Degree Description

The Ph.D. in Epidemiology is constructed to meet the department’s philosophy of training. There is a substantial contribution from the Biostatistics Department and other departments in the College of Public Health so that the candidate is well-grounded in quantitative and analytical techniques, design and conduct of epidemiologic studies, demographic methods, and the management of large data sets. A course each in medical physiology and pathology is required to provide a basic understanding of disease processes. In addition, each student works with an adviser to select courses that ensure substantive knowledge in a specific area which will generate important original research. Several recommended Plans of Study are available for students with the following research interests: chronic diseases, infectious diseases, clinical and health services, molecular and genetic epidemiology, and injury epidemiology. An independent but finite research experience is required aside from the dissertation. Finally, relevant courses elsewhere in the university are encouraged.

Learner Objectives

The primary goal of the doctoral program in the Department of Epidemiology is to prepare graduates for professional careers as scientists, teachers, and practitioners of epidemiological methods. Career opportunities in epidemiology exist in academic institutions, local, state and federal health agencies, and in commercial enterprises.

Graduates with the Ph.D. in Epidemiology will be able to:

• Summarize specific risk factor and disease processes in a specialized area
• Describe methods for primary data collection including quality assurance and quality control
• Use advanced statistical analysis methods appropriate for the study design and controlling for confounding variables
• Develop data collection instruments for research purposes
• Develop hypotheses that build upon literature and theoretical models of disease and causation
• Conduct and independent research project
• Compose a proposal for grant funding
• Communicate epidemiologic concepts and methods in both writing and orally
• Defend the methods, results, and implications of a research study

Course Requirements

Prerequisites

A baccalaureate degree is required and a master’s degree in epidemiology or a related public health discipline is generally required. Courses in the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences provide important background course work and are highly recommended. This includes one semester of calculus and two semesters of biological sciences. Computing skills are desirable.

Required Courses

(NOTE: For more detailed information on PhD requirements, consult the Student Handbook)

In addition to the requirements listed below, all students are required to attend 80 percent departmental seminars and Journal Club meetings (EPID:5925, 0 s.h.).

Electives (26-28 s.h.)

With their advisor, the student will develop a plan of study that ensures substantive knowledge in a specific area in order to generate important original research. The department has many areas of research strength and several recommended Research Interest Area Plans of Study (under the Curriculum header in each of the interest area pages).

In addition, the student must select at least 3 s.h. from among Epidemiology Department (EPID) courses and outside the student’s research interest.

Dissertation Requirement
EPID:7000 Dissertation 10-18 s.h.

Total Semester Hours Required (Minimum) 78 s.h.

PhD Qualifying Examination

A qualifying examination will be held within one semester of admission to the PhD program or at the completion of the epidemiology core courses. This examination is the same as the MS Final Examination offered during that semester.

PhD Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is taken after the majority of coursework for the PhD degree has been completed. It tests the student’s ability to apply major epidemiological and biostatistical concepts through critical reading of the literature and through study design.

PhD Dissertation

The goal of the dissertation is to produce a document that is publishable in a peer-reviewed journal. Original thought is required in the formulation and conduct of the research, although neither original data collection nor data analysis are strictly required. During the dissertation defense, a specially formed committee will thoroughly examine the student’s area of knowledge associated with the context of the work.