Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program
Overview
The PhD program in Epidemiology is anchored in public health and quantitative population research and analysis. Students approach research using epidemiologic methods to understand complex human health problems. The PhD comprises two years of coursework followed by two (or more) years of research. Students are required to complete a teaching training curriculum and serve as teaching assistants for methods and topical courses. Additionally, students must successfully complete a written comprehensive exam, a practice oral exam, a preliminary oral exam, multiple oral and poster presentations, and a final dissertation including presentation and defense. The doctoral degree program is designed for individuals with specific career goals in public health research, teaching, and/or leadership.
PhD students focus on the creation of new and innovative knowledge through their research. Training is offered through a core methodologic sequence with the addition of more focused courses in specialized areas. Students are expected to tailor their curricula, working with their advisers to create a comprehensive plan of study and research. PhD dissertations must be based on original research, worthy of publication, and approved by the Department and a committee of thesis (dissertation) readers. PhD students must also be engaged in primary data collection as a component of their dissertation research or embedded in other research during their training.
Program Highlights
The PhD program requires that students:
- Complete at least 64 credits of coursework with a cumulative 3.0 GPA (B or higher average in required courses)
- Successfully pass the written comprehensive examination at the doctoral level
- Complete the teacher training (TA) curriculum, including serving as a TA in 3 departmental courses or time in service
- Present their proposed doctoral research as a professional seminar to the Department
- Pass the Departmental Oral Examination
- Pass the Graduate Board Preliminary Oral Examination
- Fulfill the primary data collection requirement
- Develop and conduct independent research culminating in a doctoral dissertation
- Present their completed dissertation research in a formal seminar (open to the public)
- Successfully defend their dissertation during the Final Oral Examination
Students work closely with their advisers and their Thesis Advisory Committee to develop their research questions and design their projects to address those questions and to conduct the dissertation research.
Funding for the PhD program
The PhD program in Epidemiology grants four years of tuition support, stipend, individual health insurance including dental, vision, and other benefits; provided the PhD students progress as expected and required by the academic program.
PhD Student Employee Union and Collective Bargaining Agreement
Information about the TRU-JHU PhD Student Union and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) can be found here.
- PhD students in the Epidemiology PhD program who receive work appointments and/or health insurance premium subsidy through Johns Hopkins University are defined as PhD Student Employees under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) dated March 29, 2024-June 30, 2027.
- This agreement has established wages, work hours, benefits, and conditions of appointment. Many of these are described here.
- Eligible PhD students will be contacted by the Union and may elect to join the union and pay dues or pay agency fees if they do not join the union. All eligible PhD students are under the CBA, regardless of Union membership.
- The CBA only covers work, which is limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week on average for stipend funding. A PhD student worker may voluntarily elect to participate in supplemental work beyond the 20 hours per week on average, in alignment with their funding sources and visa guidelines.
- Academic policies for the PhD program are not part of the CBA.
CBA Summary
This is just a summary, not the complete terms of the CBA. Click here to review the full terms of the CBA. Not all elements of the CBA are summarized here. Please reach out to epiphdcba@jh.edu with questions and concerns specific to the Epidemiology PhD program.
- Compensation
- Academic year (AY) 25-26: $50,000 effective July 1, 2025
- The hourly appointment rate will be $27.03/hour, at minimum for teaching/research supplemental appointments.
- Minimum 4 years of guaranteed funding for all PhD student employees in the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the School of Nursing, the School of Advanced International Studies, and the School of Education.
- PhD student employees with external awards paid through the University will have their compensation increased to the minimum rate during a period of guaranteed funding.
- Benefits
- Enrollment information will be available through HR Benefits for Students and Learners and communications will be sent in advance of benefits election periods.
- Paid by the University:
- The University will pay the premiums for University Student Health Benefits Plan (SHBP), including dental and vision coverage, employee coverage for employees in full-time resident status during the terms of full appointments.
- PhD student employees will receive subsidies of $4,500 per child per year for eligible children under 6 years and $3,000 per child aged 6-18 years or adult dependents, with a maximum of $12,000 per family per year, in installments throughout the year.
- Reimbursed by University/Departments:
- The University will pay the cost of the health insurance premiums for eligible dependent children and spouses unable to work in the US, including dental and vision. Reimbursement procedures will be available on the HR Benefits website.
- International students will be eligible to apply to a yearly fund to cover required visa fees.
- Students will be eligible for reimbursement for MTA All Access College Transit Passes or DC U-Passes. Registration and enrollment information will be available on the HR Benefits website.
- Time Off/Vacation/Leaves
- All University holidays are recognized.
- PhD student employees have at least 15 vacation days per year. Additional time can be given by a supervisor.
- PhD student employees receive 15 sick days per year with an additional 5 days if the student is primary caregiver.
- PhD student employees receive 5 days of bereavement leave for the passing of immediate and extended family members and close friends, with 1 additional day for those needing international travel.
- International PhD student employees who are required to travel out of the country in order to maintain their immigration status necessary to be able to continue their program at the University are eligible for up to fourteen (14) days off with pay during the period of such travel.
- Parents are eligible for 8 weeks of paid leave following birth or adoption, with an additional 4 weeks for parents who have just given birth. New Child Accommodation applies to the academic, not work, PhD student experience.
- Leaves of absence, including family leave, medical leave, and personal leave, are governed by the applicable academic divisional and University leave policies.
- Work Hours
- No PhD student employee shall be required to perform work for more than 20 hours/week on average.
- Teaching appointments are included in the 20 hours of work that may be assigned. Academic coursework, exams, and academic research are in addition to this assigned 20 hours of work.
- There are no restrictions on work external to Hopkins except when decreed by funding source or visa status.
- All work appointments (baseline funding or supplemental funding) require an appointment letter. Appointment letters will define the expectations and requirements of the teaching, research, or other University activity appointment. Students should contact epiphdcba@jh.edu with any questions.
- Union Representation
- All directory information will be sent to the Union unless restricted. Supplemental information will require a FERPA consent form available on SIS self-service.
- Union Representatives are current PhD Student Employees who are elected/selected to help their fellow PhD Student Employees navigate work-related disciplines, grievances, and other procedural/policy issues. Contact TRU-JHU with questions about specific Union Representatives.
- TRU-JHU Contact Information
- Website: https://trujhu.org/
- Phone: (443) 281-9462
- Address: TRU-UE Local 197, PO Box 41149, Baltimore, MD 21203
- Email: trujhu@gmail.com
Additional Department Funding Sources
NIH Training and Research Programs
The Department offers a limited number of NIH-supported, pre- and postdoctoral fellowship opportunities for U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. The Training Program Directors are:
Name | Title | Phone | Room | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Elizabeth Platz | Cancer Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Training Program ("Cancer") | eplatz1@jhu.edu | ||
Karen Bandeen-Roche | Epidemiology and Biostatistics of Aging Training Program ("Aging") | kbandee1@jhu.edu | ||
Liz Selvin | Cardiovascular Epidemiology Institutional Training Program ("CVD") | eselvin@jhu.edu | ||
Shruti Mehta | Johns Hopkins HIV Epidemiology Prevention Sciences Training Program ("HIV") | smehta@jhu.edu | ||
William Moss | Research in Practice: Translating Infectious Disease Epidemiology ("RIPTIDE") | wmoss1@jhu.edu | ||
Caleb Alexander | NHLBI Training Program in Pharmacoepidemiology ("Pharmaco") | galexan9@jhmi.edu | ||
Deidra Crews | Renal Disease Epidemiology Training Program ("Renal") | dcrews1@jhmi.edu | ||
Todd Brown | Clinical Research and Epidemiology in Diabetes and Endocrinology ("Diabetes") | tbrown27@jhmi.edu |
Further, the Department encourages each eligible graduate student to apply for NIH F-Level Individual Predoctoral National Research Service Awards (NRSAs). Interested students should first talk with their adviser(s) and the Student Financial Manager.
Non-NIH Training and Research Programs
The Department offers two non-NIH sponsored training programs open to all PhD students. The Training Program Directors are:
Name | Title | Phone | Room | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Priya Duggal | The Maryland Genetics, Epidemiology, and Medicine Training Program ("MD-GEM") | pduggal@jhu.edu | ||
Jennifer Deal | Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health Training Program ("Cochlear") | jdeal1@jhu.edu |
Program Requirements
Doctoral students in the Department of Epidemiology train to be public health leaders and educators. By following an apprenticeship model, students take courses, learn to teach methods and concepts to a wide audience, conduct a rigorous examination of the existing science, and discover and contribute new knowledge to the field. Thus, the program requires students to complete a residency and participate fully in journal clubs, research-in-progress meetings, programmatic activities, and scientific poster sessions and conferences. Doctoral students serve as teaching assistants, conduct research, and prepare a dissertation of the caliber expected of graduates of Johns Hopkins University.
Residency
The PhD in Epidemiology generally requires four years of residency in person at BSPH. To broaden perspective and develop skills for work in public health and epidemiology, at least 18 credits of coursework are required in courses from at least two other departments outside the student’s primary department. At least nine of these credits must be taken at BSPH. Students who have completed a master’s degree at BSPH and are continuing into the doctoral program must complete: 1, 18 new credits outside of Epidemiology, in at least two different departments of the School and; 2, complete 18 credits within the Department of Epidemiology, to establish the grade point average. PhD students are expected to complete the core required courses for a letter grade and earn a B or better in required courses. The minimum grade point average for PhD students is 3.0 on the 4.0 scale. Requirements of the University and the School do not count toward the 18 credits outside of the Department.
Quarterly Doctoral Meetings
Doctoral students and the Doctoral Program Directors meet quarterly. These meetings provide a forum to learn about academic policies and deadlines, raise questions and concerns, and to connect. All doctoral students are expected to attend.
Annual Advising and Planning Meetings with Adviser (Individualized Development Plan)
PhD students must meet at least annually with their primary academic adviser for a formal review of their progress with written feedback and discuss plans for the upcoming year. This is accomplished using the Individualized Development Plan (IDP). A critical part of any learning is the ability to review knowledge and skills gained, identify gaps, and identify ways to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for academic and professional success. Therefore, each PhD student is expected to review their goals and objectives for pursuing the program, evaluate the progress they have made in obtaining the training desired, and set forth goals for the upcoming academic year. Each student reviews these with their academic adviser to discuss their progress and address any suggested areas for exploration. The IDP is not a graded assignment but rather a guidepost for personal growth and reflection.
The Johns Hopkins University Provost's Office provides resources on its website and a guided form for use. Additionally, a handy and thorough example designed by Science Careers is linked here.
