Epidemiology PhD

Major: Epidemiology
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 57.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.1309
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1041

About the Program

NOTE: this program will not accept students for the 2025-26 academic year

The Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology prepares students to critically analyze public health problems, generate significant epidemiologic questions, and use rigorous research strategies to answer these questions. The program is grounded in the values of the Dornsife School of Public Health — integrity, rigor, critical thinking, and self-reflection — and emphasizes a 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 be prepared to initiate and direct scientifically rigorous research to inform policies and interventions that improve population health and eliminate health disparities.

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 including three papers of publishable quality and final defense.

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

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

Students are required to complete the TA Orientation and Preparation Course and the Responsible Conduct of Research Training.

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Foundational Public Health Learning Objectives: PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

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At least one elective must be at the doctoral level. Additional 500-level or above courses outside of DSPH may count with approval from the student's faculty mentor.

Students may be able to use elective credits to further focus their academic work by completing a graduate minor or by coupling a DSPH graduate certificate. Students must have enough applicable elective credits to complete the certificate program without going beyond the required credits for the program. Students can contact their academic advisor for more information.

Sample Plan of Study

Full Time Post-Master's

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PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.

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Note: A 4.5-credit minimum is required (considered half-time status) for graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. If registration is less than 4.5 credits, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Part Time Post-Master's

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PBHL 501 is only required for students who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school. 

**

Note: A 4.5-credit minimum is required (considered half-time status) for graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. If registration is less than 4.5 credits, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Program Level Outcomes