Epidemiology

The undergraduate program in Epidemiology at Brown University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease conditions in specific populations. This program combines rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and practical training to equip students with the analytical skills and scientific knowledge necessary to address complex public health challenges. Students will explore various topics, including biostatistics, infectious and chronic diseases, health disparities, and the methodologies used to investigate the causes and spread of diseases. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making, enabling graduates to pursue careers in research, public health practice, policy development, or continue their education in graduate or medical schools. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and often involves engagement with faculty-led research projects, community health initiatives, and internships, providing real-world experience. With access to Brown’s extensive resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories and strong partnerships with local health organizations, students are prepared to contribute meaningfully to improving health outcomes locally and globally. The Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Epidemiology offers a solid foundation in quantitative methods and epidemiological principles, fostering skills that are highly valued in the evolving landscape of public health and medical research. Whether interested in disease prevention, health policy, or scientific investigation, students will find a rich educational environment that supports innovation, curiosity, and a commitment to advancing health equity.

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. 

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.   

The Epidemiology program at Brown University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the distribution, determinants, and control of health and disease conditions in populations. The curriculum combines coursework in biostatistics, infectious disease epidemiology, chronic disease epidemiology, environmental health, and social determinants of health, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for research and public health practice. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research projects, internships, and collaborative activities that deepen their understanding of epidemiologic methods and their applications in real-world settings. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from medicine, public health, social sciences, and policy-making to address complex health issues. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a global perspective on health disparities and disease prevention strategies. The faculty comprises leading experts and researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge in epidemiology and public health. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in academia, governmental agencies such as the CDC and WHO, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and private sector companies involved in health research, policy development, and health education. The program fosters a collaborative academic environment with state-of-the-art facilities, seminars, and workshops designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public health. Overall, Brown University’s Epidemiology program aims to produce well-rounded public health professionals capable of conducting high-quality research and implementing effective interventions to improve health outcomes domestically and globally.