higher education students in class

Education, Health and Behavior Studies Ph.D.

Bold thinking to lead research and development in higher education, instructional design and kinesiology.

Advanced education and health organizations require innovative leaders who can navigate the challenges of serving diverse students and populations, design curricula and execute research. By earning a doctoral degree in Education, Health and Behavior Studies, you'll be prepared for faculty positions, research appointments or policymaking roles that align with your specialization area.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4+ years
Credit hours:
90

Why earn a Ph.D. in Education, Health and Behavior Studies?

Application Deadlines
Priority Deadline
Jan. 15
Final Deadline
Feb. 15

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The doctoral program in Education, Health and Behavior Studies (EHBS) is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to promote solutions, science, and the study of critical issues in higher education, instructional design and technology and kinesiology. As a student, you will have access to faculty expertise, research teams and research labs to promote connections between classroom learning and development of research skills and expertise. 

The EHBS doctoral program follows a scholar-practitioner model. It is designed for students preparing for academic and professional positions that balance research, theory and practice.

  • Participate in a community of learners with students and faculty from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
  • Take courses all year with support of library, technology, and advising.
  • Apply theory to practice to show influences on individuals, organizations, and policy.
  • Experience diversity as a key component of the program design, curriculum, and coursework.
  • Develop methodological expertise in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.
  • Complete a publishable doctoral dissertation.

Three Program Specializations

Choose from a specialization that meets your career goals.

Higher Education

Colleges and universities require innovative leaders who can navigate the challenges of serving a diverse student body, recruiting talented faculty and managing financial resources. Earn a doctoral degree in Education, Health and Behavior Studies with a specialization in higher education and you will be ready for faculty positions, professional research positions, and administrative posts in higher education functional units that align with academic affairs, student affairs, finance and operations, and research and development.

Instructional Design & Technology

Instructional Design and Technology is an interdisciplinary science that integrates learning sciences, instructional design theories and research, educational psychology, and performance technology with a focus on improving learner performance through research-based systematic instructional design. Earn a doctoral degree in Education, Health, and Behavior Studies with a specialization in Instructional Design & Technology and you will be ready for faculty positions, professional research roles, and administrative posts in K-12, Higher Education, or Corporate Training settings (including corporations, government, and military).

Kinesiology 

Health and fitness are critical concerns in society. Studies in kinesiology focus on finding solutions to these and other wellness challenges. Earn a doctoral degree in Education, Health, and Behavior Studies with a specialization in Kinesiology and you will be ready for faculty position, professional research roles, and administrative posts in K-12, Higher Education, or corporate settings. 

Education, Health and Behavior Studies Doctoral Program

  • In addition to core requirements, students take courses in research methods and electives.

  • Work side-by-side with other students and faculty on research teams.

  • Choose electives from other specializations or other fields of study to round out your knowledge base on your dissertation topic.

  • Up to 30 credits from a master's degree may be transferred from another institution.

  • Apply for funding to support your studies in the program.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies.

Careers in Education, Health and Behavior Studies

96K

Median annual wage for postsecondary education administrators. Salary and benefits for deans and college presidents far exceed the median.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

7%

Projected job growth for postsecondary education administrators through 2031.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Recent doctoral program graduates hold key decision-making positions in academics and student affairs, government and private sector.  Position titles for UND Education, Health and Behavior Studies Ph.D. graduates include:

  • University/college president and faculty
  • Vice president for academic affairs
  • Vice president for student affairs
  • Academic dean
  • Dean of students
  • Government researcher
  • Corporate trainer
  • Learning and development strategist
  • Training and development specialist
  • Exercise scientist
  • Health promotion director

Education, Health and Behavior Studies Ph.D. Courses

EFR 510. Participatory Qualitative Research Methods. 3 Credits.

Qualitative researchers engage in systematic inquiry and direct collaboration with individuals and communities to explore highly contextualized phenomenon with the purpose of action or change. Qualitative methods are naturalistic, highly contextual, participatory and relational. Exploring the lived experiences and perspective of others requires attention to relationships, rapport and trust among all participants. Students will learn fundamental community-based and participatory methods of data collection: observations, interviewing, as well as data analysis and writing up qualitative findings following case study design. On demand.

EFR 516. Statistics II. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of inferential statistics with primary emphasis on analysis of variance models, multiple regression techniques, analysis of covariance and other higher-order statistical procedures. Prerequisite: EFR 515 or consent of instructor. S,SS.

HE 571. Introduction to Research Traditions in Higher Education. 3 Credits.

This course will facilitate inquiry into research findings on selected topics that are traditionally studied in the field of higher education. This inquiry encourages critique of existing research and scholarship as well as consideration of ways to further knowledge on the topics. F.

IDT 550. Theories and Models of Instructional Design. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on pedagogical theories from education and psychology as they relate to instructional design, and on alternate models of instructional design. Topics include epistemological views of knowledge, major schools of thought on the nature of learning, a survey of instructional and learning theories, and a survey of instructional design models. Particular emphasis is placed on the interrelation of theories, models, and practice in the field of instructional design. Prerequisite: Program major or permission of instructor.

KIN 541. Exercise Program Design. 3 Credits.

Focuses on designing scientifically sound aerobic, strength and conditioning, and resistance training programs for healthy adults. Intended for students planning on coaching, strength & conditioning coaching, personal training, corporate fitness, exercise physiology, law enforcement, military, athletic training, or the allied health professions (physical therapy, etc.). S.

HE 549. Dissertation Orientation. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the dissertation process, focusing specifically on proposal formulation. S/U grading. On demand.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Deborah Worley
Graduate Director
P 701.777.3140
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