Health Equity Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description 

The doctoral program in Health Equity Sciences (HES) focuses on health disparities and equity from public health, population health, and community health perspectives.  Underserved and marginalized groups experience health disparities attributable to economic, social, cultural, and environmental disadvantages at higher rates than other groups.  The HES program provides advanced training to prepare graduates to become health equity researchers and to assume leadership positions in governmental (local, state, federal) and non-governmental agencies, public health and social justice organizations, health care organizations, and institutions of higher learning.  Graduates will have the ability to conduct original research that addresses complex health problems, develop culturally competent community-based programs, and design and conduct program evaluations.  They will be able to apply their expertise in research methodology, statistical analysis, and health communication in many settings, including rural, tribal, border, and other underserved communities.  The focus of the program will be on research to address existing and emerging health disparities and health equity. Through a cooperative agreement with the University of New Mexico, students are provided with advanced comprehensive training to prepare them for positions of leadership in state, federal, and global governmental and non-governmental agencies, public health and social justice organizations, health care provider organizations, and institutions of higher learning.

Program Curriculum 

NOTE: Students will participate in a mix of program-specific courses using the HES (i.e., Health Equity Sciences) prefix and graduate-level courses from across the NMSU campus and from UNM by cooperative arrangement/MOU.  All HES courses will be at the doctoral level (6000 or 7000), including content offerings and research/dissertation hours; courses from across the NMSU campus will be graduate-level (5000 or higher).

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Track Elective courses will be determined with the consultation of the student's advisor.

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Pass written and oral components of the preliminary paper/comprehensive exam

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Pass written and oral components of the dissertation