Overview

Behavioral and community sciences is an interdisciplinary field that refers to the development and evaluation of services and interventions that promote resiliency and social well-being for at-risk populations.

The goal of behavioral and community science is to improve community services through early intervention, integrated care, policy and system change, and positive behavioral interventions and support.

What you will learn

The PhD in Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South Florida prepares students to conduct research to enhance the quality of life and productivity of individuals with social, emotional, academic, and behavioral challenges (e.g., mental illness, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, developmental delays and disabilities, and behavior disorders) and socio-cultural challenges (e.g., poverty, disparities, homelessness).

Programme Structure

Specializations include:

Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health
Positive Behavior Intervention & Support
Substance Abuse & Co-Occurring Disorders
Community Based Behavioral Health Systems & Services
Behavioral Health, Law, and the Justice System
Recovery Oriented Behavioral Health
Disability & Rehabilitation Studies
Behavioral Health Disparities

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

More details

Applications received after the deadline may also be considered but only if the application is exceptionally strong and space is still available

Language

English

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110

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Credits

90 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Tampa, United States

Disciplines

Social Work Psychology View 76 other PhDs in Social Work in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.5

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

Other requirements

General requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a field related to behavioral and community sciences, e.g., behavioral healthcare, human services, human development, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, public health, social work, counseling education, education.
Students who do not meet the minimum criteria may be admitted based on strong records reflected by other aspects of their applications (GPA, Letters of Recommendation, Writing Samples, and prior research experiences).
A writing sample, such as a major paper, thesis, or research paper of which the student is the sole author, and
A personal goal statement of 2-3 pages that describes why you want to obtain the Ph.D. in Behavioral & Community Sciences.
Two formal letters of recommendation from faculty members or other professional personnel who have knowledge of the applicant’s academic background, potential for success in graduate school, and/or commitment to a research career.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

19980 USD / year

≈ 19980 USD / year
Out-of-State

19980 USD / year

≈ 19980 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8702 USD / year

≈ 8702 USD / year

Living costs

Tampa

United States

1122 - 1951 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Behavioral and Community Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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