Epidemiology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program

The mission of the PhD program is to train future leaders and the next generation of scientists in epidemiologic research.  Graduates of the program will seek careers in academia and other research settings. 

Program Description

The purpose of the PhD program is to prepare students for a career in epidemiologic research and teaching, usually in an academic setting. The PhD graduate is expected to have knowledge across a wide range of epidemiologic theory and methods as well as sustained experience in the conduct of research in one or more content areas. 

Program Competencies

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

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of basic and advanced concepts of Epidemiology (EPID 7120, EPID 7130, EPID 6260, EPID 8300)
• Exhibit proficiency in grant writing and protocol development (EPID 6260)
• Exhibit proficiency in advanced data analysis skills (EPID 6230, EPID 7120, EPID 7130, BIOS 7060, BIOS 7150, BIOS 7080, 7300 or 7400)
• Exhibit proficiency in ethical and scientifically sound study design and conduct (EPID 7120, EPID 8300, EPID 9970 Dissertation)
• Demonstrate mastery of critical evaluation of the scientific literature (EPID 7120, EPID 7130, Journal club, EPID 9970 Dissertation Research)
• Demonstrate excellence in scientific writing (Dissertation work - 3 paper format)
• Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of public health (SPHL 8800)

Admission Requirements

Master's degree or at least 30 graduate-level credits in related field of study, GRE score of 1200 minimum, 3 references, GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 for graduate coursework.The application deadline for the PhD program is December 1st to begin in the fall semester. 

Program Requirements

The PhD program requires a total of 72 credits, including 60 didactic credits, of graduate coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree that include introductory and advanced courses in epidemiology, courses in a specific content area, and biostatistics and research methods.  Up to 30 credits of graduate-level public health courses taken by students as part of a previous program may be transferred into the program if they meet the content requirements.  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 biostatistical methods and particular knowledge of the epidemiology of one content area.  The exam will include a section on epidemiology and another in biostatistics. For the dissertation the student must design and execute an original research study which has the potential of contributing new knowledge to the field. 

Course Requirements

EPID 6230 Computer Packages for Epidemiology
EPID 7120 Epidemiologic Methods II
BIOS 6040 Intermediate Biostatistics
EPID 7130 Observational Epidemiology
EPID 8300 Advanced Epidemiologic Methods
BIOS 7060 Regression Analysis
BIOS 7150 Categorical Data Analysis
BIOS 7080 Design of Experiments 
OR
BIOS 7400 Clinical Trials   
OR
BIOS 7300 Survival Analysis
Two additional EPID methods courses.
One 3-credit content course

EPID 7000 Epidemiology Seminar

EPID 8000 Doctoral Journal Club     
SPHL 8800 Essentials in Research Readiness

Model Course Schedule

PhD Program, Department of Epidemiology (72 credit hours)

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

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