Mission Statement

The primary mission of the Ph.D. in health services research is to develop leaders and problem solvers whose professional services will improve the health of the population not only in Eastern Virginia but also statewide, nationally, and internationally.

Health services researchers examine health care quality and effectiveness, patient outcomes, access to care, health care costs and financing, primary and managed care, new technologies, and other critical topics. Health services researchers pursue careers in many settings, including academia, professional organizations, research centers, health policy groups, clinical settings, and in Federal, State, and local agencies.

Program Goals:

The primary goals of the program are to provide knowledge of public health, health policy and health services research, enabling students to

1. Formulate and analyze public health policy,

2. Conduct and interpret health services research,

3. Lead programs and organizations addressing the health care needs of populations, and

4. Work directly with community members to empower them to be a part of the policy formulation process.

In accomplishing these goals students in the program will develop the critical skills necessary to assemble and integrate qualitative and quantitative evidence applicable to problem formulation and policy analysis. They will be able to design viable programs, manage resources, and measure the effectiveness of service delivery to populations. Community needs will inform the direction and focus of programmatic approaches to research and policy.

Ph.D. Program Objectives:

The objectives of the Ph.D. program are to have students successfully complete the curriculum, perform a health related internship, and write a dissertation that demonstrates a sophisticated knowledge of the topic area, quantitative and qualitative methods, and policy. By meeting these objectives, the student will be able to attain positions of leadership and trust in the healthcare community.