PhD Program
The Epidemiology PhD program at Emory University trains students to become independent investigators and obtain skills to be successful in PhD-level positions in academia, government and the private sector. One of five Public Health Sciences doctoral programs offered through the Laney Graduate School, the Epidemiology program is administered through the Department of Epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health.
The Department of Epidemiology has approximately 30 primarily appointed faculty, more than 60 jointly appointed faculty, and more than 100 adjunct faculty. In any year there are between 40 and 50 students at various points in their progress towards the PhD degree and between 175 and 225 students enrolled in the Master of Public Health and the Master of Science in Public Health degrees in Epidemiology.
Admissions
The Department receives over 125 applications a year for eight to ten spaces. Admitted students most often have an advanced degree in epidemiology or related field, a clear, concise statement of purpose, defined research interests, outstanding recommendations from faculty and supervisors, some professional/research experience, and excellent GRE scores. Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the interest areas of RSPH epidemiology faculty to ensure that there are faculty with similar interests.
The deadline for admissions applications for those applying to matriculate Fall 2013 is December 3, 2012. This deadline not only refers to online application submission but also receipt of recommendations and test scores.
*Please Note: Biology and Calculus are pre-requisites for admissions consideration.
Below is a link to the Laney Graduate School online application, instructions specifically related to the content of the application Epidemiology requests, and Frequently Asked Questions. All potential applicants are encouraged to read all content below.
Application Instructions
Application to the Epidemiology PhD program at Emory requires:
- A personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores
- Scanned copies of official transcripts from all post-secondary and graduate coursework.
- Resume/CV
International Students:
- TOEFL scores
- WES transcript evaluation and degree certification STRONGLY recommended
All applicants must apply to the Epidemiology PhD program through the Laney Graduate School online application that is available beginning September 15th, 2012. Specific detailed instructions related to the application, scanning and uploading documents, etc. may be found on this page. Questions related specifically to the online application should be sent to help@applyweb.com.
Personal Statement
Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose that should be no more than approximately 500 words or two pages double spaced. The personal statement should convey an understanding of the field of epidemiology, the applicant’s desire to pursue a PhD in epidemiology, defined research interests inasmuch as possible, and why the Epidemiology PhD program at Emory is a good fit for their doctoral training.
Recommendations
Applicants are required to submit names and contact information for three recommenders who may comment on their ability to pursue doctoral level education. Recommenders must complete the online recommendation, sent to them by the online application system no later than December 3, 2012. When an applicant is a recent graduate (within three years of receiving a degree) the Admissions Committee expects that at least two recommenders be from the applicant’s academic program. Applicants, in rare circumstances, may submit a fourth recommendation at the applicant’s discretion.
Graduate Faculty Identification
Applicants are not asked or expected to identify a research project with a faculty member at the time of application. Applicants are expected to identify at least two Epidemiology Graduate Faculty members with whom they would like to work as part of the application process. Epidemiology Graduate Faculty and a full Epidemiology faculty listing may be found here. Applicants needing more information on faculty interests are encouraged to do PubMed searches for current research.
A World Education Service (WES) course by course report is STRONGLY recommended of all students who have received a baccalaureate and/or advanced degree from a non-US institution. This does not include students who completed a semester study abroad as part of a US degree. International applicants should upload the unofficial WES course by course report in the transcript portion of the application and/or documentation that the WES reported has been requested in addition to copies of transcripts. Please note for WES evaluation original documents needed to complete the report vary by country<http://www.wes.org/required/index.asp> and must be sent directly to World Education Services. Please allow several weeks for this process. To send the evaluation to the EPI PhD Program at Emory, Emory University Laney Graduate School must be selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the minimum and average GRE scores of applicants and admitted students?
- Is it better to wait one or two years after receiving an MPH to apply to the PhD program?
- Do I need to take the GRE?
- Should I contact faculty now about my interest in the program?
- I am an international student, do I need to submit TOEFL scores?
- Do I need to submit a writing sample?
- Do I need to have official transcripts sent to Emory?
- Can I apply to the PhD program if I have an undergraduate degree but do not have a Masters degree in epidemiology or related field?
- What makes an application competitive?
- Can you send me additional information about the PhD program?
- Can I have an extension to the application deadline of December 3rd?
