Milestones

During the first two years, students will be expected to complete a minimum of 24 course units at San Diego State University and 36 course units at UC San Diego. Depending on your track of study, your coursework and program requirements will differ. For more detailed information, please see the track-specific handbooks.

Click here to view a complete listing of all JDP Public Health Courses at SDSU and UCSD.

Epidemiology

The course of study should take into consideration: (1) required course; (2) required teaching experience; (3) course that assist in passing the Preliminary Examination in epidemiology and biostatistics; (4) courses that provide expertise in public health research principles; (5) the written and oral qualifying examinations; and (6) the formal defense of the dissertation.

If you do not have a Master's degree in Epidemiology or equivalent preparation, additional coursework must be taken before embarking on doctoral study.

Health Behavior

The course of study should take into consideration: (1) required courses; (2) required practical experience; (3) courses that would assist in passing the written and oral qualifying exam; (4) courses that provide expertise in public health research principles; and (5) the formal defense of a dissertation.

Student's who do not have an MPH or MA in health-related behavior sciences are required to take additional public health related courses at the discretion of the track co-directors.

Global Health

The course of study should take into consideration: (1) required courses; (2) required teaching experience; (3) courses that would assist in passing the written and oral qualifying exam; (4) course that provide expertise in public health research and practice, (5) required field practicums, and (6) the formal defense of a dissertation.

It is expected that all students will have at least a master’s degree in a relevant field (which could include an Master of Public Health or Master of Science in health, nursing,and sociology, as well as masters degrees in fields such as international relations, economics, and health administration; medical and other doctoral level health degrees are qualified preparatory degrees). Some students may have to take additional coursework or obtain prerequisite competencies in public health fields such as epidemiology and biostatistics.