The unique focus of the Ph.D. program in epidemiology is training epidemiologists with unparalleled excellence in advanced quantitative methods who have a strong grasp of causal logic, inference, probability, and other theoretical aspects of study design and data analysis, in addition to content area expertise. The curriculum features classroom, computing, and experience-based teaching. The program integrates training and research across clinical, laboratory, and quantitative disciplines. At the completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to develop an independent research portfolio in academia, research, or industry. Our goal is to train critical thinkers prepared to make fundamental advances using rigorous and cutting-edge approaches to research. Graduates will be able to contribute across a wide spectrum of content areas and research foci.
Strong candidates for admission will have a master's degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, or another quantitative discipline; experience in the conduct of research and independent data analysis; and strong quantitative preparation and aptitude. Top applicants will be offered an interview during which they will meet with research teams. Both students and research teams will then have the opportunity to rank whom they feel would be the best match(es).
Students will be matched shortly after acceptance with research preceptor teams. These established multidisciplinary teams include epidemiology faculty, clinical experts and clinical researchers, biostatisticians, and experienced research staff. The research preceptor team commits to involving the student as a co-investigator from the beginning of the student's graduate studies. Students will use data from their research teams in their coursework. The goal is to create a mutually beneficial partnership that produces synergy between education, professional development, and the conduct of research. The program is expected to take approximately four years to complete. Students can accelerate their studies to complete the program in three years.