Doctor of Science in Epidemiology - Genetic Epidemiology

The doctoral program in Epidemiology is anchored in public health and population research and analysis. Students approach research using epidemiologic methods to understand complex human health problems. The PhD requires two years of coursework followed by two (or more) years of research. Students are required to complete a teaching training curriculum and serve as a teaching assistant for methods and topical courses. Additionally, students must complete a written comprehensive exam, a practice oral exam, a preliminary exam, multiple oral and poster presentations, and a final dissertation including presentation and defense. Our track aims to integrate rigorous epidemiologic methods with genetic principles and techniques to identify how genes contribute to risk for disease. The genetic epidemiology faculty are actively engaged in a wide range of research projects, including research into neuropsychiatric disorders, birth defects, infectious diseases, cancer, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and aging, in addition to methodologic research to develop and assess statistical methods for genetic epidemiology. Current and former students have conducted their thesis research on many topics including genetic susceptibility to diabetes, AIDS, bipolar disorder, cognitive decline, breast cancer, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and asthma. Through collaborative research projects both within and outside the Department, students have the opportunity to develop their own ideas and implement the analytical methods introduced in the required courses.