doctoral academic programs

Ph.D.

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PhD Program in Dietetics & Nutrition

The PhD program in Dietetics & Nutrition prepares graduates to assume leadership roles in research, academia, government agencies, private industry and community-based organizations. FIU graduates have been successful in securing dynamic positions in universities, government and public programs. If you would rather be self-employed, a PhD is also the perfect credential to increase your stature and earning potential as a consultant.

All Dietetics & Nutrition PhD students will complete a 15-credit Research and Methods Core. In addition, each student will also develop, in consultation with his/her Dissertation Committee, an individualized plan of study for his/her advanced coursework in Dietetics & Nutrition Science. The plan of study may also include graduate courses from other departments in the SSPH or elsewhere in the university, as appropriate to achieve individual educational and research objectives. This degree requires a minimum of 55 credits after a MS or 75 credits after a BS degree.

Our doctoral program allows students to study and work side-by-side with nationally known educators, researchers and practitioners who serve as mentors. The Department of Dietetics & Nutrition has state-of-the-art laboratories for both research and teaching, however most of our faculty also conducts research off campus in community-based settings, i.e., acute and long-term care facilities, congregate meal sites, and home care settings. 

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Ph.D. in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology 
The doctoral program in Epidemiology is specially designed to train students in the highest level of professional skills to examine the conditions and determinants of health and disease in populations. The degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to apply quantitative and qualitative methods in addressing public health problems. The PhD program prepares students to become scholars who are able to conduct research and teach epidemiology. 

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Doctorate in Public Health (PhD) with a Specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
The PhD in HPDP is designed to train students to become effective leaders in public health.  Through courses, seminars, and training experiences, doctoral students will develop the skills and methodology necessary to help influence health behavior and lifestyle, as well as health problems that exist within communities. Graduates of the program are competitive for a variety of research, teaching, and public health practice positions. Future employers include academic institutions, local and state health departments, federal and international agencies. 

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Ph.D. in Public Health with a specialization in Environmental and Occupational Health
 
  • Coursework, written exams, and dissertation research
  • Master’s degree not required
  • Research areas include Molecular Environmental Epidemiology, Occupational and Environmental Health, Toxicology, Gene-Environment Interactions
  • Part-time program available

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Ph.D. in Social Welfare
The Ph.D. Program in Social Welfare aims to prepare students for careers in research, university teaching, and leadership in social welfare. Through a combination of courses, seminars, individual and collaborative study and research, as well as opportunities to teach, students are assisted to develop and strengthen their skills in methods of scientific inquiry, to deepen their understanding and analysis of social problems and public issues, and to contribute to the knowledge base of social welfare by evaluating the effects of social welfare interventions at all levels.

The majority of applicants to the Ph.D. Program are social work practitioners, although the Ph.D. degree is not a “clinical” degree meant for those seeking primarily to improve their intervention skills. It is first and foremost a research degree. At minimum, its graduates have demonstrated advanced knowledge of a social problem/social issue/social theory, an intervention level/practice model, and research methodology via the conduct and defense of an original dissertation. Most graduates of this program have obtained positions as faculty members in schools of social work across the country.

The School of Social Work is part of FIU's Stempel School of Public Health. A variety of opportunities exist for interdisciplinary collaboration, both within the School of Public Health and elsewhere in the University.  In the present Ph.D. curriculum, 50% of required courses are core social welfare courses, 25% are taken with students in other Ph.D. programs offered in the School, and the remaining 25% are graduate electives or individually supervised research or independent study courses.

The Ph.D. Program is a full-time program requiring a significant investment of time from students. Most students complete the program in three to four years.