Rural Health Sciences, Ph.D.

Applications for Fall 2025 admissions are now open!

Mercer’s PhD in Rural Health Sciences is a three-year program that teaches students to design, implement and evaluate strategies that improve health outcomes and address determinants of health in rural communities. As one of the only programs in the country of its kind, Rural Health Sciences PhD students will benefit from:

• Small class sizes. Low student-to-faculty ratio allows students to be a part of a hands-on learning experience where they not only learn the principles, but see them directly applied in a rural setting.
• Exceptional faculty. Classes are taught by faculty from the fields of epidemiology, psychology, statistics, sociology, environmental health, business, and political science and bring this diversity of thought and experience to the curriculum.
• Career preparation. Principles of management, research, leadership, statistics, and public health are taught to prepare students for leadership positions with federal agencies, public health departments, or foundations as well as teaching positions at the university level.
• State agency affiliation. The Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center and the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities are housed on campus and students may receive a paid research assistantship as part of the program.

Have questions or want to stay up-to-date on important dates and events? Complete our Graduate Inquiry Form!