More than just classroom learning.

With its diverse patient population and proximity to state legislators, there’s no better place to study and research than right here in Richmond. Our curriculum goes beyond the textbook, with opportunities to engage with the community, collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines and learn alongside our accomplished faculty mentors.

Ph.D. Programs

For students who aim to make meaningful contributions to public health, the Department of Health Behavior and Policy offers two Ph.D. programs.

Our faculty are dedicated to helping students discover and claim their areas of expertise, and both doctoral programs within the department offer the following:

A core curriculum in research methods and statistics
A broad selection of interdisciplinary electives
Dedicated mentored research experiences
Professional development seminars
Access to VCU Heatlh research institutes and centers
Stipend and tuition defrayment for up to four years
Opportunities for financial support covering dissertation expenses
Small class sizes
Emphasis on applied research

Health Care Policy and Research Ph.D.

In preparation for research positions in academia, government and the private sector, this program trains students to use economic and statistical frameworks and methods to address important health policy issues.

Social and Behavioral Sciences Ph.D.

This program equips students with an understanding of health as the intersection of structural, cultural, social, behavioral and biological factors, preparing them to become scientists, educators and program administrators across a broad spectrum of health care settings.

Other Programs

Master of Public Health

Administered by the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, VCU’s M.P.H. program provides a framework for the current state of public health. Our faculty provide academic support for students enrolled in this program.

Postdoc Training in Cancer Prevention and Control

Funded by the National Institutes of Health, this two-year program through the Massey Cancer Center is for early-career individuals in the social sciences (psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology), public health, biostatistics and those who have completed clinical training in medicine or nursing.

M.D.-Ph.D. Dual Degree Program

VCU trains physician-scientists to improve human health through a combined program that blends medicine and science throughout the entire curriculum.

Discover the program