Epidemiology

The epidemiology PhD program is designed for students interested in research and teaching careers in the health sciences. Students select one of two formal tracks: clinical/biological epidemiology (CBE) or social/behavioral epidemiology (SBE). The two tracks, each with a minimum of 61 credits, emphasize advanced epidemiologic design, methodology, and analytic skills.

37 credits are required in the major.
24 thesis credits are required. 

This program may be completed with a minor.

Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.

A minimum GPA of 3,25 is required for students to remain in good standing.

At least 2 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.

Students may select one of two formal tracks; both have an applied perspective that emphasizes study design, measurement, quantitative analysis, and data interpretation. Social/behavioral epidemiology focuses on origins and development of human behavior patterns and how they are influenced and formed by personality, family, culture, and environment. Clinical/biological epidemiology focuses on the biological causes of diseases, especially determinants of cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic epidemiology. The PhD program includes a minimum curriculum of 61 credits. Students must pass written and oral preliminary examinations, serve as a teaching assistant for one semester, write and defend a dissertation, and prepare a first-authored manuscript for publication.

Required Coursework

Take the following courses for a total of 13 credits:

• PUBH 7401 - Fundamentals of Biostatistical Inference (4.0 cr)
• PUBH 6348 - Writing Research Grants (2.0 cr)
• PUBH 6742 - Ethics in Public Health: Research and Policy (1.0 cr)
• PUBH 8341 - Advanced Epidemiologic Methods: Concepts (3.0 cr)
• PUBH 8342 - Advanced Epidemiologic Methods: Applications (3.0 cr)

Take one of the following teaching courses for at least 1 credit:

• GRAD 8101 - Teaching in Higher Education (3.0 cr)
• or GRAD 8200 - Teaching and Learning Topics in Higher Education (1.0 cr)

Thesis Credits

Take at least 24 doctoral thesis credits.

• PUBH 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral (1.0-24.0 cr)

Requirements

The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3,00.

For the doctoral program, applicants must have completed or be about to complete a master's degree in a related field.

Special Application Requirements:

Because of the program's strong emphasis on methodology, quantitative aptitude is very important. This can be demonstrated by scoring at or above the 70th percentile on the quantitative section of the GRE, along with satisfactory grades in college-level quantitative courses. At least three recommendations (form and separate letter) from faculty and/or work supervisors with knowledge of the applicant's scholastic and professional capabilities and potential, and a statement of goals and objectives (letter of intent) for seeking a career in epidemiology are also required. In addition to the above materials, applicants for the Ph.D. program must submit a separate essay (statement of research interests) beyond what is required for the SOPHAS application process that provides evidence of their potential to conduct original research in a specific epidemiologic area and, if possible, that indicates an interest in particular methodologies or study designs. Serious doctoral applicants are encouraged to contact the major coordinator at epichstu@umn.edu before applying. Students begin their studies in the fall semester. Applications must be completed by December 1 of the year prior to beginning the doctoral program for scholarship consideration; the final deadline is February 1.

Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:

• GRE
  • General Test - Analytical Writing: 4.0

International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:

• TOEFL
  • Internet Based - Total Score: 100
  • Paper Based - Total Score: 600
• IELTS
  • Total Score: 7.0
• MELAB
  • Final score: 80

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

• Fellowships & Grants
• Research & Teaching Assistantships