Overview of the Programme
The Doctor of Public Health degree is conferred in recognition of a candidate's command of a comprehensive body of knowledge in the field of public health and related disciplines, and of the candidate's proven ability to initiate, organize, and pursue the investigation of significant problems or interventions in public health. The focus of this degree is the development of transdisciplinary knowledge about the determinants of health, and the scientific and professional leadership skills to translate this knowledge into policy and effective health interventions. Those who earn this degree are expected to occupy leadership positions that have a major influence on public health research, policies, programs, systems, and institutions. Such leadership may be in diverse settings at the international, national, state, or local levels, and in the public, private, and academic sectors.
The goal of the Programme
The goal of the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health programme is to prepare graduates to become public health researchers and academicians to address public health issues through innovative research that will inform programs, policy, practice, and expand the public health knowledge base, for healthy populations.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health program will equip students with
- Advanced knowledge in epidemiology, population health, health promotion, global health, health systems, and health services management, in research, policy, and practice.
- Advanced skills in epidemiology, population health, health promotion, international health, health systems, and health services management, in research, policy, and practice.
- Innovative and creative interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to public health research, policy, and practice
- Collaboration, partnering, and communication competencies in diverse settings, such as academia, communities, public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations, faith-based institutions, at the county, national and international levels.
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, the graduate of the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of scientific principles, theories, and frameworks of epidemiology, population health, health promotion, global health, health systems, and health services management, in research, policy, and practice.
- Demonstrate mastery of skills in epidemiology, population health, health promotion, international health, health systems, and health services management, in research, policy, and practice.
- Apply innovative and creative interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to the design of public health research, policy, and practice
- Develop collaboration, partnering, mentorship, teaching, and communication in diverse settings, such as academia, communities, public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations, faith-based institutions, at the county, national and international levels
- Demonstrate the ability to teach a university-level course using current pedagogical techniques
- Demonstrate the ability to mentor a Masters’ student
Mode of Delivery of the Programme
The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health shall be delivered in Face-to-face, eLearning, and blended course delivery and facilitation will be by theory classes, practical sessions, case studies, seminars, workshops, and field visits.
Duration of the Programme
A candidate may be registered as a full-time student for a Doctoral degree for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years. A candidate may be registered as a part-time student for a Doctoral degree for a minimum of four years and a maximum of seven years. The School of Graduate Studies will review registration from time to time. Continuance of registration will depend on evidence of satisfactory progress.
Deficiency
Where a doctoral student is found deficient in areas necessary for PhD. research work as determined by the department, the student shall be required to register for relevant courses from Masters/ Undergraduate programmes. Such students will be expected to register and pass examinations in courses especially level 8 courses.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission into the Doctoral Programme in Public Health, applicants must satisfy the minimum University entrance requirements: Candidates must be:
A holder of a Master of Public Health degree from Maseno University or from any other recognized University.
A holder of Master of Science in Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Economics, Population Health, Demography, Health Systems Management, Health Monitoring and Evaluation, Health Records and Information Management, Biostatistics, Public Health Nutrition, Community Nutrition, Occupational Safety and Health, Medical Anthropology, among other Health Sciences.
A holder of other qualifications considered by Maseno University Senate as equivalent to a Master of Public Health degree of Maseno University.
Application form completed in triplicate with required attachments that include a written research concept, academic certificates, curriculum vitae, three passport size photographs, evidence of payment of application fees. A copy of an abstract of a public health research article(s) published in a refereed journal may be attached.