Admission Information

Applicants for the PhD in Health Sciences program should demonstrate experience in the health sciences and a capacity to conduct research in the interdisciplinary health sciences.

Applicants should submit the following:

• Personal statement that includes the following information:
  • Description of attainable career goals, steps that the applicant has already taken to achieve those goals, and how this program can support achieving those goals.
  • Specific research interests (or possible research question) and a proposed plan of action.
  • Description of unique perspectives and passions for interdisciplinary work that the applicant will bring to the program.
  • Description of any achievements.
• Second document outlining research contact.
  • List 1-3 research faculty members with the following information:
    • How does the faculty member's research align with the applicant's interests?
    • Describe whether the applicant has reached out to the any faculty members and what responses the applicant has received.
    • The CHHS Research page offers a list of current research faculty (note that this list may not be fully complete and is updated regularly).
• Three letters of recommendations that address the applicant's potential to complete a doctoral degree in the health sciences.
• Professional resume or CV that includes pertinent experiences, credentials, and/or licensures.

Applicants should also provide evidence of the following:

• Prior to matriculation into the program, either
  • An earned entry-level graduate degree in a health sciences discipline (nursing, physical/occupational therapy, etc.) or
  • An earned master's degree or higher in a related field (applications from individuals with non-health science backgrounds such as sociology, history and biology will also be considered)
• Evidence of academic abilities for graduate level work.
  • The program requires a minimum graduate GPA of 3.20 on a 4.0 scale. A GRE score is not required but may also be sent to supplement this requirement but is not required.
• Interpersonal and communications skills as evaluated through their writing submissions and personal interviews with the admissions committee.

Application

Apply to the Graduate School. The priority consideration deadline for applications is February 1. The program will continue to accept applications after the February 1 deadline if there is additional space to accommodate new admissions. However, the program cannot assure late applicants full considerations, particularly for offers of funding. The program's final application deadline for the fall semester is July 15.

For international students: Note that we have a required residency portion of the program that begins in the middle of August. This residency weekend is required, and international students who need to obtain a visa to attend should coordinate with the International Student and Scholar Services office for the procedures on obtaining a visa. The program does not offer visa services and students requiring one should plan well in advance to meet all deadlines.

For final admission approval, a CHHS faculty member must be identified to serve as the student's academic advisor. Review the list of faculty and research interests to identify those who may serve as potential mentors. If a faculty member agrees, send that update to us. If one is not found prior to the start of the program, a general advisor will be assigned, with the expectation that the student will find a permanent advisor prior to the completion of their first academic year.

Interview Process

If you have submitted a completed application and meet the minimum requirements, you may be invited for an interview. Interviews may be conducted in-person or virtually. If you reside a distance from Northern Illinois University's main campus in DeKalb, Illinois, you may elect to hold your interview through audio/visual distance technologies such as Zoom or Teams.

In rare circumstances, the Admissions Committee may need to postpone the interview due to certain factors (i.e. inclement weather) or to conduct the interview of any or all applicants using distance technologies. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center or a representative of the College of Health and Human Sciences to request accommodations and ensure access to the interview.