s.h. |
170:200 |
Essentials of Public Health* * Course requirement waived for students with a MPH |
1 s.h. |
Behavioral and Social Sciences
12 s.h. required. Students may choose from the following courses to satisfy the area requirement.
172:110 |
Community Development in Public Health |
3 s.h. |
172:130 |
Social Determinants of Health |
3 s.h. |
172:150 |
Health Behavior and Health Education |
3 s.h. |
172:106 |
Designing and Implementing Interventions |
3 s.h. |
113:185/ |
Medical Anthropology |
3 s.h. |
Research Methods
15 s.h. required. Students may choose from the following courses to satisfy the area requirement.
172:181 |
Evaluation I: Theory and Applications |
3 s.h. |
172:282 |
Evaluation II: Design and Methods |
3 s.h. |
172:183 |
Qualitative Research for Public Health |
3 s.h. |
172:285 |
Research Methods in Community and Behavioral Health |
3 s.h. |
171:162/ 22S:140 |
Design and Analysis of Biomedical Studies |
3 s.h. |
034:214 |
Introduction to Sociological Data Analysis |
3 s.h. |
034:215 |
Sampling, Measurement, and Observation Techniques |
3 s.h. |
034:216 |
Linear Models in Sociological Research |
3 s.h. |
034:218 |
Categorial Data Analysis in Sociological Research |
3 s.h. |
034:219 |
Seminar: Selected Topics in Research Methods and Data Analysis |
3 s.h. |
07P:249 |
Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Models |
3 s.h. |
07P:252 |
Introduction to Multivariate Statistical Methods |
3 s.h. |
Health Communication Core
12 s.h. required
172:240/ |
Health Communication |
3 s.h. |
172:242 |
Persuasion and Health |
3 s.h. |
036:371 |
Communication Theory |
3 s.h. |
172:246/ |
Health Communication Campaigns |
3 s.h. |
172:140/ |
Media and Health |
3 s.h. |
Electives
21 s.h. required. Electives are selected in consultation with your advisor.
Thesis/Dissertation Hours
12 s.h. required
172:300 |
Thesis/Dissertation Hours |
Arr |
Total Semester Hours (minimum) |
75 s.h. |
Ph.D. Dissertation
The dissertation for Ph.D. students completing the Ph.D. subtrack in Health Communication will follow the same procedures and guidelines as the dissertation for students in the general Ph.D. program.
Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination for students in the Ph.D. subtrack in Health Communication will include theories and research related to health communication, as well as relevant theories, analytical skills, research design and methodology in the behavioral and social sciences related to public health.
The Health Communication program is part of the Coalition for Health Communication.
For additional information regarding the Health Communication subtrack, contact Dr. Shelly Campo at shelly-campo@uiowa.edu.