Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Ph.D.

A group of IHS Ph.D. students in front of the College of Health and Human Services sign — Cohort model

Cohorts of working professionals from diverse fields yields diverse experiences for students.

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Laptop on table — Hybrid and flexible

Flexible and rigorous, online and hybrid, our interdisciplinary Ph.D. program meets you where you are.

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Western ��һ�鶹��Ƭ�� University's Ph.D. in interdisciplinary health sciences program is an innovative interdisciplinary approach to educating Ph.D. professionals with research and leadership skills to improve health and human services in all areas of society.

The program is highly accessible to non-traditional working professionals, providing high quality doctoral education using a combination of:

On-campus weekend sessions
Intensive on-campus summer sessions
Distance learning technologies

In any setting, the interdisciplinary skills of the graduates of this program prepare them uniquely to address complex problems and contribute to interdisciplinary evidence-based practice.

Want to learn more?

We would love an opportunity to tell you more about things going on in the Ph.D. program. Let us know how we can connect with you.

Application process

The application period for the 2024 cohort is closed. The next cohort will be admitted in 2026.

application process

Student handbook

The student handbook includes useful information for current students.

Interdisciplinary Grand Rounds

On Nov. 1, 2023, our panel of experts shared insights, experiences and visions for the future of AI in academia.

We discussed the role AI plays in shaping the academic landscape, and how it can empower us to address these challenges.

We are a founding member of the Association of Doctoral Programs in Health Sciences. Learn more at .

Take the next step

The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program at WMU puts you on the path to research excellence. Learn with the best, connected to state and national organizations focused on health-related issues that matter to you.

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Our students and alumni

Dr. Ruth Gould (Cohort 2018) has accepted a new position as Health Statistician in the Office of the Director at the CDC’s Public Health Infrastructure Center (Atlanta, GA). In this role, she will focus on statistical analysis and data science to support public health system performance and workforce development across the country. Dr. Gould will be working with structured and unstructured datasets to explore hypotheses, perform advanced analyses and produce insights that inform decision-making for both internal CDC teams and external partners like state and local health departments including collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including economists, IT specialists and public health experts—to develop data products and insights that address strategic priorities.

Congratulations Ruth!

WMU's interdisciplinary health sciences Ph.D. program has allowed me to transform my 15 years of clinical experience into a rich and valuable research base which launched my scientific research career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Amy Freeland, Ph.D., Epidemiologist, 2014 CHHS Outstanding Alumni

Bryan Harmer, Ph.D. candidate and professor of emergency medical services at Lansing Community College, is part of a research team working to develop augmented-reality technology to stem EMS medication-dosing errors with children.

Interdisciplinarity defined

In November 2020, WMU Provost Jennifer Bott pointed to the interdisciplinary science Ph.D. program as an example of why WMU needs to develop cross-disciplinary programs and also an example of how those programs can work exceedingly well.

interdisciplinarity at WMU

News and Updates

Watch this space for news articles and other updates from faculty and students in the Ph.D. program.

WMU, WMed join forces in $1.37M project to reduce prehospital medication errors for children