The PhD degree program prepares students for careers in epidemiologic research and teaching, usually in an academic setting. The PhD graduate is expected to have knowledge across a wide range of epidemiologic theory and methods as well as sustained experience in the conduct of research in one or more content areas. The Ph.D. program has a strong theoretical base and is focused on research. Graduates are likely to become independent researchers and faculty members. The Ph.D. is the terminal degree in epidemiology.
Applicants must meet the school's admission requirements for entrance into Doctoral programs at SPHTM.
Please visit the university course catalog for degree program competencies and requirements.
The PhD program requires a minimum of 72 post baccalaureate degree credits, with at least 30 credits of advanced course work taken at Tulane SPHTM. Up to 42 credits may be applied from a MPH or other master’s degree. The master’s courses will be reviewed, and only courses fulfilling the required competencies will be applied toward the 72 credits for the PhD. Prerequisite or similar courses needed for advanced study will not count in the 30 credits of advanced study, but may count toward the total 72 credits.
The advisor works with the students in identifying the course of study in the doctoral program. If the doctoral student does not have a prior public health degree, they must obtain a grounding in public health. See Doctoral Student Handbook.
All Epidemiology doctoral students must serve as teaching assistants for EPID 7120 and EPID 7130 at least once.
Prerequisite Coursework (from prior master's degree)
Advanced Doctoral Study - at least 30 credits of advanced course work:
Required seminars
Elective courses
Selected from courses offered within the department, school, or university in consultation with an academic advisor.
Research Ethics
Students are required to take online research ethics training via CITI or another equivalent training program in research ethics. This certification must remain current throughout the program duration.
Students are required to pass a written comprehensive examination demonstrates general knowledge of epidemiologic and biostatistical methods and knowledge of the epidemiology in at least one content area. The exam will include sections on higher level epidemiologic methods, a content area and study design.
Prospectus
Students must prepare and defend a prospectus of proposed research.
Dissertation
Students must conduct original research and defend a dissertation based on that research.
Graduation Requirements
Students in the Epidemiology PhD program are required to maintain standards of performance that exceed the minimum required by the School. Students must earn a "B+" or better in all required coursework. Students who receive lower than a "B+" in required coursework must repeat the course at their own expense.
Department Chair: Jiang He, MD, PhD
Program Director: Emily Harville, PhD
Department Administrator: Therese Carter
Email: epi@tulane.edu
Phone: (504) 988-6809
You can learn more in a webcast.
