Ph.D. in Health Sciences

In addition to the general requirements for admission to TCU graduate school, Harris College requires the following for admission to its Ph.D. program:

1. 3.5 grade point average (GPA) minimum
2. Completed course in statistics
3. Completed graduate level research course
4. Completed master’s degree or higher in a related field from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body
5. Completed thesis or comparable project from the master’s or higher prepared degree
6. Three letters of recommendation: two must be academic references with at least one from a previous graduate program faculty member or administrator
7. Letter discussing research interest area(s) and professional goals
8. A current license to practice in related field of study in the U.S., if applicable
9. A curriculum vitae or resume

Applicants who do not meet the 3.5 GPA requirement but have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on prior graduate-level coursework may be considered for provisional admission on an individual basis. Factors that will be considered in the admission decision are GPA on graduate-level coursework, research interest, scholarly activities, professional leadership and work history. 

All materials must be submitted by Feb. 1, 11:59 p.m. CST, for admission consideration for the following fall semester. 

Grade Requirements

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Grade of B or better is required in all coursework
• Grade of F in any course will be grounds for dismissal from the program

Teaching Requirements

• Teaching undergraduate course can be a goal of your graduate training program
• Students have the opportunity to participate in teaching coursework prior to independent instruction

Residency Requirements

• Complete a minimum of five consecutive regular semesters of full-time graduate study at TCU
• Registered  in at least one hour of dissertation

Written and Oral Comprehensive Examinations

• After 35 hours of course completion and evidence of two submission artifacts, students can sit for comprehensive exams
• Pass a written and oral comprehensive examination with an examination board of faculty

Candidacy Requirement

• Successful completion of the written and oral comprehensive examinations
• Maximum of three years in candidacy to complete the dissertation

Dissertation Requirement

• 12 credit hours of dissertation are required before oral defense exam
• Successful completion of an original research project

Full requirements are listed in the PhD in Health Sciences Handbook (available to current students).