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Entering a doctoral degree program is a serious endeavor for both students and faculty. Since students bring a broad spectrum of academic and professional experiences and interests, they are encouraged to shape their doctoral program to meet their individual needs, goals and desires. At the same time the faculty views doctoral study as an endeavor that must meet strict standards to achieve ideals for scholarship and intellectual discipline. It is expected that doctoral students will devote at least two consecutive semesters, preferably in the first year, to full time study.

The degree offered is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). With the underpinnings of philosophy, the doctoral degree spans the academic spectrum from strong theoretical bases to practical, experiential methods.

By working in cooperation with faculty and members of the doctoral committee, the student has the responsibility to:

• Take the lead in designing the course of study;
• Devote at least two consecutive semesters, preferably during the first year following admission, to full time study;
• Develop and maintain the understanding that the doctoral program is a serious commitment of time and dedication;
• Participate in intellectual and scholarly activities of the Department;
• Work independently as much as possible;
• Demonstrate continuous progress through the doctoral program from start to finish;
• Respect the many demands that are placed on faculty;
• Be responsible for knowing and adhering to mandatory deadlines, forms, and signature requirements set forth by the department, college, and university;
• Arrange and schedule committee meetings as deemed necessary;
• Be open and receptive to challenges set forth by the doctoral committee; and
• Assume a place in a community of scholars and family of learners.

Doctoral studies are a joint effort of the faculty and students.  In a very real way, we all learn together.  We try to follow the department motto of "A Community of Scholars; A Family of Learners." The faculty tries to create the atmosphere and opportunity for each student to learn and explore new areas of knowledge. However, students must chart their own course, take responsibility for their own learning program, and use the faculty for guidance and support. In the Department of Community and Family Health, the faculty are committed to the serious obligation of mentoring and guiding doctoral students through the PhD process.  Thus, major professors: 

• Advise on curriculum and course selection;
• Assist in selection of committee members;
• Direct the preparation and grading of the qualifying examination;
• Guide and direct the dissertation research;
• Read and edit all drafts of the dissertation in a timely manner;
• Act as a liaison between the student and other committee members as needed;
• Determine when the student is prepared to present the research proposal and dissertation;
• Prepare the student for the format and rigor of the dissertation;
• Introduce students into the community of scholars and family of learners; and
• Mentor students in professional development and pursuit of career goals.

• Students seeking entrance to the doctoral program must have a career direction in focus. Applicants should have both work experience and educational training of sufficient length and breadth to permit the focus of research efforts in the area of public health from a background of appropriate knowledge. This background may include the following academic preparation and prior experience.
  • Education
    • Prior master's or doctoral degree in a health-related discipline such as: public health, health sciences, behavioral sciences, social sciences, administration, nutrition, health education, nursing, or medicine; or
    • Another post-baccalaureate degree, such as medicine.
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable.
    • Clinical practice in a setting appropriate to community and family health interests;
    • Research such as health statistics, legislative research, program evaluation, private agencies, or as a research associate in an academic setting;
    • Administration or management in the organization and delivery of public health services; or
    • Teaching a public health discipline in an academic setting.
• While no one set of criteria is an absolute prerequisite, the student must come with a background of sufficient depth to enable him or her to function as a mature and self-directed professional in the area of public health. The student should have a clear sense of goals and directions for both the doctoral program of study and future professional endeavors.

Doctoral degrees must be completed within seven (7) years from the student’s original date of admission for doctoral study. Refer to the USF Graduate Catalog for details on time limits. However, the Department of Community and Family Health reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time because of failure to make satisfactory, continuous progress toward completion of the degree. Such action typically follows a review performed by the Department’s Student Affairs Committee, and subsequent referral to the Doctoral Committee and the Chair of the Department. Any dismissal action has to be approved by the Chair of the Department, the Dean of the College of Public Health, and the Dean of the Office of Graduate Studies.

The Department of Community and Family Health offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree to qualified candidates.  Students complete required doctoral level courses, as well as additional courses in the major focus area. The major focus area is identified and developed jointly by the student and the student's program planning committee. The major focus area must be related to one of the academic program areas within the Department of Community and Family Health, although it may involve an interdisciplinary linkage to disciplines outside of the Department.

All doctoral students typically make at least a one-semester commitment to teaching an undergraduate course, and a one-semester commitment to serving as a teaching assistant in a graduate course. This teaching requirement may only be waived if the student has documented evidence of prior and in-depth teaching experience at the post-secondary level. The student will be asked to submit the course syllabus and teaching evaluations as documentation. Undergraduate teaching should include having primary responsibility for all phases of course development, implementation, and evaluation.  Graduate teaching should include having at least partial but significant responsibility for course planning and delivery. Guest lecturing and performing clerical or other course-related work for a faculty member does not meet this requirement.

Upon completion of the teaching assignment, the student will have:

• Demonstrated college level teaching skills in terms of course design, delivery and evaluation;
• Utilized principles of adult learning in teaching situations;
• Assessed the role of faculty in academic settings; and
• Gained competency in technology enhanced instruction.

The student, with concurrence of the doctoral committee, must identify the nature and timing of the teaching requirement in the student’s plan of study.  Once this schedule has been completed, it is up to the student to submit it to the Department Chair.  The schedule must be submitted a minimum of one semester prior to when the student plans to teach to allow the Department Chair to make the necessary arrangements for the scheduling.

During the semester in which the student is teaching, a tuition waiver for 9 credit hours and a stipend are awarded. Any student who is teaching is assigned work space in which to meet with students and secure course materials.

All doctoral students (full-time or part-time) are expected to participate in various Department-organized activities. These activities may include:

• Retreats,
• Seminars and guest lectures,
• Mentoring Opportunities,
• Service on Committees,
• Meetings to which doctoral students have been invited,
• Selected off-campus activities, and
• Presentations of other students’ proposals and dissertations.