Medical College of Wisconsin School of Graduate Studies U1-Research 2F Microscope Lab-Grad-hero

Public and Community Health (PhD) at the Medical College of Wisconsin

The Public & Community Health PhD program at MCW, the first of its kind in Wisconsin, provides you with advanced public health training that creates opportunities for original, independent research that focuses on relevant public health issues. Our innovative curriculum features essential components of public health and community health improvement through participation and partnership.
Public  Community Health Header

Message from the Director

Kirsten Beyer_Academic Profile

Kirsten M. Beyer, PhD, MPH, MS, Associate Professor

PhD Program in Public and Community Health

PhDPCH@mcw.edu
(414) 955-7530

The students in our program come from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds with a shared interest in improving the health of our communities - locally, nationally and globally. They gain a strong foundation in the public health and social sciences and cultivate expertise in community health improvement, community engagement, and health equity. Students benefit from numerous opportunities to work with community organizations as well as MCW research faculty, clinicians and academic centers. Students have been successful in obtaining extramural funding for their dissertation work, including from the National Institutes of Health. Alumni are highly successful in securing positions in academia, government, and the non-profit sector after graduation, including at foundations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and governmental agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We look forward to welcoming new students, both full-time and part-time, who seek to improve health and enhance health equity at home and abroad.

Steven John_Academic Profile

Steven John, PhD, MPH

Public & Community Health Statistical Director

Steven A. John, PhD, MPH (he/him), is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Core Faculty member of the Center for AIDS Intervention Research, and Co-Director of the Prevention and Implementation Sciences Training Lab. Dr. John has a PhD and MPH in Public Health from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as a Postdoc in Biostatistics & Behavioral Science at Hunter College of the City University of New York. Dr. John joined MCW in 2018 and has been involved with the PhD in Public and Community Health since 2021. He is Course Director of PUCH-19226 - Regression Analysis using STATA (i.e., “STATA II”) and has also served the program in roles as an admissions committee member, proctor for the stats portion of the DQE, and dissertation committee member for several students. More broadly, Dr. John is an NIH-funded implementation scientist who serves the field as a Governing Councilor of the American Public Health Association, a frequent NIH study section reviewer, and an Associate Editor of Archives of Sexual Behavior – a prominent journal within his field of HIV prevention and LGBTQ+ health.

Sara Kohlbeck

Sara Kohlbeck, PhD, MPH

Public & Community Health Assistant Director

Sara Kohlbeck, PhD, MPH is the Director of the Division of Suicide Research and Healing in the Comprehensive Injury Center, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. As a graduate of the PhD PCH program, Dr. Kohlbeck has a unique perspective into the program as a former student and is excited to use that experience to continue the growth of this program. Dr. Kohlbeck also has a Master of Public Health from UW-Milwaukee, which afforded her experience in applied public health as well. Dr. Kohlbeck also received her Bachelor of Science in Education from UW-Oshkosh, so she is formally prepared in secondary education. Dr. Kohlbeck has had the opportunity to guest lecture in courses at MCW, UW-Milwaukee, and Marquette, and mentors undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in her role in the Comprehensive Injury Center.

Public & Community Health (PhD) Program Details

About the Program

About the Program

MCW's Institute for Health & Equity offers the first PhD program of its kind in Wisconsin and one of very few nation-wide with the purpose of transforming the research paradigm in public and community health by integrating the rigors of traditional public health sciences with the essential components of community health improvement through participation and partnership. This program is now offered in both a part-time and full-time format.

PhD Program Goals
  • Educate graduates who will conduct original research, impact policy development and become future faculty scholars with public and community health expertise.
  • Emphasize integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to address important public and community health issues.

Capitalize on the diverse strengths of health sciences, population health, medicine, nursing and the social and behavioral sciences.

Current Students

Current Students

Learn more about the current students in the Public & Community Health PhD Program
learn more
Alumni

Alumni

Learn more about the alumni in the Public & Community Health PhD Program
learn more
Competencies and Curriculum

Competencies and Curriculum

These competencies will be achieved through coursework, seminars, teaching, research projects, readings and research and the dissertation. While there are core courses, doctoral training is individualized and tailored to the interests and needs of the particular student. The responsibility of translating program requirements into an individualized program lies with the student and the faculty who are working with the student, including the faculty advisor, Faculty Committee and Student Advisory Committee. Intellectual independence, self-initiation and the ability to take charge of a body of knowledge with confidence and critical acumen are qualities to be developed throughout the program.

Competencies

Basic Public Health Sciences

  • Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of issues in substantive interest area in the public and community health sciences.
  • Display a high degree of mastery in appropriate theories, analytical skills, research design and methodology in the public and community health sciences.

