The PhD in Epidemiology is offered by the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.  Epidemiology is the scientific discipline concerned with the causes and prevention of human disease.  Epidemiology focuses on the occurrence of disease among human populations, considering changes within populations over time and differences among and between populations in disease risk.  Epidemiologists today are involved in attempts to understand the causes and means of controlling AIDS and other infectious diseases, as well as chronic diseases including cancer and coronary heart disease.  Much of our understanding of the links between sexual practices and AIDS risk, of smoking and cancer, of serum cholesterol and coronary heart disease, of obesity and mortality risk and of air pollution and chronic lung disease derives from epidemiologic studies.

The PhD in Epidemiology trains individuals for careers in research and teaching in academic settings, research institutes, government agencies and industry. It has been designed for students whose careers will focus on conducting investigator-initiated and collaborative epidemiologic research. On average, the doctoral program requires approximately four to five years for completion. The first two years of this time are usually devoted to coursework, the qualifying exam, the comprehensive doctoral examinations, and development of doctoral research. The program is research oriented and centers on a major research project.

At least 46 credits are required for the major (including up to 10 units of independent study), plus a minimum of 18 dissertation units, and at least 9 units minimum for the minor (depending on minor department requirements). See the course listings for further details on the specific course requirements and schedule.

The overall course of study will be developed by the student and the advisor and approved by the student's Graduate Committee and Chair of the Epidemiology Section.

FACULTY

Robin Harris, PhD, MPH – Section Chair; Zhao Chen, PhD, MPH; Paul Enright, MD; Kacey Ernst, PhD; Janet Foote, PhD; Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD; M. Elena Martinez, PhD, MPH; Sydney Pettygrove, PhD; Eyal Shahar, MD, MPH; Patty Thompson, PhD

Epidemiology PhD Curriculum

Required Major Courses (29 units)

EPID 573A        Basic Principles of Epidemiology (3) 

EPID 573B        Epidemiologic Methods (3) 

EPID 573C       Advanced Epidemiology (3)

EPID 576A        Biostatistics for Public Health (3) 

EPID 576B        Biostatistics for Research (3)

EPID 651           Bioethics, Regulations, & Repercussions in Research (2)

EPID 660           Infectious Disease Epidemiology (3)

EPID 670           Chronic Disease Epidemiology (3)

EPID 696A         Epidemiology Seminar (1 unit – 4 times)

 (or equivalent approved by advisor & Chair)

EPID 796A         Epidemiology Doctoral Seminar (1 unit – 2 times) 

Electives (minimum of 17 units; 12 of which must be in Epidemiology/Biostatistics)

Note: maximum of 10 units of Independent Study/Research Credit (EPID 599, 699, 799, 900).

Minor Courses - minimum 9 units (depending on minor department requirements)

Dissertation (minimum 18 units)

Students will be required to defend their dissertation through a public presentation and oral examination with their committee.

Total Minimum Credit Requirement = 73 units

The PhD minor in Epidemiology is designed for individuals from other University of Arizona doctoral degree programs who wish to obtain graduate training in Epidemiology.  A member of the primary Epidemiology faculty will serve as the Minor Advisor and sit on the student’s graduate committee.

The minor requires completion of the following:

Required Minor Courses (minimum 15 units)

EPID 573A        Basic Principles of Epidemiology (3)

EPID 573B        Epidemiologic Methods (3)

EPID 576A        Biostatistics for Public Health (3)

EPID 576B        Biostatistics for Research (3)