How does the Ph.D. program promote interdisciplinarity?
The program is taught by faculty from different disciplines such as medical sociology,
health psychology, health economics, developmental psychology, clinical psychology,
rehabilitation, special education, educational psychology, school psychology, social
work, and public health. Each faculty member brings unique perspectives on various
behavioral and social conditions affecting behavioral health.
The doctoral core courses provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills applicable
to all behavioral and community science disciplines yet allows them to complete assignments
by working in cross-disciplinary teams to study the social, economic, political, environmental,
and institutional factors that relate to their area of specialization.
The pro-seminar series provides a vehicle for students to integrate knowledge learned
from various courses across the disciplines into a cohesive interdisciplinary research
agenda for their dissertation and professional careers.
Research colloquia are incorporated in the program for students to gain interdisciplinary
perspectives and to engage in stimulating discussions. For example, the College recently
sponsored the Mental Health, Guns, and Violence colloquium that involved researchers
from psychiatry, criminology, and behavioral health as well as community professionals
from law enforcement and behavioral healthcare.
The dissertation committees for students are composed of faculty from multiple disciplines
to facilitate mentorship of an interdisciplinary focus.