PhD – Doctor of Philosophy

The COPH offers a PhD program in Health Equity Sciences which integrates the rich history of public health, with the newer discipline of population health, and the human and social sciences to provide graduates with a rigorous competency-based doctoral degree. The advanced comprehensive training prepares scholars for positions in various settings - such as local, state, federal, and global governmental and non-governmental agencies, public health and social justice organizations, health care provider organizations, and higher learning institutions.

The Ph.D. in Health Equity Sciences consists of 66 credit hours total:
• 23 credit hours of core coursework
• 13 credit hours of PH credits
• 12 credit hours of concentration-specific coursework
• 18 credit hours of dissertation coursework

The COPH will offer the following concentrations:
• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Global Health Equity and Policy
• Community Health Education
• Community Based Participatory Research

PhD in Health Equity Sciences

Want to view a PDF brochure of the PhD in Health Equity Sciences program?

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Graduate Specialization

Considering a concentration can help your degree to specialize in an area that fits your professional goals. This will help you gain subject-specific education to complement your degree. Talk with an advisor to get the right fit for you.

SOPHAS Application

The application will open in mid-August 2025. The deadline to apply for fall 2026 admission is January 5, 2026.

Interested in this degree?

Apply Today Through SOPHAS

You are encouraged to meet with the PhD Program Coordinator, Michael Miranda (mgmiranda@salud.unm.edu), prior to submitting your application to ensure it is complete.

Admissions Criteria:

Applicants must hold a graduate master’s degree, with preference given to applicants holding an MPH degree from a CEPH-accredited program or other health- or medical-related degree. However, in some instances, students with a bachelor’s level degree may be considered for admittance.
Documented experience in the form of research, job experience, completion of a master’s thesis, and/or other similar experience including work in non-governmental agencies (NGOs).
GPA of 3.0 in upper division courses in their undergraduate degree.
One graduate-level coursework in statistics or biostatistics with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Two-page Statement of Interest describing professional experience, research interests, career aspirations, and experiences that have prepared the applicant for doctoral work.
Three letters of recommendation: one from professional and/or academic contacts.
writing sample such as a thesis or professional paper during their master’s coursework, published paper, policy brief or a completed, comparable extended project or publication (not to exceed 10 pages).

To apply please go to: sophas.org

For additional questions please contact Michael Miranda at mgmiranda@salud.unm.edu