Human Performance
Earn your doctorate in Human Performance with a concentration in health (public health)
Human Performance, Health Concentration, Ph.D.
The Health [public health] Concentration in the Ph.D. in Human Performance program is housed within the Department of Health and Human Performance. Through a carefully crafted curriculum, the Health [public health] concentration focuses on producing proficient researchers capable of producing impactful public health-related scholarly work, whether it is in academia or industry. Program graduates teach or practice in different settings, including local, state, regional, national, and global levels.
Common careers for our graduates include but are not limited to:
- Researcher
- University Professor / Faculty
- Executive Program Director
- Health Policy Analyst
- Epidemiologist
- Chief Development Officer
- Postdoctoral Fellow
Application Instructions:
News Briefs
Champion of Change: Elevating Community Health Through Visionary Leadership in the Nonprofit Healthcare Industry
Dr. Amanda R. Cook is a standout figure in nonprofit healthcare management, boasting a robust skill set in research, program planning, grant management, and community engagement. An alumna of Middle Tennessee State University's Public Health program, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, an MS (now MPH), and a PhD in Human Performance with a Health Specialization.
During her doctoral journey, Dr. Cook took on a pivotal role as the Director of Research and Evaluation at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System—an eminent nonprofit community mental health agency spanning 44 counties in Tennessee. After her PhD, she ascended the leadership ladder, serving as the Senior Director of Grants and later as the Senior VP of Community and Business Development. In these capacities, she steered community health programs and successfully secured millions in grant funding for critical services.
Since October 2023, Dr. Cook has assumed the role of Chief Business Development Officer, furthering her commitment to advancing healthcare access and outcomes in Tennessee. In this position, she actively contributes to strategic growth initiatives, underscoring her unwavering dedication to enhancing community health.
Public health graduate students sweep CBHS awards at MTSU’s annual research expo
Research conducted by graduate students in MTSU’s Public Health program within the Department of Health and Human Performance swept the top prizes at the university’s annual research and creative activity “Scholars Week” event in the graduate-level College of Behavioral and Health Sciences category. Public health students presented 10 projects total at the event, consistent with [ Read More ]
News Briefs
Champion of Change: Elevating Community Health Through Visionary Leadership in the Nonprofit Healthcare Industry
Dr. Amanda R. Cook is a standout figure in nonprofit healthcare management, boasting a robust skill set in research, program planning, grant management, and community engagement. An alumna of Middle Tennessee State University's Public Health program, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, an MS (now MPH), and a PhD in Human Performance with a Health Specialization.
During her doctoral journey, Dr. Cook took on a pivotal role as the Director of Research and Evaluation at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System—an eminent nonprofit community mental health agency spanning 44 counties in Tennessee. After her PhD, she ascended the leadership ladder, serving as the Senior Director of Grants and later as the Senior VP of Community and Business Development. In these capacities, she steered community health programs and successfully secured millions in grant funding for critical services.
Since October 2023, Dr. Cook has assumed the role of Chief Business Development Officer, furthering her commitment to advancing healthcare access and outcomes in Tennessee. In this position, she actively contributes to strategic growth initiatives, underscoring her unwavering dedication to enhancing community health.
Public health graduate students sweep CBHS awards at MTSU’s annual research expo
Research conducted by graduate students in MTSU’s Public Health program within the Department of Health and Human Performance swept the top prizes at the university’s annual research and creative activity “Scholars Week” event in the graduate-level College of Behavioral and Health Sciences category. Public health students presented 10 projects total at the event, consistent with [ Read More ]
Human Performance, Health Concentration, Ph.D.
- Researcher
- University Professor / Faculty
- Executive Program Director
- Health Policy Analyst
- Epidemiologist
- Chief Development Officer
- Postdoctoral Fellow
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Student Testimonies
“Public health matters because we aim to achieve optimal health on the population level to ensure wellness of the general public. I chose this area because I believe it was just the right time to equip myself with research skills and knowledge to start the process of developing some interventions I envisioned while working in the community as a MD. I felt this could only be made possible by taking up advanced studies in public health. I chose MTSU because I found a welcoming and kind group of faculty and students before being accepted into the program.”
“Public health matters because it impacts so many individuals, communities and the region’s ability to function in the aspect of health. By having a healthy community, life expectancy of those individuals living in that community is longer. Many more doors have opened for me since getting my PhD. It really made me look at my profession (nursing) and all of the opportunities to work collaboratively with other disciplines. It also made me appreciate how the area of public health needs to be evidence based. I’d encourage prospective students to choose your topic and an area of research that is your passion.”
“Public health matters and for so many reasons. It helps us all have a better place to live, learn, work, play, and pray. Public health is a field where oftentimes people do not really know what it is until something goes wrong but is there to keep people safe and healthy and closes gaps that otherwise might go unfilled. I am almost one year out from earning my Ph.D. and it has already positively impacted my career. I look at my work through a different lens. I ask more questions, am more curious, and I am more confident in applying for funding that supports research -focused work. Earning my Ph.D. has re-energized my curiosity in exploring new areas and has reminded me that no matter what stage of life we are in, there are always new and exciting things to learn. MTSU is student friendly and worked with me as a non-traditional student with a busy, professional job and a family to ensure that I was successful in my Ph.D. program. My faculty advisor became like family to me over the course of my program, and made such a difference in my path towards earning a Ph.D. Both inside and outside of the classroom, I felt supported and knew that I would succeed in completing this rigorous and challenging degree program.”Application Instructions:
Additional Information
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