Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Epidemiology program at Drexel's Dornsife School of Public Health prepares students to approach problems with the critical analytic skills necessary for the generation of substantial and significant epidemiologic questions, and to utilize the most rigorous and parsimonious research strategies to answer such questions. Additionally, integral values of the Department and School infuse students with the commitment to pursue important and innovative topics of inquiry even when faced with methodological challenges and to undertake studies that generate knowledge applicable to diverse social, ethnic, and geographically defined populations.Students graduate with the skills and expertise necessary to initiate and direct scientifically rigorous research that can foster improvement of the health and well-being of communities and populations.Students take a comprehensive exam that requires them to synthesize coursework and demonstrate mastery of public health competencies. Students also develop and defend a dissertation proposal and complete a dissertation of publishable quality and final defense.