Epidemiology PhD

Major: Epidemiology
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Total Credit Hours: 54.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.1309
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1041

About the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology prepares students to approach problems with the critical analytic skills necessary for the generation of substantial and significant epidemiologic questions, and to utilize the most rigorous and parsimonious research strategies to answer such questions. Additionally, integral values of the Department and School will infuse students with the commitment to pursue important and innovative topics of inquiry even when faced with methodological challenges, and to undertake studies that generate knowledge applicable to diverse social, ethnic, and geographically defined populations.

Graduates will develop the skills and expertise necessary to initiate and direct the scientifically rigorous research to develop public health and medical policies and procedures to foster the maintenance and improvement of the health and well-being of populations.

Students will take a comprehensive exam that requires them to synthesize coursework and demonstrate mastery of public health competencies. Students will then develop and defend a dissertation proposal and complete a dissertation of publishable quality and final defense.

Major Competencies

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of human physiology and pathophysiology with special competence in areas needed for dissertation research
• Search and critically evaluate literature to synthesize information, identify major gaps in knowledge, and formulate statement of research problem and hypothesis
• Design studies based on application of principal study designs, strengths, and limitations, evaluate sample size, identify, assess, and minimize bias and confounding
• Analyze data using appropriate statistical approaches and standard statistical software
• Apply epidemiologic causal inference theory to the design, implementation, and interpretation of analyses
• Communicate results orally and in writing to scientists and non-scientists and place findings in appropriate public health and health policy context

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact:

DSPH Academic Advising Team
Office of Education
​dsphadvising@drexel.edu

Additional information can be found on the Dornsife School of Public Health website, including admissions criteria and how to apply.

Degree Requirements

All entering students are expected to have already completed introductory and intermediate level epidemiology and biostatistics courses as part of their master’s program or must enroll in these courses, or their equivalents, as additional requirements. These courses (BST 560 and EPI 560) must be taken and will be counted as electives for the program.

Sample Plan of Study