The PhD in Epidemiology (Direct Admission) is a minimum of 72 semester credit hours and represents a mastery of epidemiologic concepts, theories and methodology; and a significant capacity for independent study. The doctoral program is research-intensive, and is designed for students who plan to go on to academic (university-based) or research careers in epidemiology and disease control.
Special Entrance Requirements
The Department of Epidemiology may admit students holding a BA or BS degree (or foreign equivalent) directly into the PhD program. A student requesting direct admission to the PhD program is expected to have either a bachelor’s degree that demonstrates the development of strong scientific and analytical skills, a professional doctoral degree in a medical field, or a doctoral degree in a field not directly related to medicine or public health that is coupled with evidence of adequate preparation in biological sciences and mathematics. In addition, evidence of academic achievement that includes completion of advanced courses in biological sciences, at least two semesters of college-level calculus (or the equivalent) and at least one course in statistics.
Direct Admit Course of Study
The following courses are required for a direct admit PhD in Epidemiology:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required for all School of Public Health Students | ||
| PH 101 | Foundations of Public Health 1 | 0 |
| Master's Equivalent Coursework | ||
| PHM 1690L | Introduction to Biostatistics in Public Health | 4 |
| PH 1700L | Intermediate Biostatistics | 3 |
| PHM 2612L | Epidemiology I | 3 |
| PH 2615L | Epidemiology II | 3 |
| PH 2710L | Epidemiology III | 3 |
| Major Courses | ||
| PHD 2711L | Epidemiology IV 3 | 3 |
| PHD 2712L | Experimental Methods in Epidemiology 3 | 3 |
| PHD 2990 | Epidemiology Seminar | 1 |
| PHD 2720L | Epidemiologic Proposal Development | 3 |
| PH 1830L | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 |
| or PH 1831L | Survival Analysis | |
| Minor | 9 | |
| Second Minor or Breadth | 9 | |
| Elective Courses | 22 | |
| Dissertation | ||
| PHD 9999 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| Total Hours | 72 | |
- 1
Online, not-for-credit course
For a sample course of study, see the PhD in Epidemiology: Direct Admission degree planner.