PhD in Epidemiology
PhD in Epidemiology
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Programs Overview
The PhD in Epidemiology trains students in the methods of epidemiology and the application of these methods to a broad scope of public health and medical problems. Areas of study include, but are not limited to, cancer, cardiovascular disease, maternal and child health, diet/nutrition and physical activity, epidemiologic methods, infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS), genetics and molecular epidemiology, social epidemiology, and health disparities. The goal of the program is to graduate epidemiologists with the knowledge, skills, and philosophy to be influential lead researchers (principal investigators), teachers of epidemiology, and public health officials.
Curriculum
Required Courses
Through required coursework, students receive a strong foundation in epidemiological methods and biostatistics and become proficient on how, when, and why to use specific tools or methods.
All students are required to take 34 credit hours of core courses, a minimum of 18 credit hours of research hours, and 6 credit hours of EPI electives to gain content knowledge and experience in applying epidemiologic methods within a particular area.
Other Degree Requirements
All PhD students must participate in the Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunities (TATTO) program. This includes a three-day summer teacher training workshop (normally taken in the summer before the second year in the PhD program), serving as a teaching assistant during the second and third years in the program and practical experience in statistical consulting.
All EPI PhD students participate in two at least two, 200-hour research assistantships during their time enrolled during the program (usually during the first two years). Research Assistantships may include (but are not limited to) literature review, survey design, primary data collection, data management and analysis, and manuscript development.
All PhD students are required to complete and defend a dissertation. Students are encouraged to begin exploring potential research topics as soon as they enter the program by meeting with faculty.
The doctoral dissertation must meet the requirements of both the department and Laney Graduate School. In particular, the dissertation must make a new contribution to the student’s field of study or present a unique new interpretation on existing knowledge. Students are required to pass an oral defense of the dissertation proposal.
All EPI PhD students participate in a weekly doctoral seminar during lunchtime in the fall and spring semesters. This provides an opportunity not only to review and critique current literature but also to foster camaraderie among students and faculty. In addition, PhD student representatives organize social activities for students on a monthly basis.
You will also need to complete the Jones Program in Ethics. This program provides students with a foundational, cross-disciplinary introduction to the question of ethics for their research, training, and careers.
Admissions
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
The application includes:
- Application to the Laney Graduate School
- Three letters of recommendation
- Identification of at least two epidemiology graduate faculty members with whom they would be interested in working
- Statement of purpose telling us about your previous research experiences or training leading you to apply to this program, your research interests, how this program addresses your interests, and your long-term goals after earning a doctoral degree (500 words)
- Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended
- Resume/CV
- Optional GRE scores
- Optional diversity statement
Admissions Tips
The Department receives more than 200 applications a year for ten to fourteen spaces. Admitted students most often have:
- An advanced degree in epidemiology or a related field
- A clear, concise statement of purpose
- Defined research interests
- Outstanding recommendations from faculty and supervisors
- Some professional/research experience
- Strong GRE scores
Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the interest areas of Rollins epidemiology faculty to ensure that there are faculty with similar interests.
Visit Days
After the Department of Epidemiology reviews applications, a portion of applicants will be invited for an virtual visit day. It is very unlikely that an applicant not invited to visit would receive an offer of admission. Visit day is most often Friday within the first two weeks of February.
Funding
All admitted PhD students receive merit-based support packages consisting of full tuition scholarships each year. The first two years students are typically funded from institutional support from Laney Graduate School or Training Grants (pending satisfactory progress in the program). In years three through five, students in good standing are funded through mentor grants, training grants, pre-doctoral training fellowships, etc. The stipends are set at the NIH pre-doctoral training level. As of 2023-2024, doctoral students receive annual stipends of $36,376.
Training grants currently support some EPI PhD students with the following interests and research areas:
- Maternal and child health epidemiology
- Molecules to mankind (M2M)
- Health disparities in cardiovascular disease.
Laney Graduate School also offers professional development funding and training (to attend conferences and for research).
Contact
Get in Touch:
The Department of Epidemiology