Final application deadline: March 26, 2012 
The semester begins: May 7, 2012

RMUoHP’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Health Promotion and Wellness has a multidisciplinary focus. The curriculum is designed to provide the student a multidimensional exploration of wellness, including the physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and emotional aspects. Additional themes include safety, environmental, and cultural considerations as well as business management skills for health promotion practice. The curriculum includes coursework aimed at increasing the student’s abilities in the assessment and implementation of sound scientific principles in the promotion of health and wellness. The central element of the program is the completion of a dissertation that incorporates original research and advances knowledge in the area of concentration. The core courses and directed independent study sessions are designed to expand scientific inquiry and outcomes assessment, enhance research and consultation skills, and improve teaching and administrative skills.

The post-professional program in the science of health promotion and wellness offers expanded study in the areas of epidemiology, theories of behavior change, principles of health promotion, exercise testing and prescription, nutrition, and population health issues. The curriculum also includes coursework in risk factors and risk reduction strategies, cultural competency in health promotion, resilience and health, motivation and coaching, integrative therapies, emergency care, health promotion and wellness practice, administrative skills, grant writing, marketing strategies, and research literacy and methodology. To be considered for admission, applicants must be a recognized healthcare provider (as demonstrated by state licensure, registration, or regulation) and/or possess national certification or credentialing (preferably from ACSM, NSCA, or the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (CHES).

The Health Promotion and Wellness Program is committed to the development of the healthcare professional who can:

• Apply the perspective and knowledge of health promotion and wellness to positively influence the health and quality of life of all people;
• Modify practice strategies to optimize changing practice environments;
• Provide expert, effective and compassionate assessment and intervention plans for individuals interested in improving their health/wellness status;
• Effectively educate patients/clients, families, students, other healthcare professionals and the general public;
• Conduct methodologically sound clinical research;
• Review and critique research literature;
• Become a leader in the integration of health promotion and wellness practice into traditional health disciplines.