Doctoral training in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences (BSHS) at Brown University is inherently multidisciplinary and highly collaborative. The signatures of Behavioral and Social Health Sciences training at Brown include community engagement; intervention development and evaluation; and use of innovative methodologies in service of improving public health.
Students and faculty engage in research that seeks to identify social, psychological, and behavioral risk factors for disease and illness; understand the psychosocial determinants of health care; understand health protective behaviors, relationships, and institutions; and develop and evaluate health-promoting interventions that are grounded in behavioral and social science theory. Students in the Doctoral Program in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences demonstrate mastery of relevant theory and methods, assessed via coursework and examinations, and complete a dissertation that represents original research. More information can be found on the BSHS program website.
Additional Resources
The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences is affiliated with several leading research centers at Brown, including the Center for Addiction & Disease Risk Exacerbation (CADRE), Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Center for Global Public Health, and Mindfulness Center at Brown.
These centers provide doctoral students with opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research spanning addiction, health behavior and disease prevention, health equity, global public health, and mindfulness. Through these collaborations, students can explore their research interests, work alongside faculty and research teams, and contribute to innovative approaches to improving public health.
Application Information
The most competitive applicants will have an earned master's degree in public health or in a behavioral or social science field (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, education, communication). To be prepared to complete the doctoral degree requirements, applicants should have taken quantitative courses, such as undergraduate or graduate level calculus, statistics or probability coursework; and demonstrate research experience relevant to public health. A key element in evaluating applications is our assessment of the fit between applicant intellectual and research interests and those of one or more of the faculty. Students should identify potential faculty mentors in their application; advance correspondence with potential faculty mentors is highly recommended to establish fit. See a list of our faculty members open to taking students.
Applicants to this School of Public Health program should apply using the link on the SPH admissions website. The application opens each year in mid–August. The GRE is not required.
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not required
GRE General:
Not required
TOEFL/IELTS:
All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score. Language proficiency exams are not required of those students whose native language is English, or have earned a degree from a non-U.S. university where the primary language of instruction is English, or from a college or university in the United States.
TOEFL scores must be sent to SOPHAS (code: 5688) and Brown Graduate School (code: 3094).
IELTS scores must be sent electronically to "Brown University Graduate School" via the IELTS portal. Self-report your scores and TRF number in SOPHAS.
Official Transcripts:
Official domestic and international transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work must be submitted directly to SOPHAS before the program's application deadline.
Letters of Recommendations:
3
Personal Statement:
Required
Resume/CV:
Required
Additional Materials:
Application Fee
Additional Requirements:
International Applicants:
- Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS if applicable)
- Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
Comprehensive application requirements are detailed on the School of Public Health's admissions requirements website.
Dates/Deadlines
Application Deadline
Completion Requirements
The Ph.D. in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences requires completion of 16 required courses. Students entering with relevant prior graduate coursework may request to have courses count toward degree requirements; however, all students must complete a minimum of 12 courses after enrolling in the BSHS doctoral program. Doctoral students must earn a grade of A or B in all courses counting toward the degree, successfully complete the qualifying examination, and complete and defend a dissertation representing original research.
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Contact and Location
Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Mailing Address
Box G-S121-4