Any template for an IDP may be used; however, the form must include sections for the student to complete on the following topics. There must also be space for adviser comments and feedback:
- Academic and/or thesis research progress of the past year and specific academic and/or research goals for the upcoming year;
- Ideas for ways in which the adviser can help the student achieve the student’s academic or research goals for the coming year;
- Short and long-term professional goals and the types or range of professional sectors of possible interest;
- Specific skills the student wants to develop, or professional areas about which the student wants to learn more; and
- Provide ways the adviser can help the student achieve, or connect the student to resources for, these professional goals.
Doctoral TA Curriculum
Learning how to be an effective educator and communicator is an integral part of graduate education in epidemiology. Through the Doctoral TA Curriculum, students will be able to:
- Interpret and critique epidemiological studies.
- Interpret epidemiologic data and make valid inferences from study findings.
- Develop skills in articulating epidemiologic concepts and methods
- Communicate effectively in oral and written formats with students, professionals and the public
- Provide epidemiologic critique and advice through advising students and professionals on epidemiologic concepts and methods
Practicing these critical teaching and communications skills prepares students for Departmental and Preliminary Oral Examinations and for their future careers.
Components of the Doctoral TA Curriculum
Doctoral students are required to complete the Doctoral TA Curriculum during Years 2, 3, and 4 of the doctoral program. The Doctoral TA Curriculum requires a minimum of 160 hours of TA work per year, annualized across Summer Term and the regular academic terms. The 160 hours of TA work per year can be fulfilled through any combination of TA roles across all Departmental courses with a “340” course number.
Homewood courses, Institute courses, and MAS courses do not count towards the Doctoral TA Curriculum.
During the term when a student reaches 160 hours of TA work completed for the year, a TA role that surpasses the 160 hours will count towards the requirement during the term. After reaching a minimum of 160 hours of TA work completed for the year and completing the term, additional TA work can be compensated through Supplemental Pay.
Examples of TA roles in the Doctoral TA Curriculum
Example 1:
- 1st Term: Lead TA position for 10 hours per week on average for eight weeks; 80 hours of TA work completed on average in 1st Term
- 2nd Term: Regular TA position for 5 hours per week on average for eight weeks; 40 hours of TA work completed on average in 2nd Term
- 3rd Term: Regular TA position for 7 hours per week on average for eight weeks; 56 hours of TA work completed on average in 3rd Term
- Total: 22 term-hours of TA work annualized throughout the year; totals 176 hours of TA work completed on average for the year, satisfies the requirement
Example 2:
- Summer Term: Regular TA position for 7 hours per week on average for eight weeks; 56 hours of TA work completed on average in Summer Term
- 1st Term: Regular TA position for 7 hours per week on average for eight weeks; 56 hours of TA work completed on average in 1st Term
- 2nd Term: Regular TA position for 7 hours per week on average for eight weeks; 56 hours of TA work completed on average in 2nd Term
- Total: 21 term-hours of TA work annualized throughout the year; totals 168 hours of TA work completed on average for the year, satisfies the requirement
Example 3:
- Summer Term: Lead TA position for 10 hours per week on average for eight weeks; 80 hours of TA work completed on average in Summer Term
- 1st Term: Lead TA position for 10 hours per week on average for eight weeks; 80 hours of TA work completed on average in 1st Term
- Total: 20 term-hours of TA work annualized throughout the year; totals 160 hours of TA work completed on average for the year, satisfies the requirement
Required TA training activities and methods of assessment
The Doctoral TA Curriculum includes required TA training activities and methods of assessment. TA training activities and methods of assessment are required activities in the Doctoral TA Curriculum that do not count towards the minimum of 160 hours of TA work per year.
- Departmental TA Training Session: This student-led training session occurs once per year. Experienced TAs are expected to contribute to this student-led training session in a leadership role.
- CTL TA Training: This self-paced course orients Teaching Assistants to the roles and responsibilities of their position, relevant policies and regulations, technical tools, teaching tips, and other important information. Students submit their CTL Certificate of Completion to the Epi Academic Core.
- Individualized Teaching Statement: Students prepare an Individualized Teaching Statement at the start of each TA position. The Individualized Teaching Statement may include: a statement of teaching goals for the Term, a Teaching Philosophy statement, or a self-reflection on areas of growth related to teaching in the Term. Students submit their Individualized Teaching Statement to the Epi Academic Core at the start of each Term. Students are encouraged to share their Individualized Teaching Statement with the course instructor. The Epi Academic Core and course instructors will provide feedback.
- 340.865 Teaching Epidemiologic Methods and Concepts at the Graduate Level: To document the in-course training on the academic transcript and to receive academic credit, PhD students register for 340.865.01 in the Terms that they TA. For TAs in Summer Term, students can register for credit hours in 1st Term to avoid additional tuition fees.
- Course Evaluations: At the end of a Term, TAs may request feedback shared about them from students in the Course Evaluations.
Recommended TA training activities
The following TA training activities are recommended but not required:
- Teaching Academy: The Teaching Academy offers PhD students college teacher training and academic career preparation opportunities through courses, workshops, teaching practicums, teaching-as-research fellowships, and individual consultation around the pedagogy of teaching.
- Teaching Institute: The three-day Teaching Institute is an annual training event hosted by the Teaching Academy.
Course Requirements
CEPH Cells to Society Courses
The Council on Education in Public Health designates core knowledge for all public health professionals. The list of courses and term offerings is located online. Epidemiology degree students are required to complete 8 of the 12 sessions as listed below. Each course is 0.5 credits and is offered only online. Many of these courses can be used as introductions to full-term courses offered in multiple modalities throughout the year. Incoming doctoral students who have completed CEPH accredited degree programs prior to enrollment do not have to retake the CEPH Cells to Society courses.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
PH.552.601 | Foundational Principles of Public Health | 0.5 |
PH.552.603 | The Role of Qualitative Methods and Science in Describing and Assessing a Population's Health | 0.5 |
PH.552.607 | Essentials of Environmental Health | 0.5 |
PH.552.608 | Biologic, Genetic and Infectious Bases of Human Disease | 0.5 |
PH.552.609 | Psychological and Behavioral Factors That Affect A Population's Health | 0.5 |
PH.552.610 | The Social Determinants of Health | 0.5 |
PH.552.611 | Globalization and Population Health | 0.5 |
PH.552.612 | Essentials of One Health | 0.5 |
Core Courses
The Doctoral Level Core Requirements are listed by year and term for all Epidemiology doctoral students. BSPH Students complete the Academic and Research Ethics Module before the end of the first term of enrollment. Epidemiology Students complete CEPH Cells to Society Courses, Core Courses, Track-Specific Courses, a course outside of their track, and recommended courses appropriate to provide a base for their intended research. Students who group their electives and recommended courses in a cohesive theme may wish to complete one of the many Certificates offered by the Department and School. Doctoral students who have a strong interest in methodology may apply for and complete the Concurrent MHS in Biostatistics while enrolled in the doctoral program.
Most Core Courses will be completed during the first year of enrollment in preparation for the Written Comprehensive Examinations and as preparation for the Teaching Curriculum.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
First Term | Credits | |
Summer Before Year 1 | ||
Introduction to Online Learning | ||
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Prevention Training (Title IX) | ||
Unconscious Bias Training | ||
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.621 or PH.140.651 |
Statistical Methods in Public Health I or Methods in Biostatistics I |
4 |
PH.340.860 | Current Topics in Epidemiologic Research | 1 |
Select out-of-track, recommended, or elective courses to total 16 credits per term | 6 | |
PH.340.761 | Epidemiologic Methods for EPI Doctoral Students I | 5 |
Credits | 16 | |
Second Term | ||
PH.140.622 or PH.140.652 |
Statistical Methods in Public Health II or Methods in Biostatistics II |
4 |
PH.340.860 | Current Topics in Epidemiologic Research | 1 |
PH.550.865 | Public Health Perspectives on Research 1 | 2 |
Select out-of-track, recommended, or elective courses to total 16 credits per term | 4 | |
PH.340.762 | Epidemiologic Methods for EPI Doctoral Students II | 5 |
Credits | 16 | |
Third Term | ||
PH.140.623 or PH.140.653 |
Statistical Methods in Public Health III or Methods in Biostatistics III |
4 |
PH.340.860 | Current Topics in Epidemiologic Research | 1 |
Select out-of-track, recommended, or elective courses to total 16 credits per term | 6 | |
PH.340.763 | Epidemiologic Methods for EPI Doctoral Students III (Epidemiologic Methods for Epi Doctoral Students III) | 5 |
Credits | 16 | |
Fourth Term | ||
PH.140.624 or PH.140.654 |
Statistical Methods in Public Health IV or Methods in Biostatistics IV |
4 |
PH.340.764 | Epidemiologic Methods for EPI Doctoral Students IV (Epidemiologic Methods for Epi Doctoral Students IV) | 5 |
PH.340.820 | Thesis Research Epidemiology (varies) | 1 - 3 |
PH.340.860 | Current Topics in Epidemiologic Research | 1 |
Select out-of-track, recommended, or elective courses to total 16 credits per term | 5 | |
Department Comprehensive Examination | ||
Pass Parts A&B - immediately following Fourth Term | ||
Credits | 16-18 | |
Second Year | ||
First Term | ||
PH.340.820 | Thesis Research Epidemiology (with thesis adviser, credits variable) | 1 - 5 |
PH.340.863 | Doctoral Seminars in Epidemiology | 3 |
PH.340.865 | Teaching Epidemiologic Methods and Concepts At the Graduate Level (Select this course to coincide with TA positions fulfilling requirement) | 1 - 3 |
Select recommended and elective courses to total 16 credits per term | 11 | |
Credits | 16-22 | |
Second Term | ||
PH.340.820 | Thesis Research Epidemiology (with thesis adviser, credits variable) | 1 - 5 |
PH.340.863 | Doctoral Seminars in Epidemiology | 3 |
PH.340.865 | Teaching Epidemiologic Methods and Concepts At the Graduate Level (Select this course to coincide with TA positions fulfilling requirement) | 1 - 3 |
Select recommended and elective courses to total 16 credits per term | 11 | |
Credits | 16-22 | |
Third Term | ||
PH.340.820 | Thesis Research Epidemiology (with thesis adviser, credits variable) | 1 - 5 |
PH.340.863 | Doctoral Seminars in Epidemiology | 3 |
PH.340.865 | Teaching Epidemiologic Methods and Concepts At the Graduate Level (Select this course to coincide with TA positions fulfilling requirement) | 1 - 3 |
Select recommended and elective courses to total 16 credits per term | 11 | |
Credits | 16-22 | |
Fourth Term | ||
PH.340.820 | Thesis Research Epidemiology (with thesis adviser, credits variable) | 1 - 5 |
PH.340.715 | Problems in the Design of Epidemiologic Studies: Proposal Development and Critique | 5 |
PH.340.865 | Teaching Epidemiologic Methods and Concepts At the Graduate Level (Select this course to coincide with TA positions fulfilling requirement) | 1 - 3 |
Select recommended and elective courses to total 16 credits per term | 9 | |
Credits | 16-22 | |
Total Credits | 128-154 |
- 1
May be waived if student holds MPH from a CEPH accredited program in past 10 years
Department-wide Recommended Courses
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
PH.340.770 | Public Health Surveillance | 3 |
PH.340.769 | Professional Epidemiology Methods | 4 |
PH.340.840 | Special Studies and Research Epidemiology (Terms 1-4, credits variable) | 1 - 22 |
Special Studies versus Thesis Research
Students frequently request guidance on registering for 340.840 Special Studies versus 340.820 Thesis Research. Students may register for Thesis Research once they have successfully passed their Preliminary Oral Exam. Special Studies may be used for additional research outside the primary research for the dissertation. Special Studies is offered in 1st-4th Terms. Thesis Research is offered in Summer Term and 1st-4th Terms.
