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Ph.D. in Health Sciences

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Why a Ph.D. in Health Sciences?

Kinesiology students using device to visualize bone and muscle structure

In many health science areas, a significant shortage of professors and clinical scientific leaders exists to replace and fill much-needed positions right now and in the future.

To meet the shortfall of faculty and clinical research scientists, this Ph.D. degree focuses on specific areas of health sciences including kinesiology, social work, nursing, nurse anesthesia and communication sciences and disorders. The program prepares individuals for careers in research, academia and industry.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to TCU graduate school, Harris College requires the following for admission to its Ph.D. program:

  1. 3.5 grade point average (GPA) minimum
  2. Completed course in statistics
  3. Completed graduate level research course
  4. Completed master’s degree or higher in a related field from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body
  5. Completed thesis or comparable project from the master’s or higher prepared degree
  6. Three letters of recommendation: two must be academic references with at least one from a previous graduate program faculty member or administrator
  7. Letter discussing research interest area(s) and professional goals
  8. A current license to practice in related field of study in the U.S., if applicable
  9. A curriculum vitae or resume

Applicants who do not meet the 3.5 GPA requirement but have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on prior graduate-level coursework may be considered for provisional admission on an individual basis. Factors that will be considered in the admission decision are GPA on graduate-level coursework, research interest, scholarly activities, professional leadership and work history. 

All materials must be submitted by Feb. 1, 11:59 p.m. CST, for admission consideration for the following fall semester. 

Grade Requirements

  • Grade of B or better is required in all coursework
  • Grade of F in any course will be grounds for dismissal from the program

Teaching Requirements

  • Successfully meet the Pedagogy I and II class requirements
  • Participate in four semesters of teaching 

Residency Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of four consecutive regular semesters of full-time graduate study at TCU
  • Registered  in at least one hour of dissertation

Written and Oral Comprehensive Examinations

  • Pass a written and oral comprehensive examination with an examination board of faculty

Candidacy Requirement

  • Successful completion of the written and oral comprehensive examinations

Dissertation Requirement

  • Successful completion of an original research project

Program Leadership

Emily Lund
Associate Professor; Associate Dean for Research
817-257-4450
e.lund@tcu.edu
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Anthony DiLollo
Director of the Davies School of COSD, Professor Davies School of Communication
817-257-7316
a.dilollo@tcu.edu
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Peter Weyand
Professor & Chair, Director Locomotor Performance Laboratory
817-257-1222
p.weyand@tcu.edu
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Robyn Ward
Director, Associate Professor of Professional Practice
817-257-7887
r.ward@tcu.edu
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Suzy Lockwood
Associate Dean for Nursing & Nurse Anesthesia; Director, Center for Oncology Education & Research; and Professor
817-257-6758
s.lockwood@tcu.edu
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Nada Elias-Lambert
Department Chair; Associate Professor; Affiliate Faculty, Women & Gender Studies; Affiliate Faculty, Comparative Race & Ethnic Studies
817-257-6762
n.eliaslambert@tcu.edu
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