PhD: Epidemiology

Format: In-Class only

The PhD in Epidemiology is offered by the Department of Epidemiology.

The PhD in Epidemiology emphasizes epidemiologic study design and data analysis. The program is designed to prepare exceptionally qualified individuals for a career of research and teaching. Admission is competitive. Applicants should have earned a MPH, MSPH, MS, or equivalent with a strong background in epidemiology and statistics. Students who complete the PhD should master the skills required for conducting independent research in epidemiology, with a firm background in epidemiology, biostatistics, and information management. Specific areas of concentration include chronic diseases, infectious diseases, molecular epidemiology, and injury epidemiologic methods.

Further details about the PhD in Epidemiology may be obtained by contacting the program director, Dr. Ryan Irvin, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You may also contact the coordinator of graduate academic programs, Kimberly Hawkins King, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling (205) 975-9749. For funding questions regarding our PhD program, please contact Dr. Irvin or her program assistant Kate Sreenan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling  (205) 934-7184.

Curriculum

To earn the PhD degree in Epidemiology, students must complete a minimum of 60 total credit hours of academic course work. Of these, 18 hours are required core biostatistics and epidemiology courses. Twenty-four semester hours must be earned in doctoral level didactic epidemiology courses and/or advanced biostatistics courses. GRD 717: Principles of Scientific Integrity is also a required course.

Students must complete at least 12 semester hours of directed research (EPI 798) and 12 semester hours of dissertation research (EPI 799). Additionally, students must complete at least two semesters in candidacy (of EPI 799) before being allowed to graduate.

Download Curriculum Planning Sheet (pdf)

Admission

Application Deadlines

Initial review of applications and consideration for funding will be made after the below deadline date.

  • U.S. applicants: January 10
  • International applicants: January 10

The Department of Epidemiology admit PhD students in the Fall term each year. Interested students should apply online through the UAB Graduate School. Please submit all academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, your personal goals/career goals statement, a current copy of your CV/resume, etc., along with your application for admission. International students should also submit a World Education Services (WES/ECE, or similar) transcript evaluation along with your application materials.

Review the minimum requirements for admission to the School of Public Health.

Professional Licensure and Certifications

Certification in public health is a voluntary credential that can help to distinguish a public health professional from their peers in the public health sector. The Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential is administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (www.nbphe.org). Specific licensure requirements vary from state to state, and among territories. Please visit the Professional Licensure and Certification General Disclosures webpage for more information on state and territories requirements.