The following activities may be approved for Special Studies (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Directed readings and discussions leading up to preparing for the research proposal,
- Literature searches and meta-analyses,
- Secondary data analysis,
- Self-guided focused study on a particular methodology or a disease of interest
CALCULATING CREDITS FOR A VARIABLE CREDIT COURSE
- Students must remember that the 1 hour – in class, 2 hours – outside of class ratio still applies: e.g., Students should think about the time the faculty member will be involved in guiding them (faculty contact hours) as well as how much time the student uses to conduct outside readings and work.
What constitutes Faculty Contact Hours
- Individual one-on-one meetings.
- Faculty revisions of writing projects (faculty members spend considerable time editing, proofreading, and otherwise providing written feedback to students).
- Mentoring and networking preparation and discussion.
- Time spent in group settings with faculty mentors e.g. journal clubs or weekly “lab/group” meetings. Students should make every effort to attend the group meetings for their track and adviser.
when to register for special studies versus thesis research
- Students must communicate their intent to register with and receive approval from the faculty mentor in writing, prior to registering for credits for the special studies or thesis research and include the content/activities to be conducted and the number of credits.
- Students may take 1-3 credits while taking a full load of courses.
- Students may take up to 8 credits per term while taking a partial load of courses with the approval of the faculty mentor.
Date | Event |
---|---|
First Year, 4th Term | 340.840 Special Studies and Research Epidemiology with Advisor (1-3 credit hours) |
Second Year, 1st Term | 340.840 Special Studies and Research Epidemiology with Advisor and/or Co-Advisor (1-3 credit hours) |
Second Year, 2nd Term | 340.840 Special Studies and Research Epidemiology with Advisor and/or Co-Advisor (minimum of 3 credit hours) |
Second Year, 3rd Term | 340.840 Special Studies and Research Epidemiology with Advisor and/or Co-Advisor (minimum of 3 credit hours) |
Second Year, 4th Term | Remain in 340.840 Special Studies and Research Epidemiology with Advisor and/or Co-Advisor until the student passes the preliminary oral exam |
After passing the preliminary oral exam | 340.820 Thesis Research with Advisor and/or Co-Advisor |
Track-Specific Courses
In addition to the Department-wide Core Requirements, each track requires additional coursework specific to their fields to prepare students to conduct research and serve as leaders. Term-by-term offerings vary year by year. Always check the Course Directory for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, the first-year course content is covered in the annual Written Comprehensive Exams. All students may take courses in any of the tracks listed and are encouraged to do so.
Cancer Epidemiology
Required courses
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.731 | Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 1 | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.624 | Etiology, Prevention, and Control of Cancer | 4 |
PH.340.732 | Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 2 | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.120.624 | Cancer Biology | 3 |
Second Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
ME.510.706 | ( offered alternate years - check catalog listing) | |
PH.120.624 | Cancer Biology (may be completed instead of term 1 of Cause to Cure) | 3 |
SECOND TERM | ||
ME.510.706 | 2.5 | |
PH.180.650 | Fundamentals of Clinical Oncology for Public Health Practitioners | 3 |
Recommended Courses
[Terms and offerings change each year. Always check the course directory for the most up-to-date offerings]
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.651 | Methods in Biostatistics I | 4 |
PH.340.616 | Epidemiology of Aging (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 3 |
PH.340.696 | Spatial Analysis I: ArcGIS | 4 |
PH.340.660 | Practical Skills in Conducting Research in Clinical Epidemiology and Investigation (ideally taken in year 2) | 3 |
PH.340.728 | Advanced Methods for Design and Analysis of Cohort Studies (should be completed in year 2 or later) | 5 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.140.652 | Methods in Biostatistics II | 4 |
PH.340.774 | Advanced Theory and Methods in Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.140.630 | Introduction to Data Management | 3 |
PH.180.650 | Fundamentals of Clinical Oncology for Public Health Practitioners (recommended only when used in addition to Cancer: Cause to Cure) | 3 |
PH.330.603 | Psychiatric Epidemiology (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 3 |
PH.340.645 | Introduction to Clinical Trials (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 3 |
PH.340.666 | Foundations of Social Epidemiology (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 3 |
PH.340.682 | Pharmacoepidemiology Methods (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 3 |
PH.340.697 | Spatial Analysis II: Spatial Data Technologies | 3 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.653 | Methods in Biostatistics III | 4 |
PH.140.655 | Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data | 4 |
PH.140.664 | Causal Inference in Medicine and Public Health I | 4 |
PH.340.606 | Methods for Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses | 4 |
PH.340.694 | Power and Sample Size for the Design of Epidemiological Studies I | 1 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.140.632 | Introduction to the SAS Statistical Package | 3 |
PH.140.654 | Methods in Biostatistics IV | 4 |
PH.140.656 | Multilevel and Longitudinal Models - Data Analysis Workshop | 4 |
PH.340.644 | Epidemiology of Diabetes and Obesity | 2 |
PH.340.600 | Stata Programming I (Basic) | 2 |
PH.340.680 | Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 4 |
PH.120.624 | Cancer Biology (recommended only when used in addition to Cancer: Cause to Cure) | 3 |
PH.380.664 | Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 4 |
Cardiovascular and Clinical Epidemiology
Required courses
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
INTRODUCTORY COURESES | ||
PH.550.630 | Public Health Biology (for students WITHOUT a background in biology or medicine) | 3 |
PH.340.855 | SS/R: Biological Basis of Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology (for students WITHOUT a background in biology or medicine) | 2 |
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.260.621 | Introduction to the Biomedical Sciences I | 2 |
PH.340.871 | Welch Center Research Seminar | 1 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.260.622 | Introduction to the Biomedical Sciences II | 2 |
PH.340.645 | Introduction to Clinical Trials (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 3 |
PH.340.871 | Welch Center Research Seminar | 1 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.871 | Welch Center Research Seminar | 1 |
PH.260.631 | Immunology, Infection and Disease | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.340.871 | Welch Center Research Seminar | 1 |
Additional Required Courses for Doctoral Students focusing on Cardiovascular Epidemiology
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.607 | Introduction to Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.340.730 | Assessment of Clinical Cardiovascular Disease (for students WITHOUT a background in biology or medicine) | 2 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.340.803 | Advanced Topics in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology | 2 |
PH.340.855 | SS/R: Biological Basis of Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology | 2 |
Additional Required Courses for Doctoral Students focusing on Clinical Epidemiology
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.620 | Principles of Clinical Epidemiology | 2 |
Recommended Courses
[Terms and offerings change each year. Always check the course directory for the most up-to-date offerings]
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.687 | Epidemiology of Kidney Disease | 2 |
PH.340.731 | Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 1 (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 4 |
PH.340.616 | Epidemiology of Aging (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 3 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.624 | Etiology, Prevention, and Control of Cancer (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 4 |
PH.340.627 | Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.180.640 | Molecular Epidemiology and Biomarkers in Public Health | 4 |
PH.340.606 | Methods for Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (usually taken in Year 2) | 4 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.340.644 | Epidemiology of Diabetes and Obesity (fulfills an out-of-track requirement) | 2 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
SKILLS COURSES (can be taken Year 1 or later with commensurate progress in Biostats series) | ||
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.340.600 | Stata Programming I (Basic) | 2 |
PH.140.632 | Introduction to the SAS Statistical Package | 3 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Advanced Methods Courses (recommended in Year 2, review course catalogue for prerequisites) | ||
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.641 | Survival Analysis | 3 |
PH.140.776 | Statistical Computing | 3 |
PH.340.660 | Practical Skills in Conducting Research in Clinical Epidemiology and Investigation | 3 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.717 | Health Survey Research Methods | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.655 | Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data | 4 |
PH.140.664 | Causal Inference in Medicine and Public Health I | 4 |
Additional Recommended Courses for Doctoral Students with a focus in Cardiovascular Epidemiology
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.651 | Methods in Biostatistics I | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.140.652 | Methods in Biostatistics II | 4 |
PH.340.620 | Principles of Clinical Epidemiology | 2 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.653 | Methods in Biostatistics III | 4 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.140.654 | Methods in Biostatistics IV | 4 |
Additional Recommended Courses for Doctoral Students with a focus in Clinical Epidemiology
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.607 | Introduction to Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.340.730 | Assessment of Clinical Cardiovascular Disease | 2 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.340.803 | Advanced Topics in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology | 2 |
PH.340.855 | SS/R: Biological Basis of Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology | 2 |
Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis
Required courses
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.645 | Introduction to Clinical Trials | 3 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.633 | Data Management in Clinical Trials (Completion of 340.606 and 340.633 is required before the end of the program) | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.340.655 | Advanced Methods in Clinical Trials | 3 |
Second Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.655 | Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.606 | Methods for Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (Completion of 340.606 and 340.633 is required before the end of the program) | 4 |
Recommended Courses
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.633 | Biostatistics in Medical Product Regulation | 2 |
PH.140.651 | Methods in Biostatistics I | 4 |
PH.221.722 | Quality Assurance Management Methods for Developing Countries | 4 |
PH.340.653 | Epidemiologic Inference in Outbreak Investigations | 3 |
PH.340.660 | Practical Skills in Conducting Research in Clinical Epidemiology and Investigation | 3 |
PH.340.728 | Advanced Methods for Design and Analysis of Cohort Studies | 5 |
PH.390.631 | Drug Development and Real-World Evidence (RWE) | 2 |
PH.390.673 | Emerging Ethical and Regulatory Issues in Clinical Research | 3 |
PH.317.600 | Introduction to the Risk Sciences and Public Policy | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.140.630 | Introduction to Data Management | 3 |
PH.140.652 | Methods in Biostatistics II | 4 |
PH.340.717 | Health Survey Research Methods | 4 |
PH.410.710 | Concepts in Qualitative Research for Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.634 | Non-Inferiority and Equivalence Clinical Trials | 2 |
PH.340.684 | Pharmacoepidemiology: Drug Utilization | 3 |
PH.140.642 | Design of Clinical Experiments | 3 |
PH.140.653 | Methods in Biostatistics III | 4 |
PH.223.664 | Design and Conduct of Community Trials | 4 |
