Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Population Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides interdisciplinary training in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services research. Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills to address contemporary health issues, and can specialize in Epidemiology or Population Health. The program emphasizes hands-on research experience and prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, government, and healthcare.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Ph.D. in Population Health program offered by the Department of Population Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison aims to develop students' abilities to synthesize knowledge and skills to address contemporary health-related issues. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary training, with a foundation in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services research, while also incorporating methods from the social sciences and econometrics. The program allows for flexibility in advanced study and research, enabling students to tailor their studies to their chosen area of interest.
Objectives:
- Equip students with rigorous and interdisciplinary training in population health research.
- Develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Foster a comprehensive understanding of health determinants and health problems in populations.
- Enable students to design and conduct impactful population health research.
- Train students to effectively communicate their research findings and policy implications.
Program Description:
The Ph.D. in Population Health is an innovative program that emphasizes research and personalized attention to students. It is suitable for individuals pursuing careers in epidemiology, public health, health policy, health economics, health services research, environmental health, demography, and related fields. The program's interdisciplinary focus and affiliation with the School of Medicine and Public Health provide students with access to a diverse range of research and faculty expertise.
Outline:
Content and Structure:
The program's core curriculum includes courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services research, ensuring a solid foundation in quantitative methods. Students can further specialize by selecting one of two named options: Epidemiology or Population Health. The Epidemiology option emphasizes advanced training in epidemiologic methods and study designs, while the Population Health option allows for greater flexibility in course selection and research focus.
Course Schedule:
The program typically takes 4-6 years to complete, including coursework, research, and dissertation writing. Coursework is typically completed within the first two years, followed by research and dissertation work.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students' progress is assessed through coursework, examinations, research projects, and a dissertation.
Assessment Criteria:
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and pass a qualifying exam within their third year. The dissertation must make a substantive contribution to the knowledge base of Population Health and be successfully defended.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, discussion groups, and supervised research.
Faculty:
The program's faculty includes experts in epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, and related fields.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes hands-on research experience, with opportunities for students to participate in ongoing research projects. Students also benefit from the interdisciplinary environment and collaborations with faculty from various disciplines.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
The Ph.D. in Population Health prepares graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and healthcare settings. Potential career paths include:
- Epidemiologist
- Biostatistician
- Health Services Researcher
- Health Policy Analyst
- Public Health Administrator
- Research Scientist
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program have gone on to hold positions at prestigious institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and leading universities.