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How to Take Advantage of Fully Funded Healthcare PhD Programs

4 minute read

By Chelsea Dolan

The job market can be competitive after graduating university, but one way to set yourself apart from others is by getting a doctorate. Just over one percent of people between the ages of 25 and 64 have earned a PhD.1 Taking the next step in your education could open up opportunities that aren’t offered to most. For people interested in public health, there are many schools with fully funded PhD programs. You’ll quickly find out how many perks there are to this type of program with a search online.

Fully funded PhD programs are not available at every school. You can search online now to find out which institutions offer this program.

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Here’s what you should know about fully funded PhD programs.

What’s a Fully Funded Program?

Fully funded programs give you an opportunity to further your education without taking on more student debt. Successful applicants will be able to study for three to six years toward their doctorate and not pay a penny towards their tuition and other related costs.

When you enroll in a fully funded program, the university typically provides students with full tuition. They also receive an annual stipend or salary that can pay for living expenses such as housing, transportation, and other necessities. Many students are also given health insurance.

In exchange for pursuing a PhD tuition-free, it’s typically expected that students work as a researcher or teacher’s assistant at some point. This work encourages students to focus on the curriculum without having to get a job outside of campus.2

Best Fully Funded Public Health Programs

Not all PhD programs offered are fully funded. Fortunately, there are plenty of top ranked schools across North America that do.

Here are some fully funded public health PhD programs to consider.

Columbia University

Earn your PhD at one of the country’s most prestigious research schools, Columbia University. This New York City institution has been around for more than 250 years and connects students with leaders in their chosen industry.3

The public health PhD program is offered through the Mailman School of Public Health. It provides cutting edge courses that prepare students to make important contributions in improving public health issues.

In 2020, the school enrolled 182 students for doctoral research in public health.4 There are five DrPH concentrations students can specialize in:

  1. Biostatistics;
  2. Environmental Health Sciences;
  3. Epidemiology;
  4. Population and Family Health, or;
  5. Sociomedical Sciences.5

Harvard University

Receive full finding and health insurance for five years while attending Harvard University. The historic school was established in 1636 and has nearly 24,000 students attending right now. It’s located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and offers generous financial aid for PhD students.6

Public health PhD programs are offered through the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Students are guaranteed full funding and a stipend covering tuition and health insurance. You can earn a doctorate in public health and specialize in one of the following research degrees:

Yale University

Become skilled in measuring, maintaining, and improving public health with the PhD program at Yale University. Located on campus in New Haven, Connecticut, its public health faculty enrolls nearly 300 students.8

Students are guaranteed five years of tuition support, 12-month stipends to assist with living costs, and medical coverage. When enrolled in the public health PhD program, you can choose to pursue the following concentrations:

University of Michigan

Prepare yourself for a career in university-level teaching and research through the PhD public health program at University of Michigan. Many students are fully funded thanks to the financial aid and funding that is offered by their departments.

Successful applicants are given the opportunity to work 20 hours per week as a student instructor or research assistant. In exchange, you will receive full tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend. Students can seek additional funding through scholarships, training grants, awards, and more.10

Students can expect to spend one to two years doing full-time coursework. This work is followed by two to five years of full-time independent research. The University of Michigan offers the following concentrations in public health:

University of Toronto

Take your education to the next level by enrolling at the University of Toronto. The program is offered through the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and its PhD students are guaranteed funding.

The school fully covers tuition and incidental payments. Students admitted with advanced standing will also receive $15,000 per year for four years. The funding you receive comes from a variety of sources that include external awards, research and training stipends, and fellowships. You’re also expected to work as a teaching or research assistant starting in year one.12

You can apply to the following public health PhD concentrations:

Learn More About Fully Funded Programs Online

If you’re looking to further your education and earn a PhD, then why not do it through a fully funded program? These programs can help you avoid taking on more student debt or applying for a job outside of school to pay for living costs.

Not all doctorate programs are built the same. There are various concentrations offered at institutions that you’ll need to look through too. Search online and compare the various fully funded schools across North America. Exploring your options thoroughly will help you decide which program will help you best achieve your career goals.

Chelsea Dolan

Contributor