2026-2027 Course Catalog

Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/ahs/community-health-phd/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health

Major areas of specialization at both the master's and doctoral degree levels include:

• Epidemiology of Health and Physical Health
• Health Administration and Policy
• Health Behavior in Public Health Practice
• Health Diversity and Cultural Studies
• Health Technology and Data Analytics

Graduate Degree Programs

• Community Health, MS
• Community Health, PhD
• Joint Degree Program: Community Health, PhD and Master of Public Health, MPH

Admissions

Applications are due on January 15 for Fall admissions. Applications are due on October 1for Spring admissions.

Admissions to the PhD degree program requires a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (A = 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants who have a master’s degree should have a grade point average of 3.5 for previous graduate-level work.

All applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation, resume, official transcripts and a personal statement that addresses the following prompts:

• What developed your interest for graduate study.
• Who, from the designated faculty, would you like to work with.
• Why do you believe you would be a good fit with aforementioned faculty.
• What do you expect to gain from a graduate experience and how will this experience prepare you for your intended career.

Although the GRE scores are not required, the scores may provide helpful supporting information in some cases. Applicants who have taken the GRE and feel their scores would benefit their application are encouraged to submit the scores. If you would like to submit scores, we recommend you scan your official score report as a PDF file and attach it to your application. You do not need to submit official scores through ETS, but if you decide to, please use our University code of 1836.

• International and some domestic students may be required to show proof of English Proficiency.
• Students for whom English is not their native language and who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship must achieve a score on the speaking sub-section of (TOEFL or IELTS).

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health

Graduate course experience in public health and statistics with grades of B or better is expected prior to admission. Before admission to the Ph.D. program, students may be required to take up to 12 hours of additional coursework to remedy deficiencies. The candidate is required to pass written preliminary examinations covering disciplinary and professional aspects of community health, the literature and theoretical perspectives in the major area of study and methological perspectives and research techniques. Students must also pass an oral preliminary examination on the area of specialization and dissertation proposal; and to pass an oral defense of dissertation research.

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.

Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health

Entering with a Bachelors degree

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Competency in research methods/statistics | | 12 | | CHLH 565 | | 4 | | CHLH 591 | | 12 | | Two courses in area of specialization | | 8 | | CHLH 593 | | 0-16 | | Electives | | 12 | | CHLH 599 | | 32 | | Total Hours | | 96 |

Grad Other Degree Requirements

Entering with an approved Masters degree

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Advanced research methods/statistics | | 4 | | CHLH/KIN/SHS 565/RST 560 | | 4 | | CHLH 591 | | 8 | | Two courses in an area of specialization | | 8 | | Additional research methods/statistics | | 8 | | CHLH 599 | | 32 | | Total Hours | | 64 |

Other Requirements

Grad Other Degree Requirements

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health

1. Content Knowledge: Students will demonstrate an advanced understanding of current and historically significant theories, models, themes, and ideas in the biomechanical, physiological, psychological, behavioral, pedagogical, biological, socioeconomic, epidemiological, environmental, and sociocultural correlates of Community Health.
2. Critical Thinking and Discovery:Students will demonstrate ethical practices while applying advanced quantitative and/or qualitative methods in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data which will then be disseminated through publications and/or oral presentations.
3. Awareness and Understanding: Students will understand and appreciate the diverse environmental, biological, psychological, socioeconomic, sociocultural, philosophical, and historical factors that influence health, rehabilitation, and human movement.
4. Programming and Assessment: Students will apply best practices in developing, implementing, assessing, and evaluating programs and interventions related to public health, health promotion, physical activity adoption and adherence, and the prevention and treatment of diseases in culturally diverse populations.
5. Leadership and Engagement: Students will demonstrate leadership and effective communication skills, showcasing an appreciation and commitment to health and physical activity as they develop and sustain productive relationships and work for the common good at local, national, and global levels.

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health

Department of Health & Kinesiology

Department Head: Kim Graber\ Director of Graduate Studies: Laura Rice\ Department of Health & Kinesiology website\ Health & Kinesiology faculty

Graduate Office: Julie Jenkins\ 906 South Goodwin Ave, 112 Freer Hall MC-052, Urbana, IL 61801\ (217) 333-1083\ HK-GRAD-OFFICE@illinois.edu