PhD in Health Services & Policy
THE DOCTORAL PROGRAM is the oldest program of its kind in the country, established in 1950. We provide instruction in core content areas, focused applications and mastering the scientific method to better prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
The Iowa Advantage
Our program in health services and policy consists of a team of faculty, professionals, alumni and students who are committed to improving health care. Our doctoral students are well-prepared to make valuable contributions to the field of health care services, policy, and research.
Key features that help set our Ph.D program apart from others include:
| Focus areas. Doctoral students gain in-depth experience through course work and research practice in their choice of focus area: Health Economics, Health Policy, or Organizational Behavior/Organizational Theory (OB/OT) _________________________________________ | A strong collaborative atmosphere. Graduate students benefit from the enthusiastic research collaboration of our faculty members with investigators across the campus, including leading scholars in Medicine, Nursing, and other colleges. _______________________________________ |
| An apprentice-style approach to the research experience. Recognizing the importance of one-on-one student-faculty contact, the program emphasizes opportunities for students to develop mentoring relationships with faculty. _________________________________________ | State leaders in health research. The University of Iowa is a beacon for health research in the state. This unique position provides faculty and students with expanding opportunities for research, policy and service. _______________________________________ |
| Three-paper option for dissertation. Students have the opportunity to submit three papers for their dissertation or to complete a traditional dissertation. The three-paper format is intended to help students publish papers prior to graduation. | Financial aid. Full-time Ph.D. students are provided financial support through graduate research assistantships, teaching assistantships and tuition stipends. |