Integrated and Applied Sciences, Ph.D.

Saint Louis University's Integrated and Applied Sciences (IAS) doctoral program, offered in the Doisy College of Health Sciences, exposes students to all areas of science, encourages collaboration across departments and colleges, and better trains graduate students to present their research to a more diverse audience.

Program Highlights

Saint Louis University's Integrated and Applied Sciences doctoral program prepares students to become scholars and researchers in academic, clinical research, and/or practice settings. It allows students to pair their areas of study with interdisciplinary courses in biological, behavioral, psychosocial and environmental aspects of human health.

Students specialize in a health sciences discipline content area that aligns with the research being conducted by their faculty mentor. Currently available areas of study are:

• Athletic Training
• Clinical Health Sciences
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

Curriculum Overview
SLU's Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated and Applied Sciences program utilizes interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration to prepare graduates to confidently assume multi-faceted roles in the changing health care environment. 

The distribution of courses is determined on an individual basis. The student and their faculty mentor develop an appropriate coursework track with subsequent review by and feedback from the IAS administrative committee. A typical coursework structure is detailed below. To review the research being done in the Doisy College of Health Sciences, please visit our research page.

• Research Courses (6 credits)
• Courses specific to the student's Program of Study (21 credits)
• Directed Independent Study (1 credit)
• Required Course (2 credits)
• Dissertation credits (12 credits)

Careers

This research-intensive doctoral program trains students for careers in pharmaceutical, health care, and biochemical industries, as well as in academia. 

Admission Requirements

The successful applicant possesses a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited, recognized college or university in a discipline relevant to the research of the integrated and applied sciences faculty mentor. Students are required to proactively identify and establish a relationship with a faculty mentor whose research aligns with that of the student's interest prior to admission into the program. To review the research being done in DCHS, please visit our Doisy Research page.

Application Requirements

• Identification of and an established relationship with a faculty mentor
• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae
• Professional goals statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships. 
• Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.

WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Review Process

The IAS program director reviews all application materials for completeness. Complete applications are forwarded to the identified faculty mentor for review and admission consideration. The program director then communicates the admission decision along with a description of the next steps to the student. The faculty mentor is copied on all admissions communications.  

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

1. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the independent and interactive aspects of health sciences through intellectual inquiry and reflection.
2. Graduates will exhibit competency in designing and implementing health sciences research to advance knowledge while applying principles of ethical scientific inquiry/conduct.
3. Graduates will display the ability to translate research findings and communicate them to a variety of audiences for effective dissemination.
4. Graduates will articulate a long-term trajectory for an impactful scholarly leadership plan that will support a successful career path.

Non-Course Requirements

Assuming successful completion of oral and written comprehensive exams, students should complete the Ph.D. program in approximately four years. Students entering the program with an appropriate M.S. degree may complete the program in less time, again assuming successful completion of oral and written comprehensive exams.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Course Listing

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Program Notes

Courses designated as those specific to the program of study refer to those that may be in or complementary to the program of study discipline.

For more information about this program, please contact:

Elizabeth Gockel-Blessing, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP)^CM
Integrated and Applied Sciences Ph.D. Program Director
elizabeth.gockelblessing@health.slu.edu