Psychological and Brain Sciences

The PhD Program offers in-depth, multi-disciplinary training in the conduct of research and teaching in the areas of special expertise at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. The doctoral program is designed so that each student-researcher works closely with a faculty advisor and his or her research group to design a course of study and participate in ongoing research. Graduates of the doctoral program go into academic, government and corporate positions involving health services research and health policy. 

The doctoral program involves a multi-disciplinary approach which integrates relevant theories, methodological strategies, and evidence from a variety of fields. PhD students are encouraged to investigate a specialized area in-depth while also gaining an informed appreciation of other core areas. They are trained in independent and team-based strategies to integrate these perspectives into research. Our PhD graduates are expected to further the development of these core areas, to lead in the design, initiation and management of effective change in health care, and to contribute to the education of future scholars in health policy and clinical practice. Graduates of the doctoral program go into academic, government and corporate positions involving health services research and health policy. 

A complete application file consists of

• personal statement (the heart of the application)
• application form
• writing sample
• 3 letters of recommendation
• resume
• unofficial transcripts for the applicaiton and official transcripts once admitted
• standardized test scores (Applicants may submit self-reported scores through the online application, but your application is not complete until we receive the official GRE score report. Results must not be more than five years old. The GRE is required for all PhD applicants, regardless of any prior advanced or professional degree. All nonnative English speakers must submit either the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate proficiency in English. This requirement is waived for applicants who received a degree from an institution outside the U.S. where instruction is in English. Results must not be more than two years old) and
• application fee ($75).

Dartmouth offers full financial support to all students in doctoral programs. Financial support includes a paid yearly stipend or fellowship at a minimum of $24,000. Students generally do not need to pay any tuition from their stipend as doctoral tuition is typically paid, or scholarship arrangements are made. Financial support is usually supplied for the entire duration of a student’s enrollment in their doctoral program, although support terms may differ slightly by program.