About PhD in Public Health

The PhD in Public Health program offers instruction and opportunities that support interdisciplinary learning, nurture the development of public health professionals' morals and values and promote critical thinking and theory-based problem-solving.

The PhD in Public Health syllabus includes information on principles, medical prerequisites, field basics, health, etc. The course will help them develop their analytical skills through thesis writing and their leadership qualities by serving as role models in a supportive environment.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Public Health

Students who want to enrol in the PhD in Public Health program must have an engineering Master’s degree or M.Phil degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university with a minimum overall grade point average of 55 percent. Some universities also require 65 percent marks at the master’s level. In addition to meeting the conventional PhD in Public Health eligibility requirements, students must pass the common entrance exams. Additionally, students in the reserved category and those with disabilities may receive some relaxation.

Types of PhD in Public Health

Both full-time and part-time options are available to aspirants for the course. The several PhD in Public Health course types are detailed below:

Full-Time PhD in Public Health

The PhD in Public Health program lasts 3-5 years and is full-time. In this subject, practical expertise trumps academic understanding. The advantage of a full-time course is that students can gain much more exposure, experience, and knowledge through close contact with other students and teachers. PhD in Public Health is a semester full-time program.

Part-Time PhD in Public Health

Students who are unable to attend regular classes should enrol in the part-time PhD in Public Health course. The program lasts for three years. The benefit of taking a part-time course is that students can do so while also working, going to school, etc. Some institutions offer part-time or distance learning PhD in Public Health programs.

Distance PhD in Public Health

The distance PhD in Public Health program for 3 years is also provided in colleges/institutions because some colleges are able to provide long-distance learning for any students.

Popular PhD in Public Health Entrance Exams

IIT JAM

VITMEE

UGC NET

How to Prepare for a PhD Public Health Entrance Exams?

A candidate needs to have good skills and knowledge sets to qualify the entrance examination for PhD in Public Health. A few tips to help you develop for excellent performance in the exam are given below:

Learning about the syllabus for the entrance exam: The very first step is to download a copy of the syllabus from the respective college/ entrance exam website available. It is great to have to-the-point facts of the syllabus that can help one to know the depth of the subject which is included in the course.

Reading and revising previous topics: Do read and make sure to revise topics that can be extremely essential for the point of the examination as it can help to have a perfect usage of the time and score good marks. Revising old books or topics also helps to gain conceptual learning that making it a lot easier for the candidate at the exam time.

The Golden rule of “Practice makes perfect”: A Candidate should practice and revise all the concepts before the exam as many times possible so that the last moment stress can be buried away.

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD in Public Health

A theoretical and internal study technique are both provided to students in the PhD in Public Health degree. The skills necessary for public health can be learned by students. There is a defined format for the PhD in Public Health program. The general subjects that will be covered in the course are listed below:

• Introduction to Public Health
• Human Biology & Public Health Chemistry
• Medical & Health Statistics
• Research Methods in Public Health
• Health Psychology, Communication & Counseling
• Epidemiology
• Demography & Population Sciences
• Project Planning & Management
• Communicable & Infectious Diseases
• Non-communicable Diseases
• The health of Vulnerable Populations
• Environmental Health & Sustainable Development
• Occupational, Industrial and Urban Health
• Health Policy, Planning & Economics
• Public Health Internship
• Public Health Nutrition
• Health Systems Development & Management
• International Health
• Research Project

Why study PhD Public Health?

The goal to attain a PhD Public Health degree will depend on each individual’s aspirations and goals. Some of the benefits of doing this course have been mentioned below:

A PhD in Public Health program is advantageous for candidates who want to achieve leadership roles in the field of Public Health, particularly in strategy analysis collaboration with the government. 

During a degree in Public Health, candidates are allowed to work in various practicalities as a Physician, Dietician, Social Work, Public Health Analyst etc.

PhD in Public Health program facilitates the integration of practical fieldwork along with the academic subject. This enhances the sanitation principles of the communities in the nation and enables the populace to lead an improved way of life.

On completion of this course, students get lucrative salary packages ranging between INR 3,00,000 and 10,00,000.

PhD Public Health Admission Process

Most of the colleges and universities conduct entrance exams for admission to PhD Public Health courses. 

After clearing the entrance exam, the candidate’s research topic, proposal, methodology etc. are checked and an interview is conducted. 

Entrance Based Admission

Most of colleges and universities offer admission to PhD Public Health on the basis of entrance exams like DUET, IPU CET, BHU RAT etc.

The step-by-step procedure for entrance-based admission is as follows: 

• Step 1: Students have to register on the official website. 
• Step 2: Fill the application form with the correct details.
• Step 3: After examination, a cutoff list will be released on the website. Seats will then be allotted to candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam. 
• Step 4: Some colleges also conduct personal interviews and group discussions for admission to this course. 
• Step 5: On meeting all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to the course.

Job Prospects and Career Options after PhD Public Health

On completion of a PhD Public Health course, students can opt to work in both the public and private sectors. 

A large number of firms hire PhD Public Health degree holders. Some of the prominent ones include International Public Health Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Hospitals etc. 

The tabulation below shows some of the most common PhD Public Health job profiles and career prospects after completing the course are as follows: 

• Public Health Planning and Education Officer
• Public Health Consultant
• Public Health Policy Advisor
• Public Health Research Epidemiologist
• Public Health Economist

Future Scopes of PhD Public Health?

PhD degree is a doctorate-level degree and is the highest educational degree one can earn in the country. Generally one does not pursue further studies post-completion of the PhD Public Health degree.

Employability is high and graduates are hired quickly upon completion of their degree in high-paying job profiles. With this course, there is no limit to learning and knowledge.

• They have teaching jobs in colleges/universities after this course and then clear the UGC-NET exam required to become a permanent lecturer.
• They have many jobs in Hospitals, Colleges/ Universities, Healthcare Organizations etc. 
• Students can also opt for a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in any related field. 
• After gaining adequate experience in the related field, PhD Public Health degree holders can work in research laboratories.  
• Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a lecturer post in Public Health and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales.

Career Options After PhD in Public Health Graduation

For PhD in Public Health students, there are many positions available in both the public and private sectors. The job roles will change depending on the specialization one has chosen. Numerous job possibilities with competitive pay packages are available for PhD in Public Health graduates in the following job profiles:

1. Public Health Planning and Education Officer
2. Public Health Consultant
3. Public Health Policy Advisor
4. Public Health Research Epidemiologist
5. Public Health Economist