• 2022 Ph.D. Program cohort of students

    Cohort model

    Cohorts of working professionals from diverse fields yields diverse experiences for students.

  • Laptop on table

    Hybrid and flexible

    Flexible and rigorous, online and hybrid, our interdisciplinary Ph.D. program meets you where you are.

Calls to action

Western Michigan University's Ph.D. in interdisciplinary health sciences program is an innovative interdisciplinary approach to educating Ph.D. professionals with research and leadership skills to improve health and human services in all areas of society.

The program is highly accessible to non-traditional working professionals, providing high quality doctoral education using a combination of:

  • On-campus weekend sessions
  • Intensive on-campus summer sessions
  • Distance learning technologies

In any setting, the interdisciplinary skills of the graduates of this program prepare them uniquely to address complex problems and contribute to interdisciplinary evidence-based practice.

Interdisciplinary Grand Rounds

On Nov. 1, 2023, our panel of experts shared insights, experiences and visions for the future of AI in academia.

We discussed the role AI plays in shaping the academic landscape, and how it can empower us to address these challenges.

Watch the recording

Want more info?

Want to learn more?

We would love an opportunity to tell you more about things going on in the Ph.D. program. Let us know how we can connect with you.

Announcements

Application process

The application period for the 2022 cohort is closed. The next cohort will be admitted in 2024.

application process

Student handbook

The student handbook includes useful information for current students.

View handbook

 
We are a founding member of the Association of Doctoral Programs in Health Sciences. Learn more at adphs.org.

Take the next step

The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program at WMU puts you on the path to research excellence. Learn with the best, connected to state and national organizations focused on health-related issues that matter to you.

Apply today

Our students and alumni

alumni amy freeland behind a podium

WMU's interdisciplinary health sciences Ph.D. program has allowed me to transform my 15 years of clinical experience into a rich and valuable research base which launched my scientific research career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Amy Freeland, Ph.D., Epidemiologist, 2014 CHHS Outstanding Alumni

Dr. Harmer putting on the VR goggles

Bryan Harmer,  Ph.D. candidate and professor of emergency medical services at Lansing Community College, is part of a research team working to develop augmented-reality technology to stem EMS medication-dosing errors with children.

See the story here.

Interdisciplinarity defined

provost Bott

In November 2020, WMU Provost Jennifer Bott pointed to the interdisciplinary science Ph.D. program as an example of why WMU needs to develop cross-disciplinary programs and also an example of how those programs can work exceedingly well.

interdisciplinarity at WMU

News and Updates