Department of Community Medicine
PhD Program: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there stipend support for doctoral students?
A: Yes, we will pay $23,000 stipends (12 month) for up to 6 full time students per year. We will also provide those students with full-time tuition waivers.
Q: Do I have to have a master’s degree first?
A: No. The program is a stand alone 116-hour PhD program for students with or without a master’s degree. Those with an MPH or other master’s degree may be able to transfer a limited number of credits for courses with identical curricula.
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: The application deadline for entry in the 2007 cohort is March 31, 2008.
Q: Are you going to accept part time students?
A: No, we do not plan to admit part time students at this time. We are presently focusing on full-time students so that we graduate a full cohort of students in about four years and for every cohort thereafter. When the program is fully mature it is possible that some very motivated part time students will be allowed to enroll. However, part time students, if they are ever admitted, will not be eligible for stipends or tuition waivers.
Q: I am interested in the combined MD/PhD degree program at WVU. Is there an MD/PhD option where the PhD is in Public Health Sciences?
A: Yes. You may access the website: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/resoff/gradprograms/MDPhD.asp for more information.
Q: Do I have to take the GRE?
A: Yes, unless you are applying for the MD/PhD program in which case we will accept the MCAT. We will also accept the LSAT but it is not preferred. We do not have plans to accept the MAT.
Q: Is there a distance version of the PhD program?
A: No. In fact, virtually all of the coursework will be done on-site. Our aim is to train students in the way of a research-scientist faculty member. We feel that the best way to do that is in class, on-site, with daily mentoring and observation.
Q: I have an MS or MPH from WVU or another CEPH-accredited program. Will my Master’s credits count toward the degree?
A: To some extent, perhaps. We would have to talk about your goals and examine the extent to which the coursework is similar. Our goal is to give you the best possible doctoral education and want our students to be prepared for the comprehensive examination. We don't want to offer so much course credit that potential students are unlikely to be prepared to pass comprehensive exams due to dated or forgotten skills and information.
Q: Do you accept international students?
A: Yes. All students are welcome to apply.
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