Partnerships

  • Demonstrate experience in developing and sustaining community partnerships.
  • Identify and apply strategies for interdisciplinary approaches that support collaborative models that interface public health with other health professional disciplines so as to improve the health of the public and community.

Research Preparation, Data Collection and Analysis

  • Identify knowledge gaps in the selected field, critically analyze the literature, synthesize relevant information, and formulate focused research questions to address the gaps.
  • Design and conduct original research that contributes to knowledge in selected field.
  • Incorporate knowledge of cultural, social, behavioral and biological factors in formulating research questions, designing and implementing research.
  • Identify the ethical implications of research methods.

  Policy Development, Program Planning and Management

  • Demonstrate knowledge in public and community health policy development, implementation and evaluation.
  • Apply systems thinking skills in the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of community health improvement efforts.
  • Understand the grant writing process and demonstrate the ability to write and manage research grant proposals.

  Dissemination to Professional and Lay Audiences

  • Translate and disseminate research findings in order to improve public and community health in diverse populations.
  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing, present public and community health issues and disseminate findings in area of expertise to appropriate professional and public audiences.
  • Demonstrate teaching skills in working with students and other professionals in academic, research or practice settings and community settings.
  • *Adapted from the following sources: Association of Schools of Public Health, Council on Linkages between Academia and Practice and the American Academy of Health Behavior, and developed in collaboration with faculty from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Colleges of Health Sciences and Nursing.
Admissions

Admissions

Academic Qualifications
In order to satisfy the minimum requirements for admission, students must:

  • Present evidence of capacity for graduate study in public health.
  • Have a strong foundation in the quantitative, behavioral and biological sciences, regardless of undergraduate major.
  • Provide a carefully constructed personal statement describing research interests, career goals and reasons for interest in graduate school.

An official test score, GRE or otherwise, is no longer required for admission consideration. However, test score submissions will be consider if they are submitted voluntarily.

Other indicators of a commitment to a graduate program, which are carefully weighed in the admissions process, include participation in public health research, particularly mentored research programs, and related professional and life experiences.

If students have an undergraduate degree in public health, they automatically meet the requirements.

If not, students will be required to have:

  • 6 credits of psychology, sociology or anthropology
  • 3 credits of anatomy, physiology or biology (minimum)
  • 3 credits of statistics
  • 3 credits of research methods

Students deficient in any of these may still apply on the condition that they indicate a plan for completing the necessary coursework prior to matriculation.

Application Information
Applications for Fall semester admissions are due December 1st.

Additional Part-time Requirements:

  • Master’s degree preferred
  • Employment in relevant field
  • Tuition paid by student
  • One letter must be from current employer
  • Part-time students have up to 7 years to complete the degree
Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

If you have questions regarding tuition or your account, please contact the Office of Student Accounts, at (414) 955-8172 or mcwtuition@mcw.edu. Please refer to the All Student Handbook (PDF) for tuition payment policies and information.

PhD Students
All full-time PhD degree-seeking students in good academic and professional standing receive the following financial support package:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Yearly stipend ($33,612 for the '23-'24 academic year)
  • Complimentary health insurance

There is no additional process to secure this package aside from accepting an offer of admission. Further, this package is guaranteed from the time of enrollment through completion of degree requirements.

Current MCW Employees
Tuition Course Approval Form - Human Resources (PDF)

Late Fees
There is a $250 late payment fee for tuition not paid on time according to the Tuition Payments policy in the All Student Handbook (PDF).

Learn More
Faculty

Faculty

Visit the Public & Community Health PhD Program Faculty page to learn more about our faculty members.

Learn More

Curriculum Details

all
Curriculum

While there are core courses, doctoral training is individualized and tailored to the interests and needs of the particular student. The responsibility of translating program requirements into an individualized program lies with the student and the faculty who are working with the student, including the faculty advisor and Faculty Committee. Intellectual independence, self-initiation and the ability to take charge of a body of knowledge with confidence and critical acumen are qualities to be developed throughout the program.

Credit Requirements for Full-time Students
The program is designed for a four-year, full-time commitment. All full-time students in the program are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits in the fall and spring semesters and 6 credits in the summer. The student is responsible for maintaining full-time enrollment. Full-time students must complete the required coursework and need a minimum of 60 credits to graduate. Students must maintain a full-time credit load each semester to be eligible to receive a stipend.
*The program director may waive program requirements in exceptional circumstances.