PH.340.694 | Power and Sample Size for the Design of Epidemiological Studies I | 1 |
PH.340.775 | Measurement Theory and Techniques in Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.140.664 | Causal Inference in Medicine and Public Health I | 4 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.223.690 | The Design and Analysis of Cluster Randomized Trials | 2 |
PH.140.654 | Methods in Biostatistics IV | 4 |
PH.140.632 | Introduction to the SAS Statistical Package | 3 |
PH.140.656 | Multilevel and Longitudinal Models - Data Analysis Workshop | 4 |
PH.221.616 | Ethics and Global Public Health Practice | 2 |
PH.223.705 | Good Clinical Practice: A Vaccine Trials Perspective | 4 |
PH.224.691 | Qualitative Data Analysis | 3 |
PH.390.675 | Outcomes and Effectiveness Research | 3 |
SUMMER INST | ||
PH.330.621 | Mixed Methods for Research in Public Health | 2 |
PH.340.676 | Bayesian Adaptive Trials | 2 |
Environmental Epidemiology
Required courses
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.655 | Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data | 4 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.340.680 | Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology | 4 |
Recommended Courses
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.182.615 | Airborne Particles | 4 |
PH.187.610 | Public Health Toxicology | 4 |
PH.188.680 | Fundamentals of Occupational Health | 3 |
PH.317.600 | Introduction to the Risk Sciences and Public Policy | 4 |
PH.340.696 | Spatial Analysis I: ArcGIS | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.182.625 | Principles of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene | 4 |
PH.317.610 | Risk Policy, Management and Communication | 3 |
PH.340.717 | Health Survey Research Methods | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.180.601 | Environmental Health | 5 |
PH.140.698 | Spatial Analysis III: Spatial Statistics | 4 |
PH.180.625 | Community-Driven Epidemiology and Environmental Justice | 3 |
PH.180.640 | Molecular Epidemiology and Biomarkers in Public Health | 4 |
PH.180.647 | The Health Effects of Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution | 3 |
PH.140.655 | Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data | 4 |
PH.140.656 | Multilevel and Longitudinal Models - Data Analysis Workshop | 4 |
PH.317.605 | Methods in Quantitative Risk Assessment | 4 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.188.681 | Onsite Evaluation of Workplace and Occupational Health Programs | 5 |
PH.317.615 | Topics in Risk Assessment | 2 |
Epidemiology of Aging
Required courses
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.616 | Epidemiology of Aging | 3 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.699 | Epidemiology of Sensory Loss in Aging | 3 |
Recommended Courses
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
EACH TERM | ||
PH.330.802 | Seminar on Aging, Cognition and Neurodegenerative Disorders | 2 |
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.641 | Survival Analysis | 3 |
PH.380.604 | Life Course Perspectives on Health | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.620 | Principles of Clinical Epidemiology | 2 |
PH.340.666 | Foundations of Social Epidemiology | 3 |
PH.380.603 | Demographic Methods for Public Health | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.699 | Epidemiology of Sensory Loss in Aging | 3 |
PH.260.665 | Biological Basis of Aging (offered every year) | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.330.623 | Brain and Behavior in Mental Disorders | 3 |
PH.140.656 | Multilevel and Longitudinal Models - Data Analysis Workshop | 4 |
PH.330.618 | Mental Health in Later Life (offered every year) | 2 |
Second Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.330.657 | Statistics for Psychosocial Research: Measurement | 4 |
PH.340.728 | Advanced Methods for Design and Analysis of Cohort Studies | 5 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.140.658 | Statistics for Psychosocial Research: Structural Models | 4 |
PH.309.605 | Health Issues for Aging Populations | 3 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.655 | Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data | 4 |
General Epidemiology and Methodology
Required courses
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.731 | Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 1 (recommended for year 1 but may be taken in year 2, satisfies the out-of-track requirement as well) | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.682 | Pharmacoepidemiology Methods (recommended for year 1 but may be taken in year 2) | 3 |
PH.340.682 | Pharmacoepidemiology Methods (required for students with Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Focus only) | 3 |
Second Year (Does not have to be in Year 2; can be taken any time after Year 1 and prior to graduation)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
PH.340.728 | Advanced Methods for Design and Analysis of Cohort Studies | 5 |
PH.340.774 | Advanced Theory and Methods in Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.140.664 | Causal Inference in Medicine and Public Health I | 4 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CHOOSE AT LEAST 2 OF THESE THREE COURSES IN PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH SKILLS: | ||
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.660 | Practical Skills in Conducting Research in Clinical Epidemiology and Investigation | 3 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.717 | Health Survey Research Methods | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.648 | Clinical Trials Management | 3 |
recommended courses for Students with a Methodology Focus
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.330.657 | Statistics for Psychosocial Research: Measurement | 4 |
PH.340.646 | Epidemiology and Public Health Impact of HIV and AIDS | 4 |
PH.340.616 | Epidemiology of Aging | 3 |
PH.340.653 | Epidemiologic Inference in Outbreak Investigations | 3 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.140.658 | Statistics for Psychosocial Research: Structural Models | 4 |
PH.183.631 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology | 4 |
PH.260.631 | Immunology, Infection and Disease | 3 |
PH.330.603 | Psychiatric Epidemiology | 3 |
PH.340.620 | Principles of Clinical Epidemiology | 2 |
PH.340.624 | Etiology, Prevention, and Control of Cancer | 4 |
PH.340.666 | Foundations of Social Epidemiology (alternates online and in-person every other year) | 3 |
PH.340.732 | Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 2 | 3 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.640 | Statistical Methods for Sample Surveys | 3 |
PH.180.640 | Molecular Epidemiology and Biomarkers in Public Health | 4 |
PH.222.647 | Nutrition Epidemiology | 3 |
PH.224.690 | Qualitative Research Theory and Methods | 3 |
PH.309.616 | Introduction to Methods for Health Services Research and Evaluation I | 2 |
PH.340.607 | Introduction to Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.340.609 | Concepts and Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.340.733 | Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 3 | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.140.656 | Multilevel and Longitudinal Models - Data Analysis Workshop | 4 |
PH.224.691 | Qualitative Data Analysis | 3 |
PH.309.617 | Introduction to Methods for Health Services Research and Evaluation II | 2 |
PH.340.641 | Healthcare Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.340.677 | Infectious Disease Dynamics: Theoretical and Computational Approaches | 4 |
PH.340.680 | Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.380.664 | Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.390.675 | Outcomes and Effectiveness Research | 3 |
Second Year courses:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.728 | Advanced Methods for Design and Analysis of Cohort Studies | 5 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.774 | Advanced Theory and Methods in Epidemiology | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.664 | Causal Inference in Medicine and Public Health I | 4 |
PH.140.655 | Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data | 4 |
PH.340.606 | Methods for Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses | 4 |
Recommended courses for statistical programming
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.776 | Statistical Computing | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.140.632 | Introduction to the SAS Statistical Package | 3 |
PH.340.600 | Stata Programming I (Basic) | 2 |
recommended courses for Students with a Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Focus
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.317.605 | Methods in Quantitative Risk Assessment | 4 |
PH.317.600 | Introduction to the Risk Sciences and Public Policy | 4 |
PH.390.631 | Drug Development and Real-World Evidence (RWE) | 2 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.317.610 | Risk Policy, Management and Communication | 3 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.664 | Causal Inference in Medicine and Public Health I | 4 |
PH.340.684 | Pharmacoepidemiology: Drug Utilization (alternate year format) | 3 |
PH.221.610 | Pharmaceutical Systems: Advancing Access to Medicines in the Field | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.410.680 | Social Ecological Approaches to Health Regimen Adherence in Chronic Conditions | 3 |
PH.317.615 | Topics in Risk Assessment | 2 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
The following courses are offered outside of BSPH and require interdivisional registration and instructor permission: | ||
AS.410.651 | Clinical Development of Drugs and Biologics | 4 |
AS.410.627 | Translational Biotechnology: From Intellectual Property to Licensing | 4 |
ME.330.809 | Analytical Methods of Clinical Pharmacology | 1.5 |
Genetic Epidemiology
Required COURSES
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.731 | Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 1 | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.732 | Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 2 | 3 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.733 | Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 3 | 3 |
Second Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.120.602 | Concepts of Molecular Biology | 4 |
PH.140.776 | Statistical Computing (students with a strong background in programming should take 140.636) | 3 |
or PH.140.636 | Scalable Computational Bioinformatics | |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.688 | Statistics For Genomics (offered every other year) | 3 |
required Courses in ANALYTIC METHODS (choose at least two)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.641 | Survival Analysis | 3 |
PH.140.651 | Methods in Biostatistics I | 4 |
PH.140.776 | Statistical Computing | 3 |
PH.140.655 | Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data | 4 |
PH.140.636 | Scalable Computational Bioinformatics | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.140.777 | Statistical Programming Paradigms and Workflows | 3 |
PH.140.638 | Analysis of Biological Sequences | 3 |
PH.140.652 | Methods in Biostatistics II | 4 |
PH.140.778 | Statistical Computing, Algorithm, and Software Development | 3 |
PH.140.742 | Risk Prediction and Precision Medicine (offered every other year) | 3 |
PH.340.774 | Advanced Theory and Methods in Epidemiology | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.140.644 | Statistical Machine Learning: Methods, Theory, and Applications | 4 |
PH.140.653 | Methods in Biostatistics III | 4 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.140.654 | Methods in Biostatistics IV | 4 |
required COURSES in Biology and Molecular Methods (choose at least one)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.260.611 | Principles of Immunology I | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.260.612 | Principles of Immunology II | 3 |
PH.183.631 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology (for non-physician trained students only) | 4 |
PH.120.602 | Concepts of Molecular Biology (offered every other year) | 4 |
PH.187.632 | Molecular Toxicology | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.180.640 | Molecular Epidemiology and Biomarkers in Public Health | 4 |
PH.120.608 | Gene Editing, Therapy and Manipulation | 3 |
RECOMMENDED COURSES
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.616 | Epidemiology of Aging | 3 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.624 | Etiology, Prevention, and Control of Cancer | 4 |
PH.340.627 | Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.775 | Measurement Theory and Techniques in Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.340.607 | Introduction to Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology | 4 |
PH.330.619 | Psychiatric Genomics | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.415.624 | Ethical, Legal and Social Implications in Genetics and Genomics Over Time (offered every other year) | 3 |