1. What are the minimum and average GRE scores of applicants and admitted students?
The minimum recommended GRE scores for application are 153 verbal and 148 Quantitative. All applications submitted are reviewed, even if they do not meet the minimum criteria. However, applications that do not meet the minimum criteria are unlikely to be competitive.
GRE Scores for all Applicants and
Students Matriculating Fall 2012*
| All Applicants | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average (Percentile) | Range | |
| Verbal | 158 (77) | 140-170 |
| Quantitative | 157 (71) | 142-170 |
| AWA | 4 (49) | 3.0-6.0 |
| Enrolled Students | ||
| Average (Percentile) | Range | |
| Verbal | 164 (93) | 157-170 |
| Quantitative | 162 (86) | 159-170 |
| AWA | 5 (92) | 4.5-5. |
*For students who took the GRE test more than once, the best Verbal and Quantitative scores was taken independent of each other and test date. For students who took the GRE before the August 2011 revisions, test scores were converted to updated revised scores using the published GRE concordance tables. For students taking the test more than once, both before and after August 2011, only the revised scores were taken as per GRE recommendation (http://www.ets.org/gre/institutions/scores/using/). Percentiles for score averages were taken from currently published tables based on the performance of all examinees who tested between August 1, 2011, and April 30, 2012.
2. Is it better to wait one or two years after receiving an MPH to apply to the PhD program?
Typically students who have had some professional experience in Public Health and epidemiology are better able to articulate a research interest, professional goals, and why a PhD in Epidemiology is necessary to achieve his or her goals. In this sense, applicants with professional experience are often more competitive than applicants without professional experience. However, it is not necessary that an applicant have professional experience to apply. The Admissions Committee recognizes that students applying to enter the PhD program immediately following graduation from an MPH program may have extensive experience prior to, or during, their MPH.
The GRE is required of all students applying to the doctoral program in Epidemiology. The GRE must be taken within the past five years from the date of application to the program. GRE scores must be submitted by the December 3rd application deadline.
Applicants with terminal doctoral degrees from U.S. institutions (MD, PhD, etc.) or foreign trained medical graduates who have ECFMG certification may request waivers for the GRE by emailing Jena Black, Associate Director of Academic Programs at jena.black@emory.edu. In any circumstance where a waiver is granted, it is almost always done so with the caveat that Graduate Faculty strongly encourage the applicant to take the GRE.
4. Should I contact faculty now about my interest in the program?
The Epidemiology PhD program at Emory does not require the applicant or admitted student to find funding through a faculty member at the time of application or prior to enrollment. However, applicants are encouraged to view the Faculty website and PubMed to determine whether or not a faculty member(s) research is a match for the applicant. It may be helpful for applicants to contact a faculty member(s) as part of preparing his or her personal statement. If applicants contact a faculty member, it is recommended that they provide them with their CV/resume and a brief introduction and specific questions. Please do not inquire with individual faculty members regarding whether or not your application may or may not be competitive for admission.
5. I am an international student, do I need to submit TOEFL scores?
All international students must submit TOEFL scores. Waivers are granted to permanent residents, those applicants who are from English speaking foreign countries (Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, etc.) or who have received a degree from a U.S. institution or institutions in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
6. Do I need to submit a writing sample?
A writing sample is not required for application.
7. Do I need to have official transcripts sent to Emory?
You do not need to send official transcripts to Emory. As part of the application process you are required to scan and upload transcripts. If you matriculate in the PhD program in the Fall, you will be required to send official transcripts to Laney Graduate School.
8. Can I apply to the PhD program if I have an undergraduate degree but do not have a Masters degree in epidemiology or related field?
Because the majority of applicants to our program have masters degrees in epidemiology or relevant fields, it is unlikely that an applicant without a masters degree will be competitive for admission. However, there have been a few students who have been competitive for admission without graduate training within the last several years. Students who do not have a graduate level degree and are interested in the EPI PhD program are encouraged to apply not only to the PhD program but also to the MPH program in Epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. An applicant’s application to the MPH program concurrent with PhD application is not considered when evaluating the application for the PhD program.
