The Dissemination & Implementation (D&I) Sciences doctoral concentration provides an opportunity for students interested in the transdisciplinary field to complete relevant coursework and mentored research.
Concentrating in D&I
The concentration aims to prepare next-generation public health and social work scholars for the D&I competencies:
- Describe the objectives of D&I research for promoting health and addressing health equity.
- Critically evaluate D&I theories, models and frameworks.
- Assess the need for and process of adapting and tailoring interventions and D&I research strategies.
- Design studies that incorporate innovative and emerging methods and measures in D&I research.
- Describe the importance and methods for incorporating the perspectives of different partners (e.g., patients/families, practitioners, policymakers) in D&I.
PhD students concentrate in D&I by completing D&I-related coursework, getting involved in the various D&I research training opportunities at WashU, and conducting mentored dissertation research that contributes to the field.
Training opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in the various D&I science training opportunities offered through the School of Public Health and the university. Additionally, the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences’ D&I Research Core affords students opportunities to receive and offer consultation and research support as research assistants.
Mentored D&I dissertation research
Students in the concentration identify faculty mentors whose scholarship involves D&I science. Typically, these faculty will supervise the completion of an area statement and qualifying exam. After finishing D&I and other required doctoral coursework and milestones, students conduct dissertation research in the field under the mentorship of faculty working in the area.
Coursework
Students complete at least three D&I doctoral courses (9 credits) as part of their PhD requirements in their first two years of the program. Students also have the option of creating an independent study course to replace one of the required courses, allowing individualized study in the field beyond the content of the courses available.
Students select at least three courses (9 credits) from the following options:
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| S90 5590 | Dissemination & Implementation Science | 3 |
| S90 5563 | Introduction to Dissemination & Implementation Science | 3 |
| S90 5411 | Methods, Metrics and Measures for Dissemination & Implementation Research | 3 |
| S90 5554 | Developing and Evaluating Implementation Strategies in Health and Social Services | 3 |
| S90 5663 | Designing for Dissemination, Implementation & Sustainability: How to Maximize Impact and Equity | 3 |
| S90 5117 | Translating Epidemiology into Policy | 3 |
Concentration lead
Byron Powell, PhD
Associate professor
Co-director of the Dissemination & Implementation Science Innovation Research Network (IRN) at WashU Public Health
Process
Students interested in the concentration work with their faculty advisor, the Systems Science for Health Equity concentration lead, and their program director to ensure interest alignment. The student and faculty develop and execute research that culminates in a dissertation that contributes to the systems science literature. The successful defense of the dissertation is recorded in the student’s final academic transcript.