Program Examples

For illustrative purposes, three hypothetical trajectories for students with different educational backgrounds are presented in Table 1 (below) showing possible program sequences for each. No one student is expected to follow any of these programs exactly. They are provided to illustrate program flexibility depending on the student’s prior background and specific career plans.

Illustrative Case Examples: Credit Requirements for the HBHE Doctoral Program

Student A has a master’s degree from a related field (e.g., psychology, social work, nursing, public policy, etc.). Consequently, the program of study for this student includes coursework in core areas in public health as well as courses in health behavior and health education. Students are encouraged to request exemptions for prior coursework that meet the basic core requirements (e.g., basic biostatistics). Coursework is expected to range from between 55-68 hours, depending on previous coursework and exemptions approved.

Student B has an M.P.H. degree in a different public health area (e.g., epidemiology, health management and policy, environmental health sciences). In this instance, the individual's plan of study will include courses in health behavior and health education, including health behavior theory if not already taken. Students are encouraged to request exemptions for prior coursework that meet the basic core requirements. Coursework is expected to range between 50-68 credit hours, depending on previous coursework and exemptions approved.

Student C has an M.P.H. degree in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan. Credit reductions are granted for prior coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics. Consistent with the policy outlined under HBHE Courses above, the basic core requirements for this individual are reduced by between 15 and 18 credit hours based on previous coursework completed as part of the MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education.

NOTE: These are illustrative programs based on hypothetical backgrounds for students with varying previous coursework. Specific coursework will vary based on specific backgrounds and academic trajectories, but will not fall below a minimum of 50 credit hours.