Credit Requirements for Part-time Students
It is recommended that all part-time students in the program be enrolled in 1-8 credits in the fall and spring semesters and 1-5 credits in the summer. The student is responsible for maintaining part-time enrollment. Part-time students must complete the required coursework of the Public and Community Health program and need a minimum of 60 credits to graduate.
*The program director may waive program requirements in exceptional circumstances.

Course Timeline

PhD in Public and Community Health Course Descriptions

BIOETHICS 10222. Ethics and Integrity in Science (1 cr.)
Prerequisite: None

This course provides the basis for understanding the ethical issues related to basic scientific and medical research, including animal and human subject research, fraud and misconduct, and governmental, institutional, and researcher responsibilities.


BIOETHICS 10444. Research Ethics Discussion Series (1 cr.)
Prerequisite: 10222 Ethics and Integrity in Science

The course is directed by members of the Bioethics Faculty and provides facilitated discussions of a series of topics in research ethics. Discussions are led by faculty and are focused on ethical issues that commonly come up in research. The course is meant to not only reinforce the basic ethics taught in the online course "Ethics and Integrity in Science" (Bioethics 10222B), which is a prerequisite, but also to explore the gray areas of the individual topics. The intent is to offer students illustrative examples of ethical issues that might arise in their careers, to emphasize the ethical principles that apply in such situations, and the provide practical guidance on how these types of situations should be correctly handled. This course is offered as a discussion series. Students are expected to attend and participate in the discussion.


PCH 19201. Community Health Improvement I: Foundations of Public and Community Health (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: None

This course is for students enrolled in the PhD Program in Public and Community Health. This course covers the central concepts and theories of public and community health. Students will obtain an in-depth understanding of the foundations of public and community health, theoretical models and research models that are used.


PCH 19202. Community Health Improvement II: Health Disparities and Underlying Determinants of Health (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: PCH 19201 Community Health Improvement I, General Epidemiology or Basic Biostatistics

This course is for students enrolled in the PhD Program in Public and Community Health. This course will provide students with an in-depth introduction to health disparities and social determinants of population health. The course will help clinicians and other public health students and professionals develop and strengthen their knowledge, skills, and ability to critically examine issues of health disparities and to develop a better understanding of some of the underlying social determinants of health disparities, from a multidisciplinary perspective. The ultimate goal of the course is to help students develop the skills needed to apply knowledge and theory of health disparities and determinants of health in designing health services and epidemiological studies and interventions to reduce and ultimately eliminate health disparities.


PCH 19203. Community Health Improvement III: Principles and Practices of Community-Academic Partnerships (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Community Health Improvement I and II

This course is for students enrolled in the PhD Program in Public and Community Health. This course will examine concepts and techniques for organizing partnerships for health improvement at the community level. Students will learn about major models and methods of practice, analytical skills, and roles of partnership and coalition building in improving health outcomes. Through readings, case studies, and a community-based project, students will identify forces that facilitate and limit community partnerships and will develop action principles for work with communities. Additionally, course content will encourage students to consider the implications of health disparities in community organizing and partnerships.


PCH 19204. Community Health Improvement IV: Translating Community Health Improvement into Policy: Theory & Practice (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Community Health Improvement I, II and III

This course is for students in the PhD Program in Public and Community Health. Students will apply their knowledge of community health improvement to their understanding of health policymaking in the US. Students will gain understanding of theoretical foundations of policymaking, the policymaking process, and strategies for translating community health improvement activities into policy. Students will develop a policy and advocacy agenda for a current health policy issue.


PCH 19210. Health and Medical Geography (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Biostatistics I

Geography and physical and social environments have important implications for human health and health care.  This course will explore the intersections among geography, environments and public health, with an emphasis on geographical analysis approaches for health data, to address two key questions: (1) How can concepts from geography help us to better understand health and well-being? (2) How can geographic tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) be used to address pressing questions in health and medical research? 


PCH 19229. Survey Research Methods (3 cr.)
This course will introduce survey methodology for health research, including the broad concepts of survey design, conduct, and analysis. The course will include lectures, reading assignments, class discussions, individual and group presentations, and exams. Evaluation is based on class participation, assignments, presentations, and exams. Students will gain a detailed and comprehensive understanding of survey research methods including questionnaire design, sampling, data collection, avoiding and handling missing data, and analysis of survey data.


