Epidemiology

The University at Buffalo offers a comprehensive program in Epidemiology designed to prepare students for impactful careers in public health, research, and disease prevention. This program provides a solid foundation in the principles and methods of epidemiologic research, equipping students with the skills necessary to investigate the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Through rigorous coursework, students learn about infectious and chronic diseases, biostatistics, data analysis, study design, and health policy, gaining the ability to critically evaluate epidemiologic literature and apply findings to real-world public health challenges. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, incorporating opportunities for hands-on experience with data analysis, research projects, and collaborations with leading health organizations. Our faculty comprises experts with extensive experience in epidemiology, public health, and biostatistics, who are dedicated to mentoring students and supporting their professional development. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies toward areas such as infectious diseases, chronic disease epidemiology, environmental health, or global health. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in government agencies, research institutions, healthcare organizations, or pursue advanced degrees in public health or related fields. The University at Buffalo's strong connections with local, national, and international health agencies provide invaluable opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and network building. The program underscores the importance of ethical research practices, cultural competence, and effective communication in public health work. Whether students aim to become epidemiologists, data analysts, policy advisors, or researchers, this program offers a rigorous and supportive environment to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to health sciences and public health policy.

The PhD requires 72 credit hours of classroom coursework, directed research and dissertation credits.

The UB Graduate School requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum grade of B in all coursework to count towards your degree.

Dissertation

Through the dissertation, you will design, implement, complete and report on significant and original, independent epidemiologic research. You will conduct your research under the supervision of your major professor and a dissertation committee.

Your research culminates in a dissertation defense. You will present and formally defend your thesis to your major professor, your dissertation committee and the director of graduate studies.

Required Courses

All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.

* This course is designed for advanced doctoral students.

Principles and Methods of Epidemiology Core Courses

• EEH 501 Principles of Epidemiology (4 credits) 
  Must be completed in the first semester.
• EEH 502 Advanced Methodology
• EEH 601 Advanced Epidemiologic Study Designs *

Statistical Methods Core Courses

• EEH 505 Application of Biostatistics to Epidemiology I (4 credits) 
  Must be completed in the first semester.
• EEH 506 Application of Biostatistics to Epidemiology II (4 credits)
• EEH 611 Analysis of Health Data * (4 credits)
• One advanced statistics course outside of the department in consultation with the director of graduate studies. Options are:
  • CHB 620 Special Topics, Applied Longitudinal
  • NUS 695 Advanced Statistical Techniques
  • STA 503 Regression Analysis
  • STA 517 Categorical Data Analysis
  • STA 545 Statistical Data Mining I
  • STA 546 Statistical Data Mining II
  • STA 575 Survival Analysis

Public Health Core Course

• CHB 550 Public Health and Population Wellbeing

Credit hours total 28 for required core courses.

Epidemiology Electives Courses
Choose four of the following courses:

• EEH 570 Cancer Epidemiology
• EEH 571 Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Disease
• EEH 572 Nutritional Epidemiology
• EEH 573 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
• EEH 574 Epidemics and Outbreaks
• EEH 575 Epidemiologic Applications of Environmental Health
• EEH 577 Perinatal Epidemiology
• EEH 610 Fundamentals of Grant Development *
• EEH 670 Advanced Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention *
• EEH 671 Advanced Topics in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention *
• EEH 672 The Role of Physical Activity in the Etiology, Treatment and Prevention of Chronic Disease *
• EEH 673 Molecular Epidemiology *
• EEH 674 Fundamentals of Genetic Epidemiology *

Credit hours total 12 for required epidemiology elective courses.

Graduate Seminar

• EEH 591 Graduate Seminar (0 credits) - All PhD students are required to present at a Graduate Seminar before scheduling their dissertation defense.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; master’s degree preferred
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Minimum GRE scores in the 50th percentile for each category
• Minimum TOEFL score of 600 for the paper-based test, 250 for the computer-based or 100 for the Internet-based test. 
  Must be completed within two years of enrollment.
• Completion of a college-level algebra or calculus course (with a minimum grade of C)
• Completed coursework in the following subjects is highly recommended:
  • Biology
  • Health-related science (anatomy, microbiology, or physiology)
  • Chemistry
  • Behavioral sciences, including a course in sociology or social psychology, and a course in anthropology, psychology, political science or economics
  • Basic computing

The financial aid process for graduate and professional degree students is similar to that of an undergraduate student; however post-baccalaureate students also need to be aware of a few additional factors that may influence your financial aid awards.

Types of Aid Available

Federal financial aid options that you may be eligible for include:

• Federal Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans
• Health Profession Student Loans
• Federal Nursing Student Loans
• Federal TEACH Grant

To be eligible for federal financial aid awards you must complete a FAFSA application and indicate that you are seeking a graduate or professional degree.

New York State also offers the following programs for graduate and professional study:

• Economically Disadvantaged First Professional Study (EDPS) Program
• Veterans Tuition Award
• Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarships
• SUNY Graduate Diversity Fellowship
• Graduate Opportunity Program
• Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship

The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, offers a comprehensive program in Epidemiology designed to prepare students for careers in public health, research, and healthcare. The program provides a rigorous curriculum that covers a broad range of topics, including infectious diseases, chronic diseases, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy. Students learn to design and conduct epidemiological studies, analyze health data, and interpret scientific findings to inform public health interventions and policies. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, often incorporating hands-on research projects, data analysis exercises, and internships in healthcare or research settings. Students might have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, computer resources, and collaborations with local and national health agencies. The faculty are experts in various epidemiological specialties, offering mentorship and guidance tailored to students’ career interests. Degree options typically include a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Epidemiology or a related graduate certificate. The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge necessary for roles in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, epidemiological research, and public health practice. Graduates often pursue careers in government agencies such as the CDC or NIH, healthcare organizations, research institutions, or continue their education in doctoral programs. The program adheres to the university’s standards for research integrity, academic excellence, and community engagement, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Communication skills, critical thinking, and ethical considerations are integral components of the curriculum. It prepares students not only for immediate employment but also for lifelong learning in the ever-evolving field of epidemiology.