Program Overview

Epidemiology, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The PhD in Epidemiology requires a total of 79 credits, including 15 prerequisite credits and 64 program credits (28 core, 12 elective, 12 specialization cognate, and 12 dissertation credits). If the 15 prerequisite credits have not been completed as part of a master's degree in epidemiology or public health prior to matriculation into the doctoral program, students will need to complete these courses prior to working towards the 64 program credits.

Advance to Candidacy

In addition to the course requirements below, students admitted to the Ph.D. program advance to candidacy by passing a written comprehensive examination with an oral defense.

Post-Candidacy

After advancement to candidacy, students must complete a dissertation proposal and oral defense, followed by successful completion of the doctoral dissertation and oral defense.

Course List

• Required courses:
  • EPIB611: Intermediate Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • EPIB610: Foundations of Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • EPIB650: Biostatistics I (3 credits)
  • EPIB651: Applied Regression Analysis (3 credits)
  • EPIB697: Public Health Data Management (3 credits)
  • SPHL600: Foundations of Public Health (3 credits)
  • EPIB612: Epidemiologic Study Design (3 credits)
  • EPIB620: Chronic Disease Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • or EPIB621: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • SPHL612: Research Ethics (1 credit)
  • EPIB652: Categorical Data Analysis (3 credits)
  • EPIB653: Applied Survival Data Analysis (3 credits)
  • or EPIB655: Longitudinal Data Analysis
  • EPIB710: Grantsmanship for Epidemiologic Research (3 credits)
  • EPIB740: Advanced Methods in Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • EPIB788: Critical Readings in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3 credits)
  • EPIB798: Independent Study (3 credits)
• Electives: 12 credits
• Specialization Requirements: Complete a minimum of 12 credits in a specialization cognate area
• Dissertation Research Requirement: EPIB899: Doctoral Dissertation Research (12 credits)
• Total Credits: 79 credits

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in epidemiology, including coursework, research, and practical experience. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, academia, and public health practice.