PhD in Personal Health Informatics in Boston United States | Northeastern University

The Personal Health Informatics (PHI) PhD program is a collaborative initiative between Khoury College of Computer Sciences and Bouvé College of Health Sciences. This interdisciplinary program blends academic coursework with extensive research possibilities, featuring partnerships with businesses, healthcare facilities, community groups, and other collaborators across Boston's thriving health, tech, and personal wellness sectors.
Unlike traditional medical informatics programs that concentrate on provider-focused systems, our curriculum emphasizes patient-centered innovations. These personal health solutions are designed for use by individuals outside professional healthcare settings, supporting various health conditions and wellness journeys. Our mission is to train the next generation of leaders who will revolutionize healthcare and enable people to maintain active, healthy lifestyles.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Graduates will develop the expertise to initiate and conduct original research in personal health informatics, preparing them for diverse career opportunities such as corporate research roles, government advisory positions, or academic appointments in technology departments or health-related schools at universities.
THESIS REQUIREMENTS
A faculty committee assesses each doctoral candidate's research to determine its meaningful contribution to the field of personal health informatics. Evaluation criteria include alignment with the proposed research objectives outlined in the PhD plan. Additional success indicators include the quantity and caliber of research publications produced during the program.