College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Health Equity Sciences (Ph.D.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Health Equity Sciences (Ph.D.)
Champion Health Equity
Step into the forefront of transformative public health with NMSU’s Ph.D. in Health Equity Sciences — a rigorous, research-intensive doctorate dedicated to dismantling health disparities. Grounded in public, population, and community health frameworks, this program equips scholars to conduct original, equity-driven research, design and evaluate culturally competent interventions, and advocate for marginalized populations including rural, tribal, border, and underserved communities.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines.
- Total credits: 54
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
With a Ph.D. in Health Equity Sciences from NMSU, you’ll be poised to make a meaningful difference across diverse sectors. Graduates pursue impactful roles such as health equity researchers, program evaluators, policy advisors, community health directors, and academic faculty. Whether shaping evidence-based programs, influencing policy, or leading research in tribal, rural, or global settings, you’ll be equipped with advanced methodological skills — and the cultural competence — to address the root causes of health inequity and drive systemic change.
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Equity Sciences? Fill out our inquiry form.
Earn Your Ph.D. in Health Equity Sciences
The doctoral program in Health Equity Sciences (HES) focuses on health disparities and equity from public health, population health, and community health perspectives. The focus of the program will be on research to address existing and emerging health disparities and health equity. Collaborative training with cooperative agreement with UNM further enriches your educational experience, preparing you to emerge as a powerful leader in governmental agencies, NGOs, healthcare organizations, and academia.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
Students will participate in a mix of program-specific courses using the HES (i.e., Health Equity Sciences) prefix and graduate-level courses from across the NMSU campus and from UNM by cooperative arrangement/MOU.
Take classes like:
- HESC 6120 - Quantitative Research Methods in Health Equity Sciences
- HESC 6250 - Design and Evaluation of Programs to Promote Health Equity
- HESC 6210 - Advanced Multiple Regression for Health Equity Sciences
- COMM 5140 - Qualitative Research Methods in Communication
Application Deadline
For fall admission, apply by March 30, 2026.
Admission Requirements
To apply to the Ph.D. program, you must have:
- A Master of Public Health or health related master’s degree you completed at an accredited university
- A minimum graduate cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0
- Proof of English language proficiency for all non-native speakers of English, regardless of citizenship, as required by the NMSU Graduate School
- Evidence of completing one graduate level course (three credit hours) in statistics or biostatistics
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.