 | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program Mission Statement
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 6030, EPID 7120, EPID 7130, EPID 6260, EPID 7300, EPID 6950)
- Exhibit proficiency in grant writing and protocol development (EPID 6260, EPID 6050)
- Exhibit proficiency in advanced data analysis skills (EPID 6230, EPID 7120, EPID 7130, BIOS 7060, BIOS 7150, BIOS 7150, BIOS 7080, 7300 or 7400)
- Exhibit proficiency in ethical and scientifically sound study design and conduct (EPID 6030, EPID 7120, EPID 6950, EPID 7300, EPID 9970 Dissertation)
- Demonstrate mastery of critical evaluation of the scientific literature (EPID 7120, EPID 7130, Journal club, EPID 9970 Dissertation)
- Demonstrate excellence in scientific writing (Dissertation work - 3 paper format)
- Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of public health (SPHL 9900, 9910 - Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar)
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 January 1st to begin in the fall semester. Program Requirements The PhD program requires 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 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
EPID 7300 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 SPHL 990, 991 Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar Model Course Schedule PhD Program, Department of Epidemiology (60 credit hours) Fall Semester |
| 12 hours | BIOS 6030 | Introductory Biostatistics | 3 | EPID 6030 | Epidemiologic Methods I | 3 | EPID 6230 | Computer Pkgs for Epidemiology | 2 | EPID Methods/Content Courses | Elective | 3 | | SPHL 990 | Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar | 1 | Spring Semester |
| 12 hours | BIOS 6040 | Intermediate Biostatistics | 3 | EPID 7120 | Epidemiologic Methods II | 3 | EPID Methods/Content Courses | Electives | 5 | | SPHL 991 | Interdisciplinary Doctoral Seminar | 1 | Fall Semester |
| 12 hours | EPID 7130 | Observational Epidemiology | 3 | BIOS 7060 | Regression Analysis | 3 | EPID Methods/Content Course | Electives | 3 |
| Electives | 3 | Spring Semester |
| 12 hours | EPID 7300 | Seminar in Advanced Epidemiologic Methods | 3 | BIOS 7150 | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 | BIOS 7080 or 7300 or 7400 | Design of Experiments or Survival Data Analysis or Clinical Trials | 3 | EPID Methods/Content Course | Electives | 3 | Fall Semester |
| 12 hours | EPID Methods/Content Courses or BIOS courses; additional courses outside these departments if relevant to thesis research | Electives | 12 hours |
For a complete listing of courses in Epidemiology, please click here. For more information: contact Therese Carter, tcarter1@tulane.edu. | | |
