Ph.D. in Health Sciences

Why Health Sciences?

Kinesiology students using device to visualize bone and muscle structure

In many health science areas, a significant shortage of professors and clinical scientific leaders exists to replace and fill much-needed positions right now and in the future.

To meet the shortfall of faculty and clinical research scientists, this doctoral degree focuses on specific areas of health sciences including communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, nursing and social work.

Our program prepares you for a career in research, academia and industry.

Admission Requirements

Harris College General Requirements

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

3.5 grade point average (GPA) minimum
Completed course in statistics
Completed graduate level research course
Completed master’s degree or higher in a related field from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body
Completed thesis or comparable project from the master’s or higher prepared degree
Three letters of recommendation: two must be academic references with at least one from a previous graduate program faculty member or administrator
Letter discussing research interest area(s) and professional goals
A current license to practice in related field of study in the U.S., if applicable
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 should be submitted by Feb. 1, 11:59 p.m. CST for full admission consideration for the following fall semester. Late applications may be considered pending space in the program.

Program Requirements

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).

Begin Application TCU Course Catalog

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