PhD in Maternal and Child Health in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

Maternal and Child Health is a multidisciplinary area that utilizes scientific studies, population health data, and policy evaluations to examine personal, familial, social, and cultural elements affecting health practices, results, and healthcare utilization among mothers, children, teens, and their relatives (including fathers). The MCH curriculum trains students to enhance research, policies, and interventions aimed at bettering the health, safety, and quality of life for these populations, with special attention to underserved and minority groups. Students learn to tackle MCH challenges at both household and community scales, with a distinctive emphasis on comprehensive family systems and health policies. Ph.D. recipients in MCH qualify for university teaching and research roles, senior administrative or research posts in government health agencies, and leadership positions in NGOs and advocacy groups. Private healthcare providers like hospitals, health maintenance organizations, and insurance companies are also increasingly recruiting MCH graduates.

The Family Science Department educates students to analyze, understand, and enhance family wellbeing through practical research, instruction, counseling, social services, policy assessment, and activism. This interdisciplinary program focuses on personal, relational, and societal transformation, operating within a systems framework that integrates maternal and child health, family studies, relationship therapy, policy development, behavioral science, and social services. Alumni pursue careers across government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, including academic positions, research roles, family policy evaluation, and management jobs in social service and public health initiatives.