Health Education & Behavior Ph.D.
Research to Improve Daily Lives and Health
For more than 60 years, the Department of Health Education & Behavior (HEB) has been at the forefront of the health promotion and public health field, demonstrating leadership in instruction and mentoring, research and scholarship, and service and practice.
By emphasizing innovation and data-driven advancements, our efforts ensure that our students are well prepared for health promotion, public health and health behavior research careers of the future. HEB faculty and students conduct innovative research on public health problems that include:
- substance use and misuse
- sexual health
- nutrition, physical activity and weight management
- controlling chronic diseases
Our research programs are implemented with diverse populations, locations, and settings in Florida, across the US and around the world. The department also houses the Center for Behavioral Economic Health Research with a mission to stimulate research, applications, and education aimed at understanding and promoting human health behavior change, guided by the unifying trans-discipline of behavioral economics.
Faculty and students in our department are also involved in several UF-wide interdisciplinary centers including the Center for Addiction Research and Education, the Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, and the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies.
About the HEB Ph.D. Program
Review this important information about our HEB Ph.D. program and learn what to expect.
Mission
The focus of the health education and behavior graduate program is to prepare students to promote healthy lifestyle choices in individual and group settings and among diverse populations using culturally appropriate health education and behavior methodologies. Graduates will be capable of:
- Assessing individual and community health education needs
- Developing, planning and implementing effective health education programs
- Evaluating health education program effectiveness
- Coordinating the provision of health education services
- Acting as a resource person in health education
- Communicating health/health education needs, concerns and resources.
Our Ph.D. students are intensively trained to conduct independent research.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for all upper-division undergraduate coursework
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale) for all graduate coursework
- GRE scores are not currently required.
- English proficiency testing requirements are described under “International Students”
Application Deadline
Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, to receive priority funding consideration, complete applications (including letters of recommendation) should be submitted by January 15. Please note that applications will not be reviewed until all materials (including three letters of recommendation) are received. Decisions are made before April 15 for fall semester.
Submit Application
The Ph.D. graduate degree program is available in the Department of Health Education and Behavior (HEB) at the University of Florida. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with recommended deadlines for priority consideration.
Apply NowContact Us
Amy Mobley, Ph.D., R.D.
Graduate Coordinator and Associate Professor
amy.mobley@ufl.edu
Jenny Neelands, M.P.H., M.S.
Graduate Academic Advisor
(352) 294–1803
jennifer4@ufl.edu