Doctoral Degree in Health Services Research
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A doctorate in Health Services Research is ideal for students who are passionate about improving healthcare systems through data-driven research, policy analysis, and the evaluation of health outcomes. This program prepares graduates for careers as health policy researchers, healthcare consultants, or academic researchers, equipping them with the skills to analyze health disparities, optimize healthcare delivery, and influence public health policies to improve access and quality of care.
Program Overview
The PhD program in Health Services Research at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health prepares professionals for a career in conducting data-driven health services research. This unique program strongly emphasizes applied health services research skills, including study design, data management, statistics and other quantitative methods. There are opportunities to organize coursework based on interests such as health economics or health outcomes.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Deadlines
All Students
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Fall
- 02/01/2025
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Spring
- 12/12/2025 International Students apply for Spring by Sept. 15.
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Summer
- 04/18/2026
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What You'll Learn
Graduates will be prepared to address the practical challenges of conducting health services research in the multidisciplinary research environments of academia, government, consulting and industry. The mentored research program will prepare independent researchers skilled at designing and conducting health services research, leveraging a variety of study designs, using primary data collection approaches, and navigating primary and secondary databases to inform healthcare delivery and health policy. Understand critical health services research issues, including access, quality, and efficiency. Apply theoretical knowledge and conceptual models in support of health services research. Describe key issues and methods in a concentrated substantive area, such as health economics or health outcomes.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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