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Required COURSES
First Year
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.653 | Epidemiologic Inference in Outbreak Investigations | 3 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.627 | Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.340.609 | Concepts and Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology | 4 |
Required COURSES: STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE AT LEAST ONE COURSE IN EACH OF THE FIVE DISCIPLINARY SECTIONS.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
SECTION ONE: GENERAL ELECTIVES (CHOOSE 1) | ||
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.646 | Epidemiology and Public Health Impact of HIV and AIDS | 4 |
PH.340.612 | Epidemiologic Basis for Tuberculosis Control | 3 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.223.662 | Vaccine Development and Application | 4 |
PH.340.641 | Healthcare Epidemiology | 4 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.182.640 | Food- and Water- Borne Diseases | 3 |
PH.223.663 | Infectious Diseases and Child Survival | 3 |
PH.223.687 | Vaccine Policy Issues | 3 |
PH.260.656 | Malariology | 4 |
PH.340.612 | Epidemiologic Basis for Tuberculosis Control | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.223.682 | Clinical and Epidemiologic Aspects of Tropical Diseases | 4 |
PH.223.689 | Biologic Basis of Vaccine Development | 3 |
PH.223.705 | Good Clinical Practice: A Vaccine Trials Perspective | 4 |
PH.380.761 | Sexually Transmitted Infections in Public Health Practice | 4 |
PH.380.762 | HIV Infection in Women, Children, and Adolescents | 4 |
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
SECTION TWO: SKILLS IN RESEARCH (CHOOSE 1) | ||
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.340.660 | Practical Skills in Conducting Research in Clinical Epidemiology and Investigation | 3 |
SECOND TERM | ||
PH.340.717 | Health Survey Research Methods | 4 |
SECTION THREE: BIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF DISEASE (CHOOSE 1)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.260.623 | Fundamental Virology | 4 |
PH.340.654 | Epidemiology and Natural History of Human Viral Infections | 6 |
THIRD TERM | ||
PH.260.627 | Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections | 4 |
PH.260.650 | Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Diseases | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.260.603 | Biology of the Next Pandemic | 3 |
SECTION FOUR: IMMUNOLOGY (RECOMMENDED TO COMPLETE IN YEAR TWO)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.260.611 | Principles of Immunology I | 4 |
SECOND TERM | ||
Principles of Immunology II | ||
or PH.260.631 | Immunology, Infection and Disease |
SECTION FIVE: SKILLS IN ADVANCED ANALYTICAL AND STATISTICAL METHODS (CHOOSE AT LEAST 1. RECOMMEND TO COMPLETE IN YEAR TWO)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST TERM | ||
PH.140.641 | Survival Analysis | 3 |
PH.140.655 | Analysis of Multilevel and Longitudinal Data | 4 |
PH.330.657 | Statistics for Psychosocial Research: Measurement | 4 |
PH.340.696 | Spatial Analysis I: ArcGIS | 4 |
PH.340.728 | Advanced Methods for Design and Analysis of Cohort Studies | 5 |
PH.140.656 | Multilevel and Longitudinal Models - Data Analysis Workshop | 4 |
PH.140.658 | Statistics for Psychosocial Research: Structural Models | 4 |
PH.340.697 | Spatial Analysis II: Spatial Data Technologies | 3 |
FOURTH TERM | ||
PH.340.677 | Infectious Disease Dynamics: Theoretical and Computational Approaches | 4 |
Outside of Track Courses
All students must complete one introductory topical epidemiology course outside of the chosen track. Courses approved by the Curriculum Committee to meet this requirement are listed below:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
FIRST TERM | ||
Epidemiology of Aging | ||
Principles of Genetic Epidemiology 1 | ||
SECOND TERM | ||
Pharmacoepidemiology Methods | ||
Psychiatric Epidemiology | ||
Etiology, Prevention, and Control of Cancer | ||
Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases | ||
Introduction to Clinical Trials | ||
THIRD TERM | ||
Epidemiology of Sensory Loss in Aging | ||
Introduction to Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology | ||
FOURTH TERM | ||
Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology | ||
Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology | ||
Foundations of Social Epidemiology | ||
Total Credits | 3-4 |
Department Comprehensive Examination
A two-day written Department comprehensive examination is administered to all students enrolled in Epidemiology degree programs in late May of the first academic year. All students are required to sit for the exam on the scheduled dates—no alternate exams will be offered.
By the time of the examination, students should have completed 64 credits (one full year of residence), the required first-year coursework in their Track with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and in these courses:
-
Course List Code Title Credits PH.340.761 Epidemiologic Methods for EPI Doctoral Students I (Epidemiologic Methods for Epi Doctoral Students I) 5 PH.340.762 Epidemiologic Methods for EPI Doctoral Students II 5 PH.340.763 Epidemiologic Methods for EPI Doctoral Students III (Epidemiologic Methods for Epi Doctoral Students III) 5 PH.340.764 Epidemiologic Methods for EPI Doctoral Students IV (Epidemiologic Methods for Epi Doctoral Students IV) 5 Select one of the following Biostatistics series: 16 Statistical Methods in Public Health I
and Statistical Methods in Public Health II
and Statistical Methods in Public Health III
and Statistical Methods in Public Health IVMethods in Biostatistics I
and Methods in Biostatistics II
and Methods in Biostatistics III
and Methods in Biostatistics IV
The first day of the exam (Part A) includes testing on the following topics:
-
Knowledge and application of epidemiologic concepts and methods (and related biostatistics)
-
History of epidemiology
-
Contemporary issues in public health
-
Research ethics
The second day of the exam (Part B) is Track-specific and tests knowledge of concepts and methods presented in the required courses and activities for each Track, as well as the Department core courses as applied to the Track.
Students must pass both Part A and Part B of the comprehensive examination. Doctoral students must attain at least 75% on Part A and at least 75% on Part B to pass. A repeat examination may be allowed but is not guaranteed. If a repeat is granted, it must be completed before starting the second academic year.
Failure to pass one or both sections of the comps may result in dismissal from the doctoral program or from the Department.
Additionally, PhD students may not enroll in Doctoral Seminars courses (340.863) until they have successfully passed the written comprehensive exams at the doctoral level.
Dissertation Steps
Timing of Activities
Time | Description |
---|---|
Year 1 and Year 2 | Complete academic preparation for dissertation through coursework, special studies, and research with the adviser, attend seminars, journal clubs, and research-in-progress activities of interest. Students should meet at least once per term with their adviser and possibly weekly while completing special studies and research (PH.340.840). |
Year 2 | Students develop their specific aims, add a co-adviser, and produce a working draft of their dissertation research proposal prior to or during the fourth term of the second year. Students, in combination with their advisers, select a third member for the Thesis Advisory Committee and present their proposed research at a public seminar to the Department during the 4th Term of Year 2 or the 1st Term of Year 3. Students also begin to fulfill their Doctoral TA Curriculum during Year 2 and begin assuming leadership roles within the Department or School. |
Year 3 | Students hold their departmental and preliminary oral exams and begin research. Many students continue their teaching requirements and begin submitting papers for publication in conjunction with their advisers or other faculty mentors. Students should schedule a minimum of two weeks between the doctoral proposal seminar and the departmental oral exam and must schedule a minimum of four weeks between the departmental oral exam and the preliminary (school-wide) exam. Students may schedule all three activities simultaneously or wait to pass one before scheduling the next. Students may elect to take up to six months to prepare for each exam. Students must successfully pass their Preliminary Oral Exam within three academic years of enrollment in the doctoral degree program. |
Year 4 | Students conclude data collection and analysis, complete their dissertations, and hold the defense of their research. |
Thesis Advisory Committee
The role of the Thesis Advisory Committee is to provide continuity in the evaluation of the progress and development of the doctoral student. The Thesis Advisory Committee is assembled by the doctoral student and their adviser(s). The Thesis Advisory Committee consists of the dissertation (thesis) adviser and at least two additional faculty members who hold either primary or joint appointments in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology. If the student selects a co-adviser, the co-adviser serves on the Thesis Advisory Committee. Additional faculty within and outside of the School may also be recruited. Committee membership is permitted to change during the research period. The Thesis Advisory Committee is not the same as the Preliminary or Final Oral Examination Committees. The Thesis Advisory Committee decides when the student is ready to proceed through each of the milestones needed to complete the degree requirements, including the Doctoral Proposal Seminar, the Departmental and School-wide Preliminary Oral Examinations, and the Final Oral Examination (“defense”). Bi-annual formal meetings of the Thesis Advisory Committee are required, but meetings may and should occur more frequently. It is the student's responsibility to schedule meetings.
Tips for doctoral students for successful formal meetings of the Thesis Advisory Committee:
-
Prior to each meeting, draft an agenda with adviser input and distribute a one-page description of progress, including any key results
-
After each meeting, send a written report of the items discussed, decisions reached, and the action items to be completed by the next meeting to the members for approval
-
Maintain a log of the meetings to aid in writing the annual progress report and financial support documentation
Once the Thesis Advisory Committee is formed, submit the signed “Thesis Committee Approval Form” (on the Epi Intranet) to Fran Burman (franburman@jhu.edu) and Ebony Moore (eamoore@ jhu.edu).
Dissertation Research Proposal
The 12-page single-spaced dissertation research proposal is developed during Year 2, during 1st - 3rd Terms of PH.340.863 Doctoral Seminars in Epidemiology, and is the final project for the course PH.340.715 Problems in the Design of Epidemiologic Studies: Proposal Development and Critique. The dissertation proposal must be reviewed and approved by the Thesis Advisory Committee prior to scheduling the Doctoral Research Proposal Seminar.
After the Thesis Advisory Committee has approved the student's 12-page dissertation research proposal, the student must orally present the proposal in a Doctoral Proposal Seminar to the Department. Students should present a prepared presentation of approximately 40-45 minutes in length followed by approximately 15-20 minutes of questions and discussion. The dissertation (thesis) adviser must attend, and the Thesis Advisory Committee members and the Track Director are strongly encouraged to attend. Doctoral Proposal Seminars are advertised to the Department at large, and students and their adviser(s) should personally invite any other colleagues they would like to attend. The best ways to prepare for this seminar include attending Doctoral Research Proposal Seminars presented by peers and by presenting in research-in-progress meetings. Students should plan to conduct a ‘dress rehearsal,’ prior to the actual proposal (in the same room reserved for the defense to familiarize themselves with the surroundings and test all technology) for use during the Doctoral Research Proposal Seminar.
After the Thesis Advisory Committee has approved the student to present their Doctoral Proposal Seminar, the student should work with the adviser and Thesis Advisory Committee to select a seminar date. Once the Advisory Committee and adviser(s) have confirmed readiness, the student can proceed with reserving a date and room. To schedule a date, students should contact the Epi Academic Core to discuss dates and submit the “Doctoral Proposal Seminar Form” (on SharePoint), which includes preferences for seminar dates (1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices). This form requires the signature of the adviser and the Track Director.
