Health Services Research and Policy, PhD

Timing The preliminary exam must be completed before the start of year two and typically begins in March of year one. Students have from March 1st through September 1st to complete the written component of the exam.

Requirements Before Sitting for the Milestone Students must have full academic status (any admissions provisions must be cleared before sitting for the exam), a minimum GPA of 3.3, and have completed all required Year One courses: BIOST 2041 , BIOST 2142 , EPIDEM 2110 , HPM 2028 , HPM 2905 , HPM 3000 , HPM 3001 , HPM 3064 , and HPM 3501 . Students must also have completed the required CITI online training modules, at minimum “Research Integrity” and “Human Subjects Research in Social and Behavioral Sciences,” and submitted the certificate of completion to the program coordinator.

Form of Evaluation The preliminary exam consists of two components: a 4,000-6,000 word research paper and a 15-minute oral presentation to the Examination Committee. The oral presentation is scheduled within approximately one to two weeks of paper submission.

Timing The comprehensive exam must be completed before the start of year three and is typically administered in late May or early June, following four semesters of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time credits (approximately 48-52 credits).

Requirements Before Sitting for the Milestone Students must have passed the preliminary examination, completed all required departmental and school core courses, achieved a minimum GPA of 3.3, and be registered during the semester in which they take the exam.

Form of Evaluation The exam is a proctored, in-person, open-note, timed assessment spanning two days, drawing on core coursework completed during the first two years of the program. It is designed to evaluate students’ knowledge and analytical abilities.

Other Pertinent Information The use of generative AI is not permitted on the comprehensive exam, as responses must reflect each student’s individual understanding and synthesis of core HSRP coursework.

Timing Students should aim to complete the Dissertation Overview by Spring of Year 3 or Fall of Year 4. The committee should receive a final draft of the dissertation proposal at least two weeks before the scheduled Overview Presentation.

Requirements Before Sitting for the Milestone Students must have completed all required coursework and planned electives and passed both the preliminary and comprehensive examinations before scheduling the Dissertation Overview.

Form of Evaluation The Dissertation Overview has three components: committee formation, development of a written dissertation proposal, and an Overview Presentation. The presentation is an in-person oral presentation to the Dissertation Committee, typically scheduled for two hours, with the student presenting for no more than 30-45 minutes. The committee may require revisions to the proposal before granting approval.

Other Pertinent Information Upon successful completion, the student is admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. The dissertation proposal should outline the conceptualization, rationale, and methodology for three manuscripts and typically ranges from 20 to 60 pages. IRB clearance must be in place before research begins, though it is not required prior to the Overview itself. The Overview is scheduled through the program coordinator.

Timing Admission to candidacy is granted upon successful completion of the Dissertation Overview, provided the student has completed at least 72 credits. This is typically accomplished in Spring of Year 3 or Fall of Year 4.

Requirements Before Sitting for the Milestone To be admitted to candidacy, students must have completed all required coursework, accumulated at least 72 credits, and successfully completed all prior milestones: the preliminary examination, comprehensive examination, and dissertation overview.

Form of Evaluation Admission to candidacy is conferred upon successful completion of the Dissertation Overview. For details on the form of evaluation, see the Overview/Prospectus section above.

Timing The dissertation defense typically takes place in year four or five of the program, after all other milestones have been met and the student’s committee determines they are ready to defend. A final draft of the dissertation must be provided to each committee member at least two weeks prior to the scheduled defense.

Requirements Before Sitting for the Milestone Students must have committee chair approval to schedule the defense and must have submitted a final draft of the dissertation to all committee members at least two weeks prior. IRB clearance must be in place before research commences. All written work must conform to the University of Pittsburgh style manual and be submitted electronically through the Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) system.

Form of Evaluation The dissertation defense is a public, oral presentation and examination conducted by the doctoral dissertation committee. Students should provide an overview of the three thematically linked manuscripts that form the dissertation and highlight the thematic connections between them. All committee members must be present, though only committee members may participate in final deliberations and voting. A Report on Requirements for a Doctoral Degree form must be completed, signed by the committee, and submitted to the department chair and Office of Student Affairs.

Other Pertinent Information

• The dissertation consists of three thematically linked manuscripts with an introductory overview, and must represent original, independent research.
• Students may use a professional editor for language only, not subject matter or interpretation, and must acknowledge all editorial assistance in the document.
• If the written dissertation or defense performance does not meet committee expectations, the student will have one additional opportunity to revise and defend.
• Appeals of committee decisions may be directed to the doctoral program director(s), department chair, or Dean in accordance with school and University policy.