University of South Florida

Overview

The PhD in Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South Florida equips aspiring researchers with the skills necessary to investigate behavioral health and community well-being. This program emphasizes the translation of evidence into effective services, policies, and interventions aimed at addressing social and behavioral challenges.

What you'll study

Students will gain expertise in research methodologies, data-driven program evaluation, and implementing systems-level change to enhance outcomes for individuals and communities. The doctoral program integrates structured coursework with mentored research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes to the field.

Core academic components

• Research methods and scholarly training: Focus on quantitative and qualitative approaches, measurement, and study design tailored to behavioral and community contexts.
• Behavioral and community systems coursework: Study areas such as prevention, intervention science, service delivery, and policy-relevant research.
• Professional development: Enhance skills in academic writing, research presentation, and developing a research agenda aligned with your specialization.
• Dissertation: Conduct an original research project that adds new knowledge to the field, culminating in a defense before a faculty committee.

Specializations

Students may tailor their coursework and dissertation to focus on various areas, including:

• Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health
• Positive Behavior Intervention & Support
• Substance Abuse & Co-Occurring Disorders
• Community-Based Behavioral Health Systems & Services
• Behavioral Health, Law, and the Justice System
• Recovery-Oriented Behavioral Health
• Disability & Rehabilitation Studies
• Behavioral Health Disparities

Typical progression

• Year 1–2: Complete foundational coursework, initiate research training, and develop a dissertation proposal with faculty support.
• Year 2–4/5: Advance research efforts, fulfill program milestones, and refine the dissertation plan.
• Final stage: Conduct the dissertation study, compose the dissertation, and complete the final defense.

Entry requirements

• Minimum GPA: A GPA of 3.5 (or equivalent) on a 4.0 scale.
• Standardized test: GRE General Test (required by the program; minimum score expectations may vary).
• Academic background: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as behavioral healthcare, human services, psychology, sociology, public health, or similar disciplines is typically required.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Behavioral and Community Sciences are well-prepared for careers in research, academia, policy-making, and community service. They often take on roles that involve developing and evaluating programs aimed at improving behavioral health outcomes and community well-being, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field and impacting public health positively.