9. What makes an application competitive?
A competitive application to the Epidemiology PhD program at Emory is one where the applicant has clearly demonstrated excellence in quantitative and verbal/analytical ability via GRE scores, previous coursework, the essay and/or feedback from recommenders. The competitive application also conveys knowledge of epidemiology, defined research interests, and includes comments on potential faculty working in the applicant’s research area. Additionally, the CV may contain professional experience and/or demonstrated leadership and self-motivation necessary to complete the degree. Oftentimes, competitive applicants have publications or articles in press.
10. Can you send me additional information about the PhD program?
We do not have additional information to send. All relevant information is posted online.
11. Can I have an extension to the application deadline of December 3rd?
The application deadline of December 3rd is firm. The Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications immediately.Degree Requirements
Degree requirements consist of coursework (24 or 48 hours depending upon standing at entry), research assistantships, teaching assistantships, qualifying examination, ethics training, and dissertation proposal and defense. These learning opportunities are not exclusive of each other and are viewed as contributing to the overall development of the student. The dissertation process is meant to enhance students' independent research skills. The expectation is that students will take the initiative in finding a dissertation topic, seeking and obtaining funding support, forming a dissertation committee, and conducting research while being mentored by faculty.
Required Courses for Doctoral Degree in Epidemiology
|
EPI 530 |
Epidemiologic Methods I |
4 |
|
EPI 533 |
SAS Programming |
1 |
|
EPI 534 |
Epidemiologic Methods II |
3 |
|
EPI 591U |
Application of Epidemiologic Concepts |
3 |
|
EPI 731 |
Analytical Foundations of Epidemiology |
3 |
|
EPI 738 |
Advanced Epidemiologic Methods I |
2 |
|
EPI 739 |
Advanced Epidemiologic Methods II |
2 |
|
EPI 790R |
Journal Club (enrollment required every semester until graduation) |
1 |
|
EPI 740 |
Epidemiologic Modeling |
3 |
|
EPI 750 |
Longitudinal Data Analysis |
3 |
|
BIOS 500 or 506 |
Biostatistical Methods I |
4 |
|
BIOS 591P or 507 |
Biostatistical Methods II or Applied Linear Models |
4 |
|
BIOS 510 |
Probability Theory |
4 |
|
EPI XXX |
Electives |
6 (min) |
|
EPI 799R |
Research Hours |
24 |
|
EPI 701 |
Translational and Interdisciplinary Public Health Research |
1 |
Click here for Epidemiology PhD Program competencies met by degree requirements.
Coursework:
Through required coursework students receive a strong foundation in epidemiological methods and biostatistics and become proficient on how, when and why to use specific tools or methods. All students are required to select 6 hours of EPI electives to gain content knowledge and experience in applying epidemiologic methods within a particular area. Examples of electives include (but are not limited to): Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology, Epidemiology of Cancer, Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, Issues in Women's Health, Reproductive Epidemiology, Epidemiology of HIV and STD Transmission, Epidemiology of HIV, and Social Epidemiology. Students who are interested in a particular training grant are encouraged to meet with the PI of the training grant early in their first year to ensure enrollment in relevant coursework to be a strong candidate for a training grant at the beginning of their third year.
Students are encouraged to look beyond the Department of Epidemiology and the Rollins School of Public Health for courses that may be relevant to their training. Most often classes taken outside of Rollins School of Public Health are taken in the Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Students may enroll in courses anywhere in the University with instructor permission.
Research Assistantships:
Students complete at least two Research Assistantships of 200 hours each during their time in the program, typically within the first two years. By working with a faculty member, students explore new areas within epidemiology and acquire hands-on research experience by applying epidemiologic tools and skills learned in coursework. Research Assistantships may include (but are not limited to) literature review, survey design, primary data collection, data management and analysis, and manuscript development.
Teaching Assistantships:
The Laney Graduate School requires all students to participate in the Teaching Assistant and Teaching Training Opportunity (TATTO) program. These teacher training experiences provide excellent exposure and practice to what it may be like to teach in a university setting. Students complete a Teaching Assistantship and Teaching Associateship during their first two years in the program, typically involving two semesters of 12-20 hours a week. Because these teaching requirements are fulfilled by TAing an epidemiologic methods course, they also provide an opportunity for students to strengthen their preparation for the Qualifying Examination.
Qualifying Examination:
Students typically take the written Qualifying Examination (QE) after completion of all required coursework. There are three components of the QE: Methods, Content, and Article Critique. Successfully passing the written Qualifying Exam is a milestone in the student's education indicating a level of epidemiologic training adequate to move onto developing a dissertation proposal.
