Health Outcomes Research, Ph.D.

Health outcomes research is a rapidly expanding, interdisciplinary field that provides evidence and guidance for understanding the endpoints of treatments, interventions and health care practices, be they clinical, functional, quality-of-life or economic. Saint Louis University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Outcomes Research is a program that trains researchers in the areas of health outcomes research, health services research and health data science to meet the changing needs of the health care system.

The goal of SLU's program is to prepare robust clinical and health outcomes researchers. Students receive a solid foundation in:

• Research methodology
• Data management
• Statistical analysis
• Data science
• Scientific writing and presentation

In addition to coursework, students work collaboratively with their mentor, research and clinical faculty and other students to produce high-quality research throughout their program.  

Curriculum Overview

The program requires a total of 48 credits for completion; 36 credits of coursework and 12 dissertation credits. Additionally, students must pass a written comprehensive exam, an oral examination/proposal of the dissertation and a public presentation and defense of the dissertation.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The department partners with clinical faculty in the SLU School of Medicine and conducts research in numerous clinical areas, including diabetes, oncology, pediatrics, otolaryngology, infectious disease and health care quality. Additionally, our faculty have expertise in health data science, research methodology, biostatistics, epidemiology, survey design and outcomes measurement. Students have the opportunity to work with their primary mentor, our faculty and clinical faculty on both short- and long-term research projects.

Careers

Graduates are prepared to work as academics and researchers at universities, medical centers, government and nongovernment health agencies, hospital systems, insurance and other areas of the health industry.  

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in social science, biomedical science, public health, or related discipline. Successful candidates will have maintained a minimum 3.5 GPA in graduate coursework and scored at least at the 50th percentile for GRE verbal and quantitative reasoning. Students must also demonstrate evidence of interest in an area of research and identify a willing and suitable faculty mentor.  

Application Requirements

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

• Application form and fee
• Transcripts from most recent degree(s)
• Professional statement
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• One letter of recommendation
• GRE required

Requirements for International Students

Along with the general admission requirements above, the following must be provided by prospective international students:

• Demonstration of English Language Proficiency.
• Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University.
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University.
• Academic records, in English translation, for postsecondary studies outside the United States. These must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Deadline

Applications to the program are considered on a rolling basis.

Apply Now

Tuition 

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, apply by Feb. 1.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation 

Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has been continuously accredited since 1916.

• Graduates will be able to effectively review, summarize and synthesize literature related to clinical aspects of health outcomes.
• Graduates will be able to apply appropriate data management strategies related to clinical aspects of health outcomes.
• Graduates will be able to critically evaluate clinical aspects and health care-specific methodological designs.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate a thorough and ethical approach to conducting academic research.
• Graduates will be able to effectively communicate study results related to clinical aspects of health outcomes.