Although most applicants for the Ph.D. generally have backgrounds in appropriately related fields, the possession of degrees in these fields is not a prerequisite to admission. It should be recognized, however, that applicants with deficiencies in academic backgrounds will be required to take specific courses as prerequisites (or corequisites) to degree course work. Deficiencies in academic background will be diagnosed by the doctoral advisory committee and remedial course work prescribed. In general, such remedial work cannot be counted toward the credit hours required for the degree.

The Ph.D. majors in epidemiology, environmental health, and health behavior require the completion of a masters or other graduate degree. Students in these programs will be required to submit proof of completion of a masters or other graduate degree prior to being approved to participate in the doctoral qualifying exam.