Program Overview
Introduction to the PhD Program in Epidemiology
The PhD Program in Epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health is designed to address major health problems, including physical and mental disorders, from a research perspective. Epidemiology is the study of disease in human populations, and epidemiological studies are the foundation for prevention and control of health disorders.
Program Description
Students in the PhD Program in Epidemiology learn to:
- Measure manifestations of disease
- Measure the physical, social, and behavioral phenomena of the environment
- Design studies
- Collect, handle, and interpret large bodies of data
- Analyze statistics
The interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses in biomedical and social science disciplines, as well as biostatistics. Students can specialize according to their background and interests, in addition to gaining general knowledge of epidemiology and public health.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must have, or be in the process of completing, a master's degree in epidemiology or a related field. Individuals who have completed a doctoral degree in a program that does not confer a master's degree (e.g., MD) are also eligible.
Applicants should be committed to public health research and practice, so past research and/or other work experience in public health are encouraged.
Course work in mathematics (e.g., calculus and statistics), and a strong background in the natural and/or social sciences are strongly recommended. Oral and written communication skills, as well as diversity in terms of gender, race, and ethnic background, and areas of interest or expertise are highly valued.
Application Requirements
- Deadline for Fall Admission: December 1
- Deadline for Spring Admission: No spring admission
- Resume/CV: Yes
- Writing sample: Yes
- GRE General: No
- GRE Subject: No
Training Programs
The doctoral training programs address a diverse range of health domains and epidemiological methods.
Current PhD Students
Information about current PhD students is available.
Additional Resources
View competencies, course requirements, sample schedules, and more in the Academics section, and read the Doctoral Guidelines.
Learn more about the distinctions between the DrPH and PhD programs.
Program Details
The department awards a number of fellowships to recognize academic achievement and support future scholarly success. As teaching and research experience are considered an important aspect of graduate training, these fellowships include some teaching and research apprenticeship.
The PhD Program in Epidemiology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in epidemiology, preparing them for careers in research, academia, and public health practice. The program is committed to the well-being and success of all community members, and Columbia complies with all applicable civil rights laws and does not engage in illegal preferences or discrimination.