PhD in Population Health
Lehigh University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Population Health prepares doctoral students to investigate, integrate, and address the determinants of health using multiple research methodologies. Students receive advanced training in data science, epidemiologic methods, qualitative research, survey design, community-based participatory research, policy analysis, and health promotion.
Graduates are trained to pursue an independent line of inquiry, build a body of original research, and contribute new knowledge to population health and public health.
Ph.D. Information Sessions
Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m. EST - Register here.
Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m. EST - Register here.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. EST - Register here.
PhD Curriculum
Click here to learn more about the PhD courses and curriculum. Please note that doctoral students whose graduate study is carried out entirely at Lehigh University must register for a minimum of 72 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students who have earned a master’s degree at another university must register for a minimum of 48 credits.
Application Deadlines and Admission Requirements
Applications Open: September 1
Deadline: December 1
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation in public health, population health, data science, or related fields. A minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the most recently completed degree program is recommended.
Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the most recently completed degree program is recommended.
- CV or resume
- No GRE or other entrance exams are required
- Transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions (unofficial for review; official transcripts required upon admission)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Essay/personal statement
- Sample of written work or product
- Interview with the admissions committee (by invitation)
- Proof of English proficiency (Information can be found here)
- $50 application fee
PhD Funding
Doctoral students receive tuition remission for 9 credits in the fall semester and 9 credits in the spring semester with a stipend for up to four years. To be eligible for funding, students must remain a full-time student in good standing, making progress towards degree completion.
Please note: Courses taken outside the College of Health must be approved by an advisor. Tuition for courses taken in the winter or summer term will be the student's responsibility, but a 30% tuition scholarship will be applied.
Funding is provided through roles as research assistants, graduate assistants in the College of Health and/or teaching assistants, and is subject to the continued support of the department, college, and other relevant financial resources.
Why Choose Lehigh’s PhD in Population Health Program?
Interdisciplinary, Multi-Method Training
Students learn to address complex population health challenges using data science, mixed-methods research, policy analysis, and community-engaged approaches.
Experiential Learning & Collaborative Research
PhD students engage in experiential learning, participate in faculty-led projects, and collaborate with community partners, building practical experience and a strong research portfolio.
Mentorship at an R1 Research University
As a Carnegie-classified R1 institution, Lehigh provides individualized mentorship from faculty active in population health sciences, health equity, global health, data-driven research, and health systems. Lehigh offers the resources of a large university while remaining small enough for students to build strong, personal connections with faculty.
Preparation for Research & Academic Leadership
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, government, research institutes, NGOs, healthcare systems, and global health initiatives. The program equips students to lead research that informs policy and improves health outcomes.
PhD in Population Health vs. DrPH
While both degrees aim to improve population outcomes, they differ in focus:
PhD in Population Health
- Research-intensive and theory-driven
- Emphasizes original research, advanced analytics, and scientific discovery
- Ideal for careers in academia, research institutes, health systems analytics, or policy research
DrPH
- Practice-oriented
- Focuses on leadership, management, and applied public health practice
- Suited for directing public health programs or agencies
The PhD is the recommended path for those seeking deep expertise in population health sciences and a research-based career.
Careers in Population Health: Roles and Industries
A PhD in Population Health prepares graduates to drive innovation across academic, clinical, governmental, nonprofit, and industry settings. Expertise in population health and public health, combined with methodological training, opens opportunities across sectors.
Typical roles include:
- Population Health Scientist
- Public Health or Health Policy Researcher
- Epidemiologist
- Biostatistician or Data Scientist
- Health Services Researcher
- Academic Faculty Member
- Director of Population Health or Analytics
- Research Scientist in government, nonprofit, or industry
- Consultant in healthcare, public health, or global health
Graduates contribute to policy evaluation, health system improvement, data-driven decision-making, and research that advances health equity.
Frequently Asked Questions about a PhD in Population Health
A PhD in Population Health is a rigorous research doctorate focused on understanding the social, behavioral, environmental, and systemic determinants that influence health outcomes across groups and communities.
Students develop advanced expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and implementation science while conducting original research that contributes to the evidence base in population and public health sciences.
While closely connected, population health and public health differ in emphasis and analytic scope. Public health traditionally focuses on community-level programs and disease prevention efforts, whereas population health investigates the broader systems, policies, and structural determinants that produce health outcomes across diverse populations.
Population health research often incorporates data science, health equity frameworks, and multi-level interventions to understand and improve health at scale.
The PhD in Population Health requires a minimum of 72 credit hours, including core coursework, advanced research methods, electives tailored to students' areas of specialization, and dissertation research.
Yes. Research is central to the PhD experience. Students work closely with faculty on interdisciplinary projects spanning epidemiology, health disparities and equity, community-engaged research, health systems evaluation, global population health, environmental health, and data-driven approaches to improving health outcomes.
Most students begin participating in research immediately.
Graduates of Population Health PhD programs pursue careers in academia, research centers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, health systems, global health institutions, and policy organizations.
Career paths include roles in epidemiologic research, health policy analysis, health equity leadership, population health analytics, program evaluation, and translational or implementation science.
Real Learning. Real Results.
Learn more about our PhD program and find out how it can make a difference for you.