PCH 19230. Qualitative and Mixed Methods (3cr.)
Prerequisite: None

This course is for students enrolled in the PhD Program in Public and Community Health. Qualitative and mixed methods can be highly useful in the conduct of community-based population health research. This course will provide introductory classroom and field-based learning experience in qualitative methods research. Students will receive training in the design, and implementation of qualitative methods, and the integration of qualitative research in mixed methods projects. The course will include both the theoretical foundations of qualitative research and research design, and practical methods of data collection and analysis. In particular, this course will focus on linking the appropriate research methods to the theoretical and empirical questions being asked. Emphasis will be given to the appropriate uses of commonly-used methods in community-based health research. Course participation will provide students with the basic foundation necessary to develop a research study using qualitative or mixed method designs.


PCH 19232. Qualitative Data Analysis (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Qualitative and Mixed Methods, or permission of the course director

This course will introduce students to the analysis of qualitative data in public health research. The aim of the course is to explore the process of transforming various types of qualitative data (interview transcripts, field notes, and other texts) into analyses and interpretations. We will introduce students to various analytic approaches, explore their use, and guide students in applying them to data. The course will explore both theoretical and practical dimensions of qualitative data analysis, including identifying themes, developing and using codebooks, making systematic comparisons, and building and testing models. Approaches to qualitative data analysis will include grounded theory and content analysis. Students will also be introduced to the use of computer software for coding and managing qualitative data. The course will emphasize the connection between theory and methodology, with particular attention to the relationship between the research question, study design, data sources, analytic approach, and interpretation of results. Course participation will provide students with the basic foundations necessary to analyze and interpret data collected through qualitative and mixed methods research projects. This course is for graduate students in the doctoral degree program for Public and Community Health.


PCH 19295. Readings and Research (varied credits)
Prerequisite: Approval from Program Director and/or student’s advisor

The course of study for Readings and Research is designed by each student with his/her advisor to focus on readings in literature in the student’s field, to build bibliographic resources for the dissertation, and to conduct supervised, independent research. During the first and second years, Readings and Research is also a time for the students to dedicate concerted efforts toward preparing for the Doctoral Qualifying Examinations.


PCH 19301. Doctoral Seminar in Public and Community Health (1 cr.)
Prerequisite: None

This is a weekly seminar for students enrolled in the PhD Program in Public and Community Health. The seminar will consist of several types of activities: 1) presentations on content areas by faculty, community organizations, and community and academic partners in collaboration, 2) sessions focused on issues of professional development, 3) sessions focused on specific research skills or methods, 4) workshop and discussion sessions that provide students with a forum for engagement and collaboration around issues of mutual concern, and 5) student presentations.  A total of 7 semester hours of this course are required for graduation.


PCH 19399. PhD Public and Community Health Doctoral Dissertation (9 cr.)
This course is required for the completion of the PhD degree. The PhD candidate must submit a dissertation based on original research of a high scholarly standard that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of public and community health. Each student is encouraged to draft one or more papers for publication in a peer-reviewed journal describing results of the research.


PCH 19150. Introduction to Epidemiology (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: None
Course is open to all students enrolled in the Graduate School and to other qualified students with permission of the instructor. The course provides: 1) an overview of epidemiologic concepts; 2) an introduction to the approaches and techniques that are used to measure and monitor health status in populations; 3) an introduction to study designs to assess disease prevention and intervention; and 4) an introduction to clinical research study designs that elucidate causative factors for disease.


PCH 19225 Introduction to Statistical Analysis using Stata
This course will provide an introduction to the foundations of using Stata for data analysis through an applied format. Statistical analyses covered will include descriptive statistics, univariate and bivariate analysis, and basic regression. Students will become acquainted with the basics of cleaning and organizing datasets, completing descriptive analysis, coding and interpreting results of univariate and bivariate analyses, as well as linear and logistic regression. By the end of the course students will be able to analyze data independently and interpret results. Coursework will include weekly reading, in-class Stata analyses, and completion of a focused course project developed throughout the semester. Course projects will allow students to develop their skill set and experience independently coding in Stata to complete statistical analyses, and interpreting results within the context of strengths and limitations of their data. The final project will also incorporate both literature review and developing a research question that can be analyzed using existing data.


PCH 19226 Regression Analysis Using Stata
This course will provide an introduction to the foundation’s regression through hands-on training in advanced regression techniques using Stata. Statistical analyses covered will include multiple linear regression, analysis of variance, logistic, polytomous, and ordinal logistic regression, and mixed models. Students will become acquainted with the basics of coding and interpreting results of regression analyses, as well as diagnostics to confirm correct model fit. By the end of the course students will be able to conduct regression analyses independently and interpret results. Coursework will include weekly reading, in-class Stata analyses, and completion of a focused course project developed throughout the semester. Course projects will allow students to develop their skill set independently coding in Stata to complete statistical analyses, and interpreting results within the context of strengths and limitations of each test. The final project will also incorporate both literature review and developing a research question that can be analyzed using


19290 Critical and Analytical Writing (3 cr)
Critical and Analytical Writing provides hands-on training, practice, and feedback in the construction of clear, well-written documents and arguments. With a focus on critical analysis and rhetorical situations, the successful student will be able to write effectively to any audience. Interactive sessions and structured assignments highlight the importance of developing these skills you will use throughout your professional life. 