Departmental Oral Examination
Purpose
After the Thesis Advisory Committee has approved the Dissertation Research Proposal and the student has presented the Doctoral Proposal Seminar, the next step is to schedule and sit for the Departmental Oral Examination. The primary purpose of the Departmental Oral Examination is to prepare the student for the Preliminary Oral Examination. As such, the Departmental Oral Examination shares the purpose of the Preliminary Oral Examination:
To determine whether the student has both the ability and knowledge to undertake significant research in the general area of interest, including:
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the student's capacity for logical thinking;
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their breadth of knowledge in relevant areas; and
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their ability to develop and conduct research leading to a completed dissertation (thesis).
Discussion of a specific research proposal, if available, may serve as a vehicle for determining the student's general knowledge and research capacity. However, this examination is not intended to be a defense of a specific research proposal.
Students are encouraged to practice discussing epidemiologic methods, ethics, and public health knowledge at the level of a doctoral student with their adviser and thesis advisory committee in preparation for the oral exams. Professionalism, communication skills, and solid comprehension of epidemiologic methods are key in conveying the student's knowledge and readiness to conduct independent research.
Meeting with the Senior Academic Program Manager
In preparation for scheduling the Department Oral Examination, students should meet with the Senior Academic Program Manager, Fran Burman (FranBurman@jhu.edu), to confirm that the student has met all Track, Department, and Schoolwide course requirements and has assembled a valid set of proposed committee members for the Thesis Advisory Committee, and the Department and the Preliminary Oral Examinations.
Department Oral Examination Committee Membership
The Department Oral Examination Committee is comprised of the adviser (primary), two other members, and one alternate member, all of whom have primary appointments in the Department of Epidemiology. Thesis committee members, including co-advisers, are not permitted to serve on the Departmental Oral Examination committee with the exception of the student’s adviser, who must participate. Eligible faculty roles are from tenure and non-tenure professor tracks, research/practice & teaching professor tracks, and scientist tracks. Students are not expected to meet with members of the Committee prior to the examination and should not expect that committee members will discuss what questions they will be asked.
While the above describes the necessary committee, in any case where the student or advising team wants to have an additional faculty member present, the examiners and student must decide in advance whether the extra faculty member may ask questions and if yes, whether the student’s responses will count toward the final dispensation of the exam. In any case, the extra person may not vote but may contribute feedback to the student. Students considering this should first check in with the academic office.
DEPARTMENT ORAL EXAMINATION FORM
The “Department Oral Examination Form” is due to the Senior Academic Program Coordinator, Ebony Moore (eamoore@jhu.edu), at least 14 days prior to the date of the proposed exam. With the approval of the Dissertation (thesis) Adviser, the form should be submitted after presenting the Doctoral Proposal Seminar and incorporating any key input from the Seminar into the Dissertation Research Proposal.
SCHEDULING
The Senior Academic Coordinator, Ebony Moore (eamoore@jhu.edu), will schedule the room and send a memo to examiners prior to the examination date. For hybrid or Zoom-based exams, the adviser will provide the Zoom link.
CONDUCT OF THE EXAMINATION
Prior to the exam, students submit to the Department Oral Examination Committee members a single-page summary of the dissertation proposal, including the specific aims, hypotheses, and methods. Committee members may request the longer 12-page Dissertation Research Proposal. The examination should be scheduled for and completed in one and a half hours but may be concluded earlier or later as determined by the Committee. At the start of the exam, students will present a brief talk of no more than 10 minutes that concisely summarizes the aims, hypothesis, methods, limitations, and significance of their proposed dissertation research. This presentation may be a distillation of the Doctoral Proposal Seminar.
The faculty will ask questions all second-year Epidemiology PhD students should be comfortable discussing. The students may use their research proposal for examples. However, the exam is not a determination of the viability of the proposed research but rather a determination of whether the student is ready to commence guided independent research.
Department Oral Examination Outcome
The possible outcomes of the oral examination are Unconditional Pass, Conditional Pass, or Failure (retake). Conditional Pass requires the student and Department Oral Examination Committee to agree on remedial action designed to be completed within two weeks of the date of the examination. The adviser must communicate the conditions in writing to the PhD student and the Epidemiology Academic Support Core Office within 48 hours of the exam. Students who fail the exam (require more remedial work than can be reasonably completed within two weeks (10 business days) will be required to re-take the Department Oral Examination within six months. Two failures of the Departmental Oral Examination will result in dismissal from the degree program. For more information about the Departmental Oral Examination, please review the Department of Epidemiology Student Guidelines for the Departmental Oral Examination” (on the Epi Sharepoint site).
Preliminary Oral Examination
Preliminary Oral Examination (aka School-wide Exam)
This is also colloquially known as the “Schoolwide Oral Examination.” Students and their adviser(s) are responsible for initiating arrangements for the preliminary doctoral examination. The University Graduate Board oversees these exams.
Purpose
After the student has passed the Departmental Oral Examination, the next step is the Preliminary Oral Examination. The purpose of the Preliminary Oral Examination is to determine whether the student has both the ability and knowledge to undertake significant research in their general area of interest, including:
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the student's capacity for logical thinking;
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their breadth of knowledge in relevant areas; and
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their ability to develop and conduct research leading to a completed dissertation.
Discussion of a specific research proposal, if available, may serve as a vehicle for determining the student's general knowledge and research capacity. However, this examination is not intended to be a defense of a specific research proposal. The preliminary oral examination is 90 minutes to two hours in duration.
Preliminary Oral Examination Committee Membership
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Must consist of five voting members
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Two members must be from the epidemiology department; one of these is the adviser.
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A third member from the epidemiology department is optional.
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Limit of 3 members from sponsoring department.
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Thesis Advisory Committee members may serve on the Committee.
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The student's adviser of record must serve as a member of the Committee.
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The adviser must be among the members present; an alternate may not serve in place of the adviser.
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The senior faculty member without a primary appointment in Epidemiology will serve as Chair of the Committee and must hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
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All faculty members serving on the Committee may only represent the department of their primary faculty appointment.
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The only instance when the faculty member can serve in their joint appointment capacity is if they are the student’s adviser.
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Most often, the committee is comprised of duly appointed faculty members of a University department and must hold, at the time of selection, a faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher.
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Adjunct, emeritus, or scientist track faculty may participate but may only represent up to 2 of the total members of the committee
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All members of the Committee must be present at the scheduled exam location; teleconference is permitted on a case-by-case basis.
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The committee must be comprised of three Departments of the University, two being from the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
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The committee must have appropriate alternate members to serve on the committee.
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The selection of alternates is very important for ensuring the exam can take place at the originally scheduled date/time. If a student has two members on their committee from epidemiology, the student should have one alternate from epidemiology and one from a non-sponsoring department.
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If a student has three members on their committee from epidemiology, then two alternates should be selected from two different non-sponsoring departments.
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At least two weeks prior to the exam, students submit to the Preliminary Oral Examination Committee members a single-page summary of the dissertation proposal, including the specific aims, hypotheses, and methods. Committee members may request the longer 12-page Dissertation Research Proposal.
preliminary oral exam form
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Students may not submit this form until after they have successfully passed the Departmental Oral Examination.
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The Registration Coordinator (BSPHEXAMS@jh.edu) will not approve the form unless it is submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the proposed examination date. There are no exceptions.
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This form requires signatures from Senior Academic Program Manager, the adviser, and the Department Chair or a Vice Chair. The form should be moved from draft to submitted at least 3-4 days prior to the due date (30 days prior to the exam).
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The exam is not considered officially scheduled and cannot be held until the student and examiners received notification from the Dean of the approval of the exam.
Scheduling
The student is responsible for scheduling the room for the exam, requesting Multimedia support if needed, and sending a memo to examiners confirming the date, time, and location of the exam prior to the exam date. The Department recommends scheduling the examination in E6130 or W6015.
Examination Outcome
The outcome of the examination is Unconditional Pass, Conditional Pass, or Failure. Should the student receive a conditional pass, the Committee remains standing until the conditions, specified in writing, have been met. The consequence of a failure is decided by the Committee:
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no re-examination;
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re-examination by the same committee;
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re-examination in written form and conducted by the same committee; or
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re-examination by a new committee.
Primary Data Collection Requirement
Primary data collection is defined as:
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instrument design;
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data collection; or
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data management, quality assurance, and quality control.
Primary data collection is required for all PhD students. This requirement may be met through dissertation research or is satisfied through work on projects distinct from the dissertation. It may be obtained through work with a single epidemiologic study, or it can be a compilation of several experiences that together fulfill the requirement. Primary data collection may be obtained as part of paid work. Students must document their plan for obtaining experience with primary data collection and submit this plan to their Thesis Advisory Committee with their 12-page dissertation proposal.
The Thesis Advisory Committee may approve primary data collection that occurred prior to matriculation to the doctoral program, but this approval is not guaranteed. Any questions regarding primary data collection will be directed from the Thesis Advisory Committee to a Vice Chair. Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of primary data collection processes in the epidemiologic study (or studies) utilized for their dissertation. This includes knowledge of the forms, instruments, and measurement processes relevant to their research; knowledge of quality control/assurance procedures of the study (or studies); and an evaluation of the potential threats to validity in the processes extending from primary measurement to the analytic dataset. If primary data collection is not a direct component of the dissertation research, doctoral students should include their primary data collection experience as an appendix to the dissertation.
Doctoral Dissertation
Doctoral students must complete an original investigation presented in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation should be based on original research involving the generation of new knowledge by the student, worthy of publication, and acceptable to the Department of Epidemiology and to the Final Oral Examination Committee (Thesis Readers). Doctoral students have two options for the format of their dissertation, the traditional format, and the 3 manuscripts format. The Department recommends the manuscript format to accelerate the time to submission of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Manuscript Format
The manuscript format must meet the following criteria:
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The dissertation includes at least three manuscripts, linked by a common theme,
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The doctoral student must be the first author of each of the manuscripts to be included in the dissertation,
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A manuscript will not be accepted as part of the dissertation if it was submitted before the student's dissertation topic was approved by the Thesis Advisory Committee,
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The manuscripts must be acceptable for publication based on usual substantive area peer review expectations, and
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The dissertation should be organized as follows:
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The body of the dissertation should include a series of papers that are linked by a common theme (i.e., the student's dissertation topic)
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The first chapter may be a comprehensive critical literature review suitable for publication. It should introduce the scientific hypothesis for the dissertation
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Chapters two and three (or more) are the manuscripts, possibly with a transitional short chapter between each relating one to the other
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A final chapter should integrate and discuss the findings reported in the manuscripts. It should include a discussion of the conclusions drawn from research, a synthesis of the findings, and should make recommendations for further studies
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The dissertation may include an appendix outlining the details of study methods and any accompanying data tables deemed necessary to fully understand the data
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Traditional Format
The traditional format includes:
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An introductory chapter, outlining the theme, hypotheses, and/or goals of the dissertation coupled with a review of the literature,
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Research chapters that are coherently structured for the research aims, each providing a reader enough detail to apply similar methods in another study, and
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A concluding chapter with an overall analysis and integration of the research and conclusions of the dissertation in light of current research in the field.
