Program Description
Clemson’s Department of Public Health Sciences Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MS) degrees in Applied Health Research and Evaluation rigorously prepare future scholars to conduct research in population health and healthcare. Students learn to design and employ cutting-edge research methodologies with community, private sector, and public partners to provide effective solutions to challenging health problems.
The curriculum emphasizes a full spectrum of methodological skills that enable students to design and implement research focused on health outcomes, effective and efficient health services delivery, comparative effectiveness of clinical and cost outcomes, and to conduct program evaluation. Students devote substantial attention to implementation science: that bridge between health research and health practice.
Our interdisciplinary faculty hold terminal degrees in health promotion and behavior, community psychology, epidemiology, health communication, medical sociology, medicine, health services research, health economics, and health policy.
Non-Thesis Master of Science
The non-thesis MS degree is designed to develop highly-qualified clinicians, nurses, research associates, data analysts, and program evaluators employed in both private and public sectors. Armed with fundamental knowledge and skills in research and evaluation related to study design, data management, and data analysis, graduates work as integral constituents of collaborative research teams assessing program/intervention efficacy and effectiveness, improving access and efficiency of health services, and providing data-based evidence to drive informed decision-making to effect positive change in population and healthcare practice.
Students applying to the MS program are expected to have competitive GRE scores. Competitive MCAT scores may be substituted in some situations. Background courses in introductory statistics, calculus, and research methods are recommended.
The non-thesis MS degree is offered in both 12-month and 24-month formats. Core courses are offered year round at the University Center Greenville. Graduates of our Graduate Certificate in Clinical and Translational Research may apply all of their 12 credits toward completion of the MS degree. Separate application is required.
Program Requirements
Candidates for the non-thesis MS degree must complete 30 credits of coursework, with 18 credits of core courses and 12 credits of content courses approved by the student’s adviser. Content courses allow students to develop an appropriate content area that enriches their research agenda. These courses could include those in nutrition, physical activity, the build environment, aging, substance abuse, violence, health communication, health care, advanced statistics, qualitative assessment, survey design, or secondary data analysis. Core courses include HLTH 8030 , HLTH 8090 , HLTH 8110 , HLTH 8210 , HLTH 8310 and HLTH 8410 .
