PhD in Health Services Research in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

The Health Services Research doctoral program aims to deliver cross-disciplinary education in research, practice, and policy analysis related to designing, implementing, managing, and assessing health and public health initiatives. This program equips students to enhance research, policy, and practice, focusing on improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality—with special attention to health policies at federal, state, and community levels. The Ph.D. curriculum mandates at least 50 credits distributed across four modules. Following module 1 (core health services research requirements), students choose a specialization track. Available tracks include: health economics, health policy, health equity/sociology of health, and a customizable interdisciplinary track (developed with faculty guidance). Students collaborate with their advisor to select 5 track-specific electives, including 2 methodological courses pertinent to their focus area. After finishing track coursework, students must successfully complete a qualifying examination. Additionally, all candidates are required to complete an ethics course, a proposal development course, and defend their research proposal orally to achieve doctoral candidacy.