Regardless of the format, it is expected that the student will work with their adviser and any co-advisers to develop drafts of their dissertation chapters and receive constructive substantive and editorial feedback. Together, they will decide when drafts are ready for wider distribution to other members of the Thesis Advisory Committee and, if necessary, to other project collaborators. Follow the School’s guidelines for the preparation of the dissertation. The dissertation is a requirement for partial fulfillment of the PhD degree. Students may consult the School’s Policy and Procedures Memoranda (PPM) for the PhD program.
Final Defense
Appointment of thesis readers/final defense form
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BSPHExams@jhu.edu must receive the form at least 30 days prior to the anticipated exam date. There are no exceptions.
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The form requires signatures from the Senior Academic Program Manager, the adviser, and the Department Chair. The student is responsible for obtaining the required signatures in that order. The form should therefore be submitted to Frances Burman (FranBurman@jhu.edu) at least 3 to 4 days prior to the date of submission to the BSPHExams@jhu.edu for processing.
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The exam is not considered officially scheduled and cannot be held until the student and examiners received notification from the Dean of the approval of the exam.
Seminar
As a culminating experience for the doctoral student, the student will present a formal, public seminar. This requirement provides experience for the student in preparing a formal seminar; provides the faculty and Department with an opportunity to share in the student’s accomplishments; and gives the student a sense of finality to the doctoral experience. Students typically present a formal public seminar in conjunction with the Final Oral Examination.
The student and advisor are responsible for scheduling the room for the defense, and requesting Multimedia support. For hybrid audiences, the student and advisor must use a licensed Zoom account. Advisors must attend in person.
Examination Purpose
The purpose of the Final Oral Examination is to ensure that the Candidate is able to present and defend the dissertation and its underlying assumptions, methodology, results, and conclusions in a manner consistent with the doctoral degree being sought.
The final oral examination is up to three hours in total (one for seminar/presentation and up to two for exam by committee).
Committee Membership (Dissertation (Thesis) Readers) and Appointment of Thesis readers / final defense examination request form
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Must consist of four voting members:
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Two members must have a primary faculty appointment in Epidemiology.
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The other two members must have appointments in two different departments other than Epidemiology.
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The student's adviser of record must serve as a Thesis Reader and a member of the Final Oral Examination Committee.
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Alternates are not permitted to serve in place of the adviser.
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If the adviser is unable to attend the Final Oral Examination, co-advisers may serve in this role.
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All faculty members must serve on the Committee representing the department of their primary faculty appointment.
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The only instance when the faculty member can serve in their joint appointment capacity is if they are the student’s adviser.
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The senior faculty member without a primary appointment in Epidemiology will serve as Chair of the Committee and must hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
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Co-advisers may not serve as Chair.
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The committee is comprised of duly appointed faculty members of a University department and must hold, at the time of selection, a JHU faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher.
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Either one scientist track or one adjunct faculty member may serve on the Exam Committee, but not both.
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The Committee of Thesis Readers may be increased to five members, provided that all other committee composition requirements are satisfied.
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The fifth member may serve on the Final Oral Examination Committee but that individual does not have voting privileges.
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All members of the Committee must be present at the scheduled exam location; teleconference/remote participation may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
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Must be comprised of three Departments of the University, two being from the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
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It is permissible to have three different BSPH departments represented on the committee.
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Must have appropriate alternate members to serve on the committee.
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The selection of alternates is very important for ensuring the exam can take place at the originally scheduled date/time.
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Choose alternates that will fulfill the committee composition requirements, regardless of who is able to attend.
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One alternate should be from the Department of Epidemiology and the other from a non-sponsoring department.
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The Department recommends scheduling the examination in E6130 or W6015. The exam may be held virtually (subject to change by university COVID guidelines). If held virtually, the adviser provides the Zoom link for the seminar and the exam.
Distribution of Dissertation to Dissertation (Thesis) Readers
Committee members are encouraged and expected to communicate to the student specific recommendations for changes in the dissertation prior to the Final Oral Examination. The student is, therefore, expected to distribute the dissertation to the Committee at least four weeks before the date of the Final Oral Examination. The Dissertation Approval Form signed by the student’s adviser should accompany the dissertation at the time it is distributed to the committee members.
Conduct of the Examination
If one of the officially appointed Committee members fails to appear on the Final Oral Examination date/time, the previously approved alternate will serve as an examiner. A Final Oral Examination may not be held with fewer than four officially approved faculty members present in the room. The adviser must be among the members present; an alternate may not serve in the place of the adviser. Only approved Committee members are permitted to participate as examiners. During the Final Oral Examination, the Committee will evaluate:
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the originality and publication potential of the research,
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the candidate's understanding of the details of the methodologic and analytic work, and
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the final quality of the written dissertation document.
The examination committee chair along with the examiners will determine the details of how the Final Oral Examination is conducted.
Examination Outcome
The possible outcome of the Final Oral Examination based on the student’s performance and written dissertation is determined by closed ballot as Acceptable, Conditionally Acceptable, or Unacceptable. If one or more members require substantive changes to the dissertation (Conditionally Acceptable), the specific nature of these changes and the time expected for the student to complete them will be provided to the student in writing. The appropriately revised dissertation must be submitted to each of the members for final approval. If one or more members feel that the candidate’s understanding of the written dissertation is inadequate (Unacceptable), or that the dissertation in its present form is not acceptable, then the candidate has failed. Re-examination would be in order unless there is a unanimous recommendation to the contrary. Re-examination is normally conducted by the same committee, but a new committee may be selected by the School’s Chair of the Committee on Academic Standards if petitioned by the student.
After the Final Defense
Please consult the Registrar's Office portal site for dissertation format and submission, procedures to follow upon completion of the defense, and additional policy matters.
Graduation
The Registrar's Office handles all aspects of graduation and degree verification. Graduates are encouraged to participate in Convocation.
Milestones Flowchart
Date | Description |
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Year 1 | Complete required coursework |
Once per Term | Attend quarterly doctoral meetings; Meet with Advisor(s); Set expectations with RA Supervisors and review performance expectations |
Year 1, 4th Term | Register for Special Studies with Advisor(s) to begin developing research questions and projects |
Annually | Professional Development Discussion (IDP) with Advisor(s) |
Prior to Year 2 | Verification of completion of course requirements prior to 1st Term of Year 2 |
Date | Description |
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Year 2 | Complete any additional required coursework; Begin Doctoral TA Curriculum |
Year 2, 2nd Term | Explore co-Advisor(s) options, submit approved co-Advisor form to the Epi Academic Core |
Once per Term | Attend quarterly doctoral meetings; Meet with Advisor(s); Set expectations with RA Supervisors and review performance expectations |
Year 2 or Year 3 | Form Thesis Advisory Committee, submit Thesis Advisory Committee approval form to the Epi Academic Core |
Annually | Meet with Thesis Advisory Committee |
Prior to Year 3 | Submit thesis proposal to Advisor(s) |
Date | Description |
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Year 3 | Doctoral Proposal Seminar; Submit thesis proposal to Thesis Advisory Committee; Meet annually with Thesis Advisory Committee |
Departmental Oral Exam; submit form to Epi Academic Core two weeks prior to the exam | |
Preliminary Oral Exam; submit form to BSPHEXAMS@jh.edu at least 30 days prior to the exam | |
Doctoral TA Curriculum | |
Quarterly | Meet with Advisor(s); Set expectations with RA Supervisors and review performance expectations |
Prior to starting research | Submit PHIRST application for IRB Review |
Date | Description |
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Year 4 | Data collection and analysis; finalize dissertation |
Doctoral TA Curriculum | |
Quarterly | Meet with Advisor(s); Set expectations with RA Supervisors and review performance expectations |
Prior to scheduling Final Defense Seminar | Submit changes in research scope to IRB; Submit Thesis Research Documentation form to BSPH |
Prior to Final Oral Exam | Advisor submits Dissertation Approval Form to Co-Advisor(s), Thesis Advisory Committee, and Readers at least 30 days prior to Final Oral Exam. |
Submit Appointment of Thesis Readers and Final Oral Exam form to BSPHEXAMS@jh.edu | |
Schedule Final Defense Seminar | Notify Epi Academic Core at least one month in advance of Final Defense Seminar. |
Schedule Final Oral Exam | Refer to Schoolwide Deadlines for degree conferral deadlines. |
Submit Thesis Acceptance Letters to BSPHEXAMS@jh.edu | |
Submit thesis to JH Libraries. | |
Complete "Epi Student Departure Checklist" |
Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM) for the Doctor of Philosophy
The Department of Epidemiology reserves the right to augment the Doctoral PPM for BSPH. Current students can access the Epidemiology Student Handbook on the PhD program page on the BSPH website.
Expectations of PhD Student Workers
Assignment of work appointments
PhD student workers are assigned up to 20 hours per week on average of departmental work, including a combination of TA and RA positions. Students on federal training grants are required to fulfill the requirements outlined in their training plan. Didactic training, coursework, academic research as part of the dissertation process, and dissertation milestones are not included in the assignment of work appointments.
PhD student workers should discuss with their Academic Advisors and RA Supervisors the availability of positions for student workers in upcoming academic terms. PhD student workers who need to find an RA or TA position for upcoming academic terms should refer to the Epi Student Job Board and apply for available positions. Appointment letters will outline work assignments for upcoming academic terms. Work assignments may vary year by year and term by term.
For 1st year students, the first year of training for PhD students in Epidemiology is didactic training, specifically focused on coursework and starting to develop a research proposal. Student workers will receive work assignments starting July 1 after their first year.
Supplemental work
Students may accept additional supplemental work appointments. Supplemental work appointments are voluntary. Students on federal training grants are limited to 10 hours on average of supplemental work per week.
Communication with Supervisors
Supervisors must discuss work-related expectations with the student worker within three weeks of the appointment start date. For RA student workers, supervisors and the student worker will reflect on the student worker’s performance and accomplishments in CoursePlus Touchpoints at the end of the RA work appointment.
Work performance
Student workers are employees of the University. RA student workers are expected to meet the expectations of their RA role as outlined by their supervisor at the beginning of the appointment start date. If the Supervisor feels that the student worker is underperforming, the Supervisor will engage the Epi Academic Core to mediate the work appointment. The Epi Academic Core will meet with both the student worker and supervisor separately within two weeks of the issue being raised by the supervisor to determine the appropriate category of remediation needed. Based on the correct identification of the source of the performance issue the Epi Academic Core will work with the student worker to discuss areas of improvement. This may include opportunities for skill-building, communication and time management strategies, or other opportunities. A follow-up meeting will be held within two months to evaluate the effectiveness of any corrective action. The Epi Academic Core will coordinate with the RA supervisor, the Department, and the School on final steps. If the supervisor and the Department determine that termination of the RA student worker from the paid position is necessary, the Epi Academic Core will refer to the guidance of the School and the Office of General Counsel (OGC).