Resources in the Community

The blend of research through community engagement is at the foundation of a successful doctorate in public and community health. This program will offer a rich array of independent research opportunities from which students can select. Exploration of these topics will begin in the doctoral seminar in the first semester and continue through the first two years. This research training will then be translated into direct community-based participation while students prepare dissertations.

The Medical College of Wisconsin and Institute for Health and Society's commitment to this model extends throughout the College and is integrated across its priorities in research, education, clinical care and community partnerships. More than 150 faculty work with over 200 community organizations to better identify health needs and to create solutions for the greatest areas of health risk, both in Wisconsin and nationally.

Resources at MCW

Biostatistics Consulting Services
The Biostatistical Consulting Center of the Division of Biostatistics offers statistical support to biomedical investigators. This support includes assistance with design and analysis of clinical trials, design and analysis of observational studies, design and analysis of surveys, assistance with public databases, sample size and power calculations and data analysis and interpretation.

Bioethics - Midwest Ethics Committee Network
MECN is a membership organization that supports and enhances the functioning of Wisconsin health care ethics committees. MECN provides bioethics resources, services, and educational opportunities that enable its members to network and stay up to date on important bioethics topics.

Center for AIDS Intervention Research
The research mission of the CAIR is to develop, conduct, and evaluate new interventions to prevent HIV among persons most vulnerable to the disease.

Center for Healthy Communities & Research
The CHC develops community-academic partnerships that improve health and emphasize health promotion and education in communities, research and evaluation on community-identified needs, as well as community-responsive education for medical students and residents.

Center for the Advancement of Underserved Children
The focus of this center is on preparing professionals to provide services that are effective and valued by children and families who have traditionally been underserved due to economic poverty, cultural barriers and other factors.

Clinical and Translational Science Institute
The five-year Clinical and Translational Science Award is being used to create a borderless, synergistic biomedical research enterprise that will accelerate the translation of research discoveries into new and improved medical treatments. The Medical College coordinates the grant, which is administered through a new academic entity recognized by all partner institutions – the Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin.

Epidemiology Data Resource Center
The Epidemiology Data Resource Center (EDRC) is the Medical College of Wisconsin's centralized resource for secondary health and demographic data. The EDRC also provides expertise in the use of spatial data and geographic information systems (GIS).

Global Health
Established in January 2010, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Global Health Program will establish a sustainable platform of global health partnerships to support the education, research, clinical, and public and community health training and collaborative activities of our faculty and trainees.

Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program
The resources found at this site provide links to information about Wisconsin health initiatives and data, proposal writing, and community partnerships.

The funded projects tab on this site lists funding awarded to community-academic partnerships committed to improving the health of Wisconsin residents. Each funded partnership consists of at least one community organization partner and one academic partner from the Medical College of Wisconsin and exemplifies the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program's vision to improve the health of the people of Wisconsin.

Human Research Protection Program
The Human Research Protection Program’s (HRPP) primary mission is to protect the rights, welfare and privacy of all individuals participating in research sponsored by the Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital. The HRPP oversees and supports the MCW and Froedtert Hospital Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) which review all research studies involving human subjects for safety, compliance with regulations, scientific quality, and ethical standards.

Injury Research Center
The IRC-MCW is an interdepartmental collaboration of the Departments of Emergency Medicine, Family and Community Medicine, Neurosurgery, Surgery, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Population Health.

Community Engagement
The Medical College of Wisconsin's nationally acclaimed programs in public and community health serve the social, health and education needs of the people in metro Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin.

MCW Libraries
PhD students in public and community health will have access to public health holdings that are housed in the MCW libraries as well as in other resource centers on campus. Students may use UWM’s library (through the Cooperative Access Program) and all libraries affiliated with the University of Wisconsin System. The PhD Program in Public and Community Health also has resources available to students.

Office of Research
The Office of Research supports a broad array of investigative endeavors across our campus. It is our goal to support administrative needs of investigators and research staff to facilitate scientific discovery, promote translational approaches to research, and foster scientific collaboration across the Medical College of Wisconsin campuses.

Contact Us

Graduate School
Suite H2200
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226


(414) 955-8218
gradschool@mcw.edu


MCW Graduate School Google map location