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Health Services Research (Ph.D.)

The primary mission of the Ph.D. in health services research is to develop leaders and problem solvers whose professional services will improve the health of the population not only in Eastern Virginia but also statewide, nationally, and internationally. Health services researchers examine health care quality and effectiveness, primary and managed care, new technologies, and other critical health services and related public health research practice topics. Health services researchers pursue careers in many settings, including academia, industry, professional organizations, research centers, health policy groups, clinical settings, and in federal, state, local, and international agencies.

Health Services Research (Ph.D.)


Description


What is Health Services Research at ODU like?

The primary mission of the Ph.D. in health services research is to develop leaders and problem solvers whose professional services will improve the health of the population not only in Eastern Virginia but also statewide, nationally, and internationally. Health services researchers examine health care quality and effectiveness, primary and managed care, new technologies, and other critical health services and related public health research practice topics. Health services researchers pursue careers in many settings, including academia, industry, professional organizations, research centers, health policy groups, clinical settings, and in federal, state, local, and international agencies.

Program Highlights


What makes Health Services Research at ODU unique?

  • The goals of the program are to enable students to conduct and interpret health services research, to formulate and analyze public health policy, to lead programs and organizations that address the health care needs of populations and to work directly with community members to empower them to be a part of the policy formulation process.

  • Graduates from the program will develop the critical skills necessary to integrate knowledge and competencies applicable to public health and health services questions and problems.

  • Students will be able to design viable programs, manage resources, and measure the effectiveness of service delivery public health interventions to populations.

  • Students have the option of selecting the 3-article format to satisfy the dissertation requirement.

  • Students are matched with a research mentor upon entrance to the program.

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Medical and Health Services Managers

$111,680

MEDIAN SALARY


Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

$122,890

MEDIAN SALARY


Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Employers


Graduates from this major have gone to work at

Department of Health & Human Service, Office of Minority Health, George Washington University, and Sentara Health Systems

Courses


What are some courses offered in Health Services Research at ODU?

HLSC 776:
Global Health


This course will introduce the student to the political, social, cultural and ethical issues involved in disease prevention and health promotion globally. Specific emphasis will be on incidence/prevalence, morbidity/mortality, and identified health problems in specific regions and countries. This course will also identify international health prerogatives aimed at improving health status through education and intervention.

HLSC 809:
Multidisciplinary Approaches to Health Services Research


Uses theory and research findings from areas such as Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Urban Studies, and Health Services to achieve an understanding of health services issues and problems. Emphasizes methods of analysis and of developing alternatives related to multidisciplinary perspectives.

HLSC 873:
Development of Grants and Contracts in the Health Professions


Designed as a hand-on approach in effective grantsmanship, this course will guide the student from the identification of potential funding sources through proposal development. Highlights include program planning, nonprofit status, governmental/foundation corporate trends, local resources and grants administration.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Health Services Research at ODU?

Students entering the Doctor of Philosophy program in Health Services Research should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)

Students are admitted to the Ph.D. program during the fall term only. Applications for admission are reviewed by the Ph.D. in Health Services Research Program admissions committee. Complete the application form and submit all required materials to the Office of Admissions, Old Dominion University.

To qualify for admission, an applicant must meet the general University admission requirements at the graduate level as well as specific program requirements, including:

  • A completed master’s degree from a program that is accredited by a specialized accrediting agency; degrees such as M.D., J.D., and D.D.S. are also acceptable;

  • A minimum acceptable grade point average of 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale) overall for the master’s degree;

  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required although strongly recommended.

  • For those whose native language is not English a TOEFL score of at least 550 (79 for internet-based test);

  • Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended;

  • A current curriculum vitae or resume;

  • Three letters of reference from sources capable of commenting on the applicant’s readiness and commitment for doctoral studies. At least two, and preferably all letters should be from academic sources; other letters must be from professional supervisors;

  • A 1500- word essay discussing the applicant’s academic and professional goals. This essay should discuss how the Ph.D. in Health Services Research program will contribute towards meeting these goals; and

  • An interview (Zoom or face-2-face) to discuss applicant's research focus and fit with the program faculty's expertise.

For admission to the Health Services Research program


Prerequisites:

Complete the application form and submit all required materials to the Office of Admissions, Old Dominion University.


Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 571

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,394

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 595

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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Professor


Name:

Qi (Harry) Zhang PhD


Location:

3130 HEALTH SCIENCES BLDG, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-6870


Graduate Admissions


Location:

1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-6512


Email:

gradadmit@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Additional Programs


Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?

With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master'seducation specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.

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