Education: Learning by Doing
More than just classroom learning
Through its Ph.D. programs, the Department of Health Policy provides a collaborative, multidisciplinary learning environment for the next generation of scholars.
With a diverse patient population and proximity to state legislators, there’s no better place to study and research than right here in Richmond. Our curriculum goes beyond the textbook, with opportunities to engage with the community, collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines and learn alongside our accomplished faculty mentors.
Healthcare Policy and Research Ph.D.
For students who aim to make meaningful contributions to public health, the VCU Department of Health Policy offers the Healthcare Policy and Research Ph.D. program. This program provides a collaborative, multidisciplinary learning environment for the next generation of scholars. In proximity to state legislators, and partnerships around the globe, there is no better place to study and research health policy than right here in Richmond.
Our faculty are dedicated to helping students discover and claim their areas of expertise. The HCPR doctoral program offers the following:
- A core curriculum in research methods, econometrics, decision sciences, and advanced statistics
- A broad selection of interdisciplinary electives
- Dedicated mentored research experiences through the graduate research assistant program and student-initiated research
- Professional development seminars
- Access to VCU Health research institutes and centers
- Stipend and tuition defrayment for up to four years through both departmental and grant funding
- Opportunities for additional financial support covering dissertation expenses
- Small class sizes
- Emphasis on applied research
Our curriculum goes beyond the textbook, with opportunities to engage with the community, state policymakers and legislators, as well as other community, national and international experts across multiple disciplines.
Healthcare Policy and Research Ph.D.
In preparation for research positions in academia, government and the private sector, this program trains students to use economic and statistical frameworks and methods to address important health policy issues.
M.D./Ph.D. Dual-Degree Program
VCU trains physician-scientists to improve human health through a combined program that blends medicine and science throughout the entire curriculum.