Epidemiology and Biostatistics, PhD: Epidemiology
The mission of the PhD program in Epidemiology is to train independent researchers in the development and application of epidemiologic methods and to prepare them for positions as scientific leaders in academia and industry. The PhD is a research degree; it indicates the highest attainable level of scholarship, and a commitment to a research career. The PhD does not represent merely the accumulation of course credits, but rather the development and completion of a well-designed and conscientious program of scientific investigation that makes a unique contribution to the field of epidemiology.
For more information: https://www.med.upenn.edu/ggeb/ggeb-courses.html
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | ||
| EPID 6000 | Data Science for Biomedical Informatics | 1 |
| BSTA 6100 | Biostatistical Methods for Epidemiology | 1 |
| EPID 7010 | Introduction to Epidemiologic Research | 1 |
| EPID 7050 | Grantwriting and Scientific Writing | 1 |
| EPID 7000 | Doctoral Seminar in Epidemiology | 1 |
| EPID 7020 | Advanced topics in Epidemiologic Research | 1 |
| Six open electives between 4000-9999 | 6 | |
| Career Development Research Workshop | ||
| Research | ||
| 2-6 CUs of EPID 6990 or EPID 8990 | 4-8 | |
| EPID 6990 | Lab Rotation | |
| EPID 8990 | Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot | |
| EPID 9950 | Dissertation | |
| Teaching Requirement | ||
| One semester of teaching is required | ||
| Total Course Units | 16-20 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Biostatistical Methods for Epidemiology | ||
| Introduction to Epidemiologic Research | ||
| Data Science for Biomedical Informatics | ||
| Lab Rotation | ||
| Career Development Workshop Series | ||
| Spring | ||
| Advanced topics in Epidemiologic Research | ||
| Lab Rotation | ||
Advanced Elective 3 | ||
| Advanced Elective | ||
| Career Development Workshop Series | ||
| Summer | ||
| Lab Rotation | ||
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Grantwriting and Scientific Writing | ||
| Lab Rotation 2 | ||
or EPID 8990 | Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot | |
Ethics Course OR MSCE Bioethics Workshop | ||
Advanced Elective | ||
| Advanced Elective | ||
| Spring | ||
| Doctoral Seminar in Epidemiology | ||
| Lab Rotation 2 | ||
or EPID 8990 | Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot | |
Advanced Elective | ||
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Pre-Dissertation Lab Rot | ||
Advanced Elective | ||
| Spring | ||
| EPID 9950: Dissertation | ||
| Year 4 and Beyond | ||
| Dissertation | ||
- 1
Any electives taken in the summer required prior authorization by the heads of the PhD Curriculum Committee.