Doctoral students should have a strong background in the natural sciences and/or health promotion, and a working knowledge of statistics and research methodology. Students may acquire additional knowledge of statistics and research methodology after entering the program.

All Ph.D. students complete a common core of courses, elective courses, and 10 s.h. of independent research in addition to the 12 s.h. dissertation requirement. They must complete a dissertation in their specialization area.

Some courses in the program are offered by other departments. Faculty members from those departments frequently serve on comprehensive examination committees and on dissertation committees for the initial presentation of a candidate's prospectus. They also participate in the final examination.