Epidemiology
PhD in Public Health Concentration
Use scientific research to improve community health
Solve public health challenges with an epidemiology PhD
In the epidemiology doctoral program, you’ll learn to design, conduct and manage research to become an independent and collaborative researcher.
Through a combination of coursework, practice opportunities and doctoral research, this epidemiology PhD program will prepare you for a career in research and teaching, or leadership in federal or state agencies or private institutions.
Our public health programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s best graduate programs for 2025.
Epidemiology research
As a doctoral student, you will collaborate with epidemiological experts who study how a variety of factors affect human health, including:
- Climate change
- Complex chronic disease management
- Disease prevention and management
- Disaster preparedness
- Foodborne outbreaks
- Healthy aging
- HIV
- Maternity care
- Pollutants at work, at home and in the environment
Estimated costs
The Public Health PhD program is a 109-credit program that can be completed within 4-5 years on a full-time credit load (except for summer).
The estimated costs for the program are broken down as follows:
Resident costs for years 1-3
$15,795 per year
Resident Tuition ($13,446)
+ Fees ($2,349)
Each additional year after 3
$6,832 per year
Resident Tuition ($4,482)
+ Fees ($2,349)
Non-resident costs for years 1-3
$31,698 per year
Non-resident Tuition ($29,349)
+ Fees ($2,349)
Each additional year after 3
$12,132 per year
Non-resident Tuition ($9,783)
+ Fees ($2,349)
Tuition and fees estimates were calculated using the 23-24 academic year tuition and fees tables in combination with the tuition calculator. Please note, tuition and fees can change for the 24-25 academic year.
Your experience as a public health doctoral student
See which courses you’ll take as a public health doctoral student.
What you’ll learn in the epidemiology concentration.
Get information about assistantships, your investment and more.
Add the epidemiology graduate minor
The epidemiology graduate minor is intended for doctoral students who seek additional formal training and mentoring in epidemiology.
Kendra D. Sims, PhD ’21
Currently a postdoctoral scholar at University of California, San Fransisco
Kendra researches social and clinical risk factors of disability. Applying predictive modeling methodologies, she investigates quantifying health disparities in later life.
She applies causal inference theory and statistical methods to multi-level stressors and disparities in population health.
We’re here to help
For questions about the application process and requirements, contact College of Health graduate admissions.
For academic or professional information specific to the environmental and occupational health doctoral program, please contact Program Director Molly Kile, ScD
Accreditation
Our BS, MPH and PhD Public Health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. This distinction ensures your education meets the nationally-agreed-upon standards developed by public health academics and practitioners.