Admissions for the PhD in Epidemiology & Biostatistics are paused for Fall 2026.
Coursework in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics PhD program emphasizes the acquisition of methodological skills foundational to both epidemiology and biostatistics.
Graduates of this program are expected to demonstrate expertise in methodologic approaches, problem conceptualization, ethics, communication, and core public health knowledge for advancing population-based, clinical and translational science.
Students will complete a minimum of 38 credit hours of coursework, including 15 credit hours of required program core, a minimum of 15 credit hours of electives in Epidemiology or Biostatistics, and a course in public health foundations.
Following completion of required coursework and examinations, students will be required to prepare a doctoral dissertation. The dissertation will represent publishable, independent research with scientific contributions in epidemiology, biostatistics, biomedical science, or public health.
The core curriculum includes foundational coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics theory, methodology, and application:
EPI 714 Epidemiologic Study Design (3 credits)
EPI 715 Research Methods in Epidemiology & Biostatistics (3 credits)
EPI 717 Causal Inference (3 credits)
BST 682 Generalized Linear Models (3 credits)
BST 762 Longitudinal Data Analysis (3 credits)
At the end of the first year (completion of core courses), students are expected to participate in a comprehensive review to assess their progress in the program. Students must receive a “pass” from that review.
Electives in epidemiology and biostatistics should be selected to support doctoral research and to develop focused methodology and subject matter expertise. All electives must be approved by the DGS.
Upon successful completion of coursework and examinations, students are expected to form a doctoral advisory committee. Prior to initiating dissertation work and enrolling in residency (CPH 767, minimum requirement of 2 semesters), students will be required to pass an oral qualifying exam, scheduled by the Graduate School and administered by the doctoral advisory committee. The qualifying exam will include written materials to support the oral exam, which comprises the dissertation proposal and preliminary doctoral research.
