Epidemiology and Biostatistics, PhD

The PhD program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics is a joint degree program offered by the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health and the Department of Biostatistics in the College of Public Health. It is a dynamic doctoral program designed to prepare independent researchers for careers in population health data science. This is unique, interdisciplinary program, offers coursework and experiential training in the application of methodological theory and concepts to address the practical challenges of conducting observational, clinical, and translational research. Graduates of this program are prepared for positions in the multidisciplinary work environments of academia, government, and industry. This doctoral program includes opportunities to engage in research teams, and offers an innovative and collaborative approach to cross-disciplinary training and mentoring with the intent of providing students with diverse exposure to emerging trends in public health and biomedical data.

Coursework in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics PhD program emphasizes the acquisition of methodological skills foundational to both epidemiology and biostatistics. Graduates of this program are expected to demonstrate expertise in methodologic approaches, problem conceptualization, ethics, and core public health knowledge for advancing observational, clinical, and translational science. As such, following completion of required coursework and examinations, students will be required to prepare a doctoral dissertation. The dissertation will represent publishable, independent research with scientific contributions in epidemiology, biostatistics, biomedical science, or public health.

Admission Requirements

The minimum GRE and GPA admissions requirements for the PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics program are the same as for the Graduate School. However, the number of admissions is limited and admissions decisions are made on a competitive basis. All applicants must have successfully completed two semesters of calculus and must have a master’s degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field.

Program website: https://cph.uky.edu/programs/phd-epidemiology-biostatistics

Degree Requirements

Students will complete a minimum of 38 credit hours of course work, including 15 credit hours of required program core, a minimum of 15 credit hours of electives in Epidemiology or Biostatistics, and a course in public health foundations.

Core Courses

The core curriculum includes foundational course work in epidemiology and biostatistics theory, methodology, and application:

Additional Course Work

At the end of the first year (completion of core courses), students are expected to participate in a comprehensive review to assess their progress in the program. Students must receive a “pass” from that review.

Electives in epidemiology and biostatistics should be selected to support doctoral research and to develop focused methodology and subject matter expertise. All electives must be approved by the DGS.

Upon successful completion of course work and examinations, students are expected to form a doctoral advisory committee. Prior to initiating dissertation work and enrolling in residency – CPH 767 - DISSERTATION RESIDENCY CREDIT , minimum requirement of 2 semesters – students will be required to pass an oral qualifying exam, scheduled by the Graduate School and administered by the doctoral advisory committee. The qualifying exam will include written materials to support the oral exam, which comprises the dissertation proposal and preliminary doctoral research.