Epidemiology

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Degree

The mission of the DrPH program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct epidemiologic investigations for the solution of public health problems and the ability to apply results in public health practice.  The DrPH program prepares future leaders in epidemiology in the global, national and regional public health settings. 

Program Description

The purpose of the DrPH program is to prepare students for leadership positions in public health practice at the local, national and global level.  The DrPH graduate is expected to gain knowledge of epidemiologic methods applicable to a broad range of public health challenges including an extended field training experience.

Program Competencies

At the completion of the DrPH program in Epidemiology students will be able to:      

• Discuss major epidemiologic public health problems and controversies (Doctoral seminars, EPID 7000 Departmental seminar, EPID 7990 Independent study
• Demonstrate expertise in at least one content area of Epidemiology (EPID 6210,EPID 6220, EPID 6330, EPID 6420, EPID 6480, EPID 7090,  EPID 7210, EPID 7410, EPID 7810, EPID 7990 Independent study, Content coursework)
• Exhibit proficiency in epidemiologic surveillance, program design and evaluation (EPID 6260, EPID 6750, EPID 6130, GCHB 6120, INHL 6240, EPID 7120, EPID 7130)
• Conduct ethical and scientifically sound applied research (EPID 9970 Dissertation, Online IRB and OHRP coursework)
• Demonstrate leadership and professionalism of written and oral skills for communicating with different audiences in the context of public health (EPID 9970 Dissertation, EPID 7000 Departmental seminar, Practicum, Attendance at professional meetings)
• Appreciate  the interdisciplinary nature of public health (SPHL 8800 Essentials in Research Readiness)

Admission Requirements

Master's degree in Public Health, Master of Science in Public Health or equivalent, GRE score of 1200 minimum, 3 references, GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 for graduate coursework.  The application deadline is December 1st to begin in the fall semester.

Program Requirements

The DrPH requires 72 didactic credits beyond the baccalaureate. At least 30 credit hours beyond the master's must be completed at Tulane University. The student is required to pass a written comprehensive examination and to submit a dissertation. In the comprehensive examination the student must demonstrate general knowledge of epidemiologic and biostatistics methods and particular knowledge of one content area. Students must complete a dissertation representing applied public health research or evaluation that meets the school requirement for a DrPH dissertation.

Course Requirements

EPID 6030 Epidemiologic Methods I  
BIOS 6030 Introductory Biostatistics
EPID 6230 Computer Packages for Epidemiology
EPID 7120 Epidemiologic Methods II
BIOS 6040 Intermediate Biostatistics
EPID 7130 Observational Epidemiology
GEHS 6030 Survey of Environmental Health       
GHSD 6030 Principles of Health Systems Management   
TRMD 6010 Biological Basis of Health and Disease
GCHB 6030 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Global Health 
EPID 6260 Survey Methodology          
GCHB 6120/GHSD 6240   Monitoring and Evaluation                 
EPID 8300 Advanced Epidemiologic Methods
BIOS 7060 Regression Analysis  
OR
BIOS 7150 Categorical Data Analysis         
Two 3-credit content courses
Advanced Practicum

EPID 7000 Epidemiology Seminar

EPID 8000 Doctoral Journal Club

SPHL 8800 Essentials in Research Readiness

For a complete listing of courses in Epidemiology, please click here.

Model Course Schedule

DrPH Program, Department of Epidemiology (72 credit hours)

For additional information: contact Therese Carter, tcarter1@tulane.edu, 504.988.6809.