Epidemiology

The Ph.D. program in Epidemiology provides students with the training to become independent researchers in academia, government, and industry.

Using sophisticated study designs, statistical analyses, field investigations, and laboratory techniques, epidemiology students investigate the cause of a disease, its distribution (geographic, ecological, and social), method of transmission, and measures for control and prevention. The doctoral program is designed to provide students with the training to become independent researchers. The master's program is designed to provide advanced training in theory and practice and an opportunity for research synthesis in the form of a thesis.

All students in the PhD program in Epidemiology are required to take 14 courses for credit and a grade, including 10 core courses, 2 methods elective courses, and 2 substantive elective courses. PhD students are also required to take:

• a noncredit introductory course on SAS data management
• participate in the journal club series (credit optional)
• take the noncredit Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) course
• complete Public Health 101

In addition to the approved methods and substantive elective courses, students may choose appropriate elective courses offered by other graduate departments at Brown University when relevant to a student’s thesis work or career goals.

Based upon individual interests, students may take more than the minimum number of required and elective courses.  Students may also register for independent study courses under the guidance of individual faculty members.  These may be directly related to their work toward completion of their doctoral dissertation or may be taken early in their graduate student career as they work towards identifying a dissertation area and specific project.

Some courses may be waived if students have received credit elsewhere.  Generally, only required introductory courses can be waived, and then only when a student can demonstrate that s/he has satisfactorily completed an equivalent course at Brown or at another institution in the past.

Requirements

Requirements

• Personal Statement
• Transcripts 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation 
• GRE 
• TOEFL/IELTS 
• A non-refundable fee of $75 is charged for processing each application received by the Graduate School. This fee must be paid when the application is submitted.
• Graduates of non-U.S. colleges and universities who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree may apply for admission to the Brown University Graduate School. Along with the application, international applicants must provide the Graduate School with original documents or official certified copies indicating the nature and scope of their educational program. 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Students who are admitted to the doctoral program are guaranteed five years of support, including stipend, tuition, health services fee and health-insurance subsidies.  When admitted, students receive an official letter from Brown’s Graduate School providing details of their funding package.  All subsequent funding decisions are made at the Department level.

The Department of Epidemiology guarantees support of our doctoral students in the form of Research Assistant assignments and Teaching Assistant assignments with our Department faculty.