About the Program

Our SBS doctoral training builds and expands upon the foundational understanding of health as the intersection of the following factors:

Structural

Cultural

Social

Behavioral

Biological

With an emphasis on applied research and personalized mentorship, the SBS program gives students the skills and experience they need to make meaningful, independent scientific contributions in social and behavioral science and health.

Richard F. Brown, Ph.D.
Kellie E. Carlyle, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Dina T. Garcia, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Sun Jung “Sunny” Kim, Ph.D., M.S., M.A.
Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., M.S.
Alexander R. Lucas, Ph.D., M.S.
Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., M.A.
Maria D. Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.
Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Students complete a minimum of 54 post-master's credit hours in subject areas such as the following:

  • Research methods in social and behavioral science
  • Health disparities and social justice
  • Communication in health care
  • Digital technologies
  • Intervention development and implementation

Learn more about the program’s curriculum and other degree requirements in the VCU Bulletin.

Life in Richmond

Urban life with a small-town feel

We encourage our students and researchers to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and Richmond is a wonderful place to engage in that well-rounded lifestyle. As the capital of Virginia since 1779, Richmond attracts students, faculty and staff from around the globe. The city’s location affords easy day trips to destinations like Washington, DC, Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg and the Blue Ridge Mountains, among others.

As a mid-sized city with a metropolitan population of 1.3 million, Richmond provides stimulating activities while maintaining its intimate feel and unique vibe. Vibrant neighborhoods offer distinct, diverse experiences, with no shortage of art galleries, museums, music venues, restaurants, breweries and parks. For the outdoor enthusiast, you can’t beat the offerings in the city’s riverfront parks and urban wilderness areas such as white-water rafting, hiking, mountain biking and festivals.

Learn more about our community

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this doctoral program must have a master’s degree in a related discipline from an accredited program and a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0.

Please see the VCU Bulletin for more information about graduate admissions.

How to Apply

Please submit your application through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS).

Applicants must supply the following:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in your field of study
  • A personal statement addressing your reasons for pursuing graduate education at VCU, describing your background and research interests and identifying the faculty member(s) you’d like to work with
  • A writing sample

International applicants must also provide evidence of proficiency in the English language prior to admission or full-time enrollment at VCU and an external credential evaluation of academic transcripts.

 

Contact Us

For more information about the Social and Behavioral Science Ph.D. program, please contact:

Nerice Lochansky Luu
Education Administrator
nlochansky@vcu.edu