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Use of AI in work-related tasks is prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the supervisor. Use of AI in work-related tasks may be permitted when relevant to the nature and goals of the student worker’s position. Copying and pasting text from generative AI tools is plagiarism, which is a violation of academic ethics.
Summer Internships
Student workers may consider summer internship opportunities. If a paid internship external to JHU requires a full-time commitment of more than 20 hours per week on average where the internship is not informing the degree completion, then the student should be completing academic tasks and may continue with benefits-only coverage for the duration of the internship. If the paid internship does not compensate at or above the minimum amount specified by the CBA, then the expectations of the PhD student worker during the duration of the internship will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For internships at less than 20 hours per week on average where the internship is not informing the degree completion, then the student should be completing academic tasks and the Department will assign up to 20 hours of work per week on average for the duration of the internship. Students on training grants who are interested in Summer Internships must confer with the T32 program director and the Epi Academic Core 60 days in advance of their next work appointment regarding their training grant appointment for during and after the period of the internship. A T32 trainee may not work for more than 10 supplemental paid hours per week while appointed to a federal training award.
Remote work
Supervisors and student workers must discuss work-related expectations at the start of the work appointment, including where the work should be performed. Student workers preparing to travel should discuss expectations of remote work directly with their supervisor. Supervisors and the Department must approve any arrangements for remote work.
Traveling internationally
When student workers travel outside the United States with the intent to work, there are legal, tax, security, and export control considerations. All work travel and remote work occurring outside the United States must be reviewed and approved by the supervisor(s), the Department, and the University in advance of travel. Student workers must notify the Department at least 60 days in advance of their intent to travel outside the United States. The University requires at least 30 days prior to the intended departure date to review the travel plans and determine ability for the work to commence abroad.
International students
International students and other students seeking immigration, visa, and travel guidance should reach out directly to the Office of International Service (OIS), which provides individualized advising by e-mail, phone, and video, as well as around-the-clock services via the iHopkins self-service portal. OIS reminds international students and scholars considering travel that changes can occur at any time. If you cannot afford an interruption in your studies, research, employment, or teaching due to an indefinite period abroad, you should carefully consider the need to travel outside the United States. International PhD student workers who are required to travel out of the country to maintain their immigration status to continue their program at the University are eligible for up to 14 days off with pay during the period of such travel.
According to the requirements of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), all BSPH degree students must be grounded in foundational public health knowledge. Please view the list of specific CEPH requirements by degree type.
Epidemiology Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program competencies are organized by Track:
Cancer Epidemiology
1. Formulate an epidemiological research question and design a research study that helps answer it, including identifying the target population, appropriate source and study populations, adequate exposure, outcome, and covariate assessments, and plans to address threats to validity such as confounding and bias in the design and analysis phases.
2. Apply core statistical concepts and methods; display and communicate statistical data.
3. Develop and deliver a presentation on at least one common cancer and effective strategies for cancer prevention and control at the population level.
4. Perform genetic association tests in population-based samples, in either prospective or retrospective designs, to address cancer-specific research questions.
5. Present a proposal to a scientific audience that covers a current problem in modern cancer epidemiology, including a research plan to address that problem.
6. Formulate, refine, and critique a conceptual framework in cancer epidemiology.
7. Critically evaluate the adequacy and scientific merit of research proposals, including those related to cancer epidemiology.
8. Teach core epidemiological principles at the graduate level, including the incorporation of feedback from faculty instructors.
Cardiovascular and clinical epidemiology
1. Formulate an epidemiological research question and design a research study that helps answer it, including identifying the target population, appropriate source and study populations, adequate exposure, outcome, and covariate assessments, and plans to address threats to validity such as confounding and bias in the design and analysis phases.
2. Apply core statistical concepts and methods; display and communicate statistical data.
3. Evaluate and critique designs, data sources, analytic methods (including risk prediction and physical activity assessment), data presentations, and conclusions of studies commonly used in clinical and cardiovascular epidemiology.
4. Assess pathophysiologic processes involved in common cardiovascular diseases, including the biological mechanisms through which cardiovascular risk factors affect different parts of the cardiovascular system (e.g., heart, kidneys, peripheral arteries) and appropriate uses of different techniques (e.g., echocardiography, CT scan, and MRI) used to detect and quantify the presence of clinical and cardiovascular diseases.
5. Develop a specific hypothesis to answer a relevant question in clinical and cardiovascular epidemiology, integrate knowledge of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases to evaluate biological plausibility, and assemble relevant literature to evaluate the hypothesis.
6. Formulate, refine, and critique a conceptual framework in cardiovascular disease epidemiology.
7. Critically evaluate the adequacy and scientific merit of research proposals, including those related to cardiovascular disease epidemiology.
8. Teach core epidemiological principles at the graduate level, including the incorporation of feedback from faculty instructors.
Clinical Trials and evidence synthesis
1. Formulate an epidemiological research question and design a research study that helps answer it, including identifying the target population, appropriate source and study populations, adequate exposure, outcome, and covariate assessments, and plans to address threats to validity such as confounding and bias in the design and analysis phases.
2. Apply core statistical concepts and methods; display and communicate statistical data.
3. Evaluate the historical development of research ethics and assess the role of ethical guidelines in the design and conduct of clinical trials. Appraise the process of obtaining informed consent and consideration of privacy in the clinical trial setting.
4. Conduct, present, and interpret the results of meta-analyses and critique the methodologic rigor of systematic reviews.
5. Make reasonable decisions about how to collect and manage data for studies of various sizes and budgets and integrate data management activities into the conduct of a research project.
6. Formulate, refine, and critique a conceptual framework in clinical trials and epidemiological methods.
7. Critically evaluate the adequacy and scientific merit of research proposals, including those related to clinical trials and epidemiological methods.
8. Teach core epidemiological principles at the graduate level, including the incorporation of feedback from faculty instructors.
Environmental Epidemiology
1. Formulate an epidemiological research question and design a research study that helps answer it, including identifying the target population, appropriate source and study populations, adequate exposure, outcome, and covariate assessments, and plans to address threats to validity such as confounding and bias in the design and analysis phases.
2. Apply core statistical concepts and methods; display and communicate statistical data.
3. Delineate, assess, and apply the concepts and methods of exposure and dose in epidemiologic research and in validation studies.
4. Analyze and interpret environmental and occupational health problems, and discuss exposure-disease relationships in human populations.
5. Interpret, critique, and summarize the design, quantitative methods, and findings of major published studies and peer-reviewed manuscripts in environmental and occupational epidemiology research.
6. Formulate, refine, and critique a conceptual framework in environmental epidemiology.
7. Critically evaluate the adequacy and scientific merit of research proposals, including those related to environmental epidemiology.
8. Teach core epidemiological principles at the graduate level, including the incorporation of feedback from faculty instructors.
Epidemiology of Aging
1. Formulate an epidemiological research question and design a research study that helps answer it, including identifying the target population, appropriate source and study populations, adequate exposure, outcome, and covariate assessments, and plans to address threats to validity such as confounding and bias in the design and analysis phases.
2. Apply core statistical concepts and methods; display and communicate statistical data.
3. Evaluate opportunities for the prevention of diseases and syndromes in the context of the aging phenotypes of older adults.
4. Assess policy programs, financing considerations, and workforce issues that pertain to meeting the economic, health, and social needs of aging societies.
5. Evaluate potential explanations for epidemiologic associations between sensory impairments and gerontologic outcomes.
6. Formulate, refine, and critique a conceptual framework in the epidemiology of aging.
7. Critically evaluate the adequacy and scientific merit of research proposals, including those related to the epidemiology of aging.
8. Teach core epidemiological principles at the graduate level, including the incorporation of feedback from faculty instructors.
General Epidemiology and Methodology
1. Formulate an epidemiological research question and design a research study that helps answer it, including identifying the target population, appropriate source and study populations, adequate exposure, outcome, and covariate assessments, and plans to address threats to validity, such as confounding and bias in the design and analysis phases.
2. Apply core statistical concepts and methods; display and communicate statistical data.
3. Develop a plan for conducting clinical research, and categorize and interpret the effects of complex mechanisms involving bias and variability.
4. Appraise methods for estimating causal effects in randomized designs and alternative designs to randomization in public health sciences.
5. Evaluate and critique the ways in which inequality is measured and how measures influence the interpretation of data.
6. Formulate, refine, and critique a conceptual framework in epidemiology methodology.
7. Critically evaluate the adequacy and scientific merit of research proposals, including those related to epidemiology methodology.
8. Teach core epidemiological principles at the graduate level, including the incorporation of feedback from faculty instructors.
Genetic Epidemiology
1. Formulate an epidemiological research question and design a research study that helps answer it, including identifying the target population, appropriate source and study populations, adequate exposure, outcome, and covariate assessments, and plans to address threats to validity such as confounding and bias in the design and analysis phases.
2. Apply core statistical concepts and methods; display and communicate statistical data.
3. Integrate an understanding of key components of molecular biology, such as the structure of DNA and molecular mechanisms of the central dogma into genetic epidemiology.
4. Apply various design strategies for genetic studies considering the advantages and disadvantages of each, and perform genetic association tests in population-based samples, in either prospective or retrospective designs.
5. Describe various cutting-edge analyses of large-scale genome-wide association studies to inform biology, causality, and prediction.
6. Formulate, refine, and critique a conceptual framework in genetic epidemiology.
7. Critically evaluate the adequacy and scientific merit of research proposals, including those related to genetic epidemiology.
8. Teach core epidemiological principles at the graduate level, including the incorporation of feedback from faculty instructors.
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
1. Formulate an epidemiological research question and design a research study that helps answer it, including identifying the target population, appropriate source and study populations, adequate exposure, outcome, and covariate assessments, and plans to address threats to validity such as confounding and bias in the design and analysis phases.
2. Apply core statistical concepts and methods; display and communicate statistical data.
3. Incorporate the main epidemiological characteristics of the major infectious diseases of humans into development and evaluation strategies to prevent epidemics or endemic transmission.
4. Discuss and appraise methods and techniques to address challenges unique to infectious disease epidemiology, including network analysis, methods for determining contact rates, and the heterogeneity of host responses to pathogen exposure.
5. Conduct an outbreak investigation and use the epidemic curve to identify the epidemic type, incubation period, and potential mode of transmission.
6. Formulate, refine, and critique a conceptual framework in infectious disease epidemiology.
7. Critically evaluate the adequacy and scientific merit of research proposals, including those related to infectious disease epidemiology.
8. Teach core epidemiological principles at the graduate level, including the incorporation of feedback from faculty instructors.