Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Epidemiology, PhD

The mission of the PhD program in Epidemiology is to train independent researchers in the development and application of epidemiologic methods and to prepare them for positions as scientific leaders in academia and industry. The PhD is a research degree; it indicates the highest attainable level of scholarship, and a commitment to a research career. The PhD does not represent merely the accumulation of course credits, but rather the development and completion of a well-designed and conscientious program of scientific investigation that makes a unique contribution to the field of epidemiology.

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

Required Courses 

Coursework
EPID 5340Qualitative Methods in the Study of Health, Disease and Medical Systems
EPID 6000Data Science for Biomedical Informatics
EPID 7010Introduction to Epidemiologic Research
Ethics Elective
Additional Electives
Research
EPID 6990Lab Rotation
EPID 8990Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
EPID 9950Dissertation
EPID 7000Doctoral Seminar in Epidemiology
EPID 7020Advanced topics in Epidemiologic Research
BSTA 6300Statistical Methods and Data Analysis I
BSTA 6320Statistical Methods for Categorical and Survival Data
HPR 6080Applied Regression Analysis for Health Policy Research
Career Development Research Workshop

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.


Sample Plan of Study

Year 1
Fall
Introduction to Epidemiologic Research
Data Science for Biomedical Informatics
Statistical Methods and Data Analysis I 1
Lab Rotation
Career Development Workshop Series
Spring
Advanced topics in Epidemiologic Research
Applied Regression Analysis for Health Policy Research 2
Statistical Methods for Categorical and Survival Data 1
Lab Rotation
Advanced Elective 3
Career Development Workshop Series
Summer
Lab Rotation
Advanced Elective (requires special permission)
Year 2
Fall
Qualitative Methods in the Study of Health, Disease and Medical Systems
Lab Rotation 2
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Ethics Course OR MSCE Bioethics Workshop
Advanced Elective
Spring
Doctoral Seminar in Epidemiology
Lab Rotation 2
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Advanced Elective
Year 3
Fall
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Advanced Elective
Spring
Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot
Advanced Elective
Year 4 and Beyond
Dissertation
1

For those desiring a more advanced statistical analysis background, BSTA 6300 and BSTA 6320 are recommended if you have previously completed coursework in calculus through multivariable calculus and linear algebra. The permissions of the instructors are required to take these courses. 

2

HPR 6080 is required for those not taking BSTA 6300 and BSTA 6320.

3

Any electives taken in the summer required prior authorization by the heads of the PhD Curriculum Committee.