University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

This PhD emphasises rigorous training in theory, methods and applied research. Core areas of study typically include advanced research design, multivariate and longitudinal statistics, causal inference, measurement theory, qualitative methods, behavioural theory, and intervention development and evaluation. Students also take seminars in related disciplines such as social psychology, health behaviour, behavioural economics and social determinants of health to support interdisciplinary perspectives.

Programme structure generally combines intensive coursework in the first two years, mentored research rotations or lab placements, teaching experience, and qualifying exams or portfolio assessment. After completing required coursework and exams, students undertake an original doctoral dissertation that contributes new knowledge on behavioural processes or intervention strategies. Electives and practicum options allow specialisation in areas such as health behaviour change, clinical behaviour science, decision-making, policy-relevant research, or implementation science.

• Advanced quantitative methods (e.g. mixed models, structural equation modelling, causal methods)
• Qualitative and mixed-methods approaches
• Measurement and psychometrics
• Theory of behaviour change and social influence
• Intervention design, evaluation and implementation
• Ethics in human subjects research and community-engaged approaches
• Doctoral seminar and dissertation research

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and seeks applicants with strong academic preparation and clear research potential. Typical applicants hold a relevant bachelor's or master’s degree (for example in psychology, public health, sociology, behavioural economics, or a related social/medical science). Successful candidates usually demonstrate:

• Solid quantitative and/or qualitative research training and coursework
• Prior research experience (research assistantships, publications, or substantial project work)
• A well-developed statement of purpose describing research interests and potential faculty mentors
• Academic transcripts, a CV, and strong letters of recommendation
• A writing sample or examples of scholarly work

Applicants should check the programme’s admissions page for any programme-specific requirements such as minimum GPA expectations, language proficiency documentation, and whether standardised tests are required or optional. Shortlisted applicants are commonly invited to interview with faculty.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Behavioral Sciences pursue a variety of research-focused and applied careers. Common pathways include:

• Academic positions in departments of psychology, public health, social and behavioural sciences, and medicine
• Research scientist roles in government agencies, public health organisations and non-profit research centres
• Leadership roles in clinical research, programme evaluation and implementation science within healthcare systems
• Applied behavioural science and analytics roles in industry, technology firms and policy consultancies
• Positions with international health organisations or foundations focusing on behaviour change and population health

Training emphasises grant writing, publication, and collaborative research skills that support careers in both academia and applied research settings.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill offers an interdisciplinary environment with access to faculty across psychology, public health, social sciences and medicine, enabling collaborative, translational research. Students benefit from established research centres and labs, opportunities for cross-school collaboration, and mentorship from faculty with strengths in quantitative methods, intervention science and community-engaged research.

The university provides structured doctoral training with opportunities for funded research assistantships, teaching experience and professional development in grant writing and science communication. Being situated in a research-active campus and a region with diverse public health and clinical partners supports applied projects and real-world impact.

Prospective students should review faculty profiles and current research projects to identify potential mentors whose interests align with their own research goals.