School of Public Health Division of Epidemiology & Community Health

PhD “At the U of M, I found almost all faculty willing to take time to assist me. The atmosphere feels collaborative, not competitive. Students share knowledge and help each other get through the more difficult parts of the program. I haven't seen any of the competition among students that you hear about at other programs.” - Rachel Ogilvie, Current Epi PhD student

Epidemiology identifies factors that contribute to good health and risk of disease in populations with application in the biological, clinical, environmental, behavioral, and social sciences. Epidemiologists analyze health and disease trends and patterns, design and implement research studies, and interpret study results for policy and program development. Our graduates teach, research, and provide leadership in universities throughout the world, at the highest levels of federal and international health agencies, and in numerous private and public foundations, institutions, and industries.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: sph.umn.edu/programs/EPIPHD Phone: 612-626-8802 Email: [email protected]

Program Curriculum The PhD program has two tracks, 61- 63 credits each, which emphasize epidemiologic study design, advanced methodology and analytic skills. Social/Behavioral Track This track recognizes that many of the major diseases affecting today’s population are related to lifestyle, and that the behaviors themselves are an important endpoint for epidemiologic study. To develop ways of preventing the occurrence of modern diseases, behavioral interventions and community-based research methods are used. It is important to understand the origins of these behavioral patterns and the ways in which they are influenced by environment, personality, family, and culture. Clinical/Biological Track The focus of this track is on the determinants of modern diseases. The program has particular strengths in the genetic and environmental etiology of cardiovascular disease, cancer and infectious disease. Areas of study include cancer, cardiovascular and infectious disease; nutrition; maternal, child and reproductive health; genetic epidemiology; and epidemiologic methods for clinical and observational research.

©2015 Regents of the University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

What do Epidemiologists with a PhD do? Beyond investigation into the causes of disease, epidemiologists also develop intervention strategies to prevent disease and promote health. Epidemiologists work at the individual, community, and global levels to translate health data into strategies to improve population health.

Epi Graduates

Funding

The extensive epidemiologic research programs at the School of Public Health offer students many opportunities for doctorallevel training for those interested in research and teaching careers in the health sciences.

The program makes every effort to secure funding to support training of our doctoral students.

Selected positions of our graduates:  

     

 



Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Chronic Disease Epi Supervisor, State Dept. of Health Epidemiology Section Director State Epidemiologist Health Policy Fellow Epidemiology Surveillance Coordinator Post-Doctoral Fellow Director, Research and Analysis, private health research firm Senior Healthcare Data Analyst Senior Director, head of Epidemiology, International Pharmaceutical firm Presidential Management Fellow

Training Grants & Fellowships The division has several training grants for research assistantship and fellowship opportunities:  Research Fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology & Prevention  Cancer Related Health Disparities Education & Career Development  Maternal & Child Public Health Training Grant  Training Fellowship Minnesota Obesity Prevention  Research Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Biology  Research Fellowship in Pediatric Cancer Epidemiology  Leadership, Education and Training Program in Maternal & Child Nutrition Program

Admission Qualifications Students admitted to the program hold masters or professional degrees in related fields. Individuals whose highest degree is a bachelor’s are encouraged to apply for one of our MPH degrees. Applicants should have prior coursework in biological or behavioral sciences. Because of this program’s strong emphasis on methodology, quantitative aptitude is very important, as demonstrated by achieving a 70th percentile on the quantitative section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and satisfactory grades in Master's-level quantitative courses. Demonstrated excellent writing skills are required.

Essay and Research Statement PhD applicants are asked to submit both a personal essay and a statement of research interests. The statement of research interests is intended for the applicant to demonstrate a strong interest in a specific epidemiologic area and, if possible, to indicate interest in particular methodologies or study designs. The research statement helps to match the applicant with an advisor.

A Great Place to Live A diverse metropolitan area, Minneapolis/ St. Paul is known for its outstanding quality of life. There are sparkling and accessible lakes, miles of bike trails, and four seasons of activities. The campus lies in the heart of nationally recognized arts, theater, and music venues. Community and cultural celebrations, professional sports, and top restaurants add to a dynamic and vibrant scene.