Dr. Hakim Stovall knew he wanted to earn a doctorate in Prevention Science, but he was too busy to attend in-person classes. Then he discovered Wilmington University.

Wilmington University’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers the nation’s only 100-percent-online doctoral degree in Prevention Science. The program focuses on developing evidence-based strategies that reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Available to students of all backgrounds and professions, the interdisciplinary program integrates theories and methodologies from various disciplines, including public health, human development, developmental psychopathology, education, economics, public policy, and administration.

“People come to us from all over the United States, bringing in their different professions and perspectives,” said Program Chair Dr. Shawn Stevens. “The combination of these features makes our Prevention Science degree unique.”

The program welcomes no more than 20 people per cohort (or class), ensuring that classmates benefit from a collaborative and supportive learning experience while advancing through the program together. It also incorporates numerous opportunities for students and professors to meet regularly online, allowing the cohort to be fully engaged throughout their coursework.

“The professors were very encouraging,” said Dr. Stovall. “They gave me the support and guidance I needed and worked with me every step of the way so I could succeed.”

The doctorate in Prevention Science (Dr. SocSci) differs from a Ph.D. because it focuses on applying newly attained knowledge in professional practice or disciplines. Ultimately, the goal is for graduates to implement their findings into real-world practice.

“When a problem exists, we ask, ‘How can we fix this problem?’” said Dr. Debra Berke, director of Wilmington University’s Center for Prevention Science. “This research allows students to examine their own cities or states, see its issues, and find a way to create change.”

Candidates hone research, communication, problem-solving, and presentational skills through coursework emphasizing cultural sensitivity.

Stovall worked full-time while completing his doctorate online, which gave him the freedom to succeed his way, on his time. His research topic — recidivism prevention — strengthened his knowledge base and fortified his marketability as a re-entry career services specialist in Washington, D.C.

“WilmU’s teacher-student ratio is impressive,” Dr. Stovall said. “The professors are responsive, and we operate within a group setting where everyone interacts to share knowledge, rather than feeling anxious about being the first person to ask a question or offer a comment.”

WilmU’s doctorate in Prevention Science program also explores innovative solutions through programs and policy.

“We want people who can broadly develop, adapt, design, and evaluate policies and programs, then implement them into the community to create a collective impact,” said Dr. Stevens.

Besides the doctorate in Prevention Science, WilmU’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers five bachelor’s degrees, six master’s degrees, and many certificate programs. Human behavior is a factor in all organizations, so professionals with these credentials will likely garner rewarding jobs in business and government sectors.

WilmU has offered diverse students accredited and flexible programs for over five decades and is one of the region’s most affordable private, nonprofit institutions. More than 130 of the university’s degree programs can be completed at one of its multiple locations or entirely online.

Read more about Wilmington University’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.