The School of Public Health at UNLV is pleased to offer a doctoral program (Ph.D.) in Public Health. The Ph.D. in Public Health is designed to prepare students for careers in which advanced analytical and conceptual capabilities are required, such as university teaching, research, consulting, policy development or other high-level positions. The curriculum provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of topics and experiences necessary to produce graduates who are ready to secure employment in the public health arena.
The Ph.D. in Public Health at UNLV offers four areas of concentration:
Global and Environmental Health
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Social and Behavioral Health
Health Service Management and Policy
The specific goal of the program is to train exceptional researchers and professionals who will advance the field of Public Health and meet the needs of the profession and society. To achieve this goal, the program will address the learning objectives stated below as outcomes upon completion of the Ph.D.
Available Options
Global and Environmental Health Track
Social Behavioral Health Track
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Track
Health Service Management and Policy Track
Learning Outcomes
Design and conduct independent research that generates new knowledge, and is characterized by conceptual and methodological rigor.
Demonstrate excellence in applying the theoretical and problem solving aspects of public health in their specialty area.
Demonstrate ethical choices, values and professional practices implicit in public health decisions.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of major local, national, and global public health issues in their field of specialization.
Demonstrate a preparedness to pursue a lifetime of self-directed learning and professional development.
Communicate knowledge and research findings to appropriate professional, scientific, policy, and lay audiences and demonstrate skills in translating research into practice or health policy.
September 2025
School of Public Health
4700 S. Maryland Pkwy. Suite 335,
LAS VEGAS,
Nevada,
89119, United States
Earned a bachelor's and Master's of Public Health (MPH) or a master's degree in an appropriate field from a regionally accredited university. Applicants educated outside of the United States will need to demonstrate proof of equivalent education and advanced degrees.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0=A) earned in a masters' program of study. The most competitive students will have a master's level GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Applicants must present competitive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores on verbal, quantitative and analytical measures. GRE scores will be assessed relative to other applicants in the pool, as well as relative to other graduate programs at UNLV. The exam must have been taken with the institutions' graduate school/college requirements. The most competitive students will have a combined verbal/quantitative GRE score of 1200 (old test) /300 (new test) or higher. The GRE is required for all applicants.
English Proficiency:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): (Paper-based) Minimum score - 74; (Computer-based) Minimum score - 213; (Internet-based) Minimum score - 80
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum score: 6.5
Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score: 105
Michigan Test of English Language Placement (MTELP): Minimum score: 85
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum score: 65
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