Program on Scholarly Integrity:
Students receive training in ethics in research both through the Department of Epidemiology and the Laney Graduate School. Within the required Epidemiology PhD coursework students may gain exposure to topics such as ethics in human subject research, data management, and scientific writing. The Laney Graduate School sponsors numerous seminars and workshops on scholarly integrity.
Dissertation
Students are encouraged to begin exploring potential research topics as soon as they enter the program by meeting with faculty and through their RA experiences. The faculty advisor and DGS can help guide the process of identifying an appropriate research topic, dissertation advisor and committee members. The doctoral dissertation must meet the requirements of the Department of Epidemiology and the LGS. In particular, the dissertation must demonstrate mastery of epidemiologic research methods and the capability for independent and creative thought and research. It is preferred that the student be involved in primary data collection as part of their dissertation, but students may meet this requirement through other experiences such as research assistantships. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare dissertation that will result in three or more publishable manuscripts.
Dissertation Proposal:
The Department considers the Oral Dissertation Proposal the second part of the Qualifying Exam. Students may take up to one year to develop a dissertation research project and form a dissertation committee after taking the Qualifying Exam, and are encouraged to begin this process as soon as possible during their PhD training. The Proposal is a presentation of approximately forty-five minutes of the planned dissertation research, followed by a period of questions and answers with those in attendance. A closed-door question and answer period with the Committee follows. The dissertation research should include original research projects and result from a student's own initiative and independent scientific thinking (albeit guided by the dissertation committee). Approval of the dissertation proposal by the dissertation committee is another milestone towards degree completion.
Dissertation Defense:
This oral presentation is made to Department faculty and students including a question and answer period. This public presentation is then followed by a closed-door session with the Committee to discuss the final dissertation research. Questions and concerns are then raised with the student present. The final discussion of approval is made by the Committee in the absence of the student. The dissertation must also be approved by the Dean of the Laney Graduate School.
Time to degree
PhD students typically complete their program within five to six years. Students complete required coursework during the first and second years, followed by successfully completing the written qualifying exam during June of their second year in the program. In their third year in the program, students typically focus on preparing their dissertation proposal and orally present it to the department by the end of their third year. Subsequent completion of their dissertation occurs during their fourth and fifth years in the program.
Students are encouraged to complete their dissertation in a timely manner making use of all research and mentoring opportunities available. The Department encourages a steady progress towards dissertation completion and recognizes the dissertation process as an opportunity for students to gain skills in guided, independent research.
Student Funding
PhD students matriculating in Fall 2012 will receive two years of institutional funding that includes tuition support and stipend support of $22,032 for 12 months. In most instances, this support will come from the Laney Graduate School, but may be in the form of training grants or faculty mentor funding. This support covers the student's time to complete coursework, RA, and TA requirements.
After the second year, students are expected to transition to alternative sources of funding such as training or research grants, dissertation grant support, fellowships, etc. Towards the end of their first year, students will work with their advisor, mentors and DGS to develop a plan for ongoing support. Students are encouraged to proactively seek funding opportunities; in this process, they will gain valuable experience in proposal writing and the funding process. Students admitted to the program will be provided with ample opportunities and help by faculty to successfully obtain funding after year 2.
Training grants currently support some EPI PhD students with the following interests and research areas: Reproductive, Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology, Molecules to Mankind (M2M), and Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology.
Student Life
Throughout the doctoral training program, all PhD students participate in a weekly journal club during lunchtime in the Fall and Spring semesters. This provides an opportunity not only to review and critique current literature but also to connect regularly with other students and the faculty. In addition, PhD Student Representatives organize social activities for students on a monthly basis.
While not a degree requirement, departmental citizenship enhances the learning experience. The Department expects PhD students to be active in the life of the Department throughout their time in the program. This includes attending Epidemiology Grand Round and other department-sponsored lectures and seminar series, and supporting other students by attending their dissertation proposals and defenses. Developing relationships with other students and with departmental faculty through these activities represent an opportunity to practice networking for future research.
The Department provides computer workstations for students in coursework and makes every effort to provide work space for students who passed the written Qualifying Examination. Most workspaces for students are located on the third floor of the Claudia Nance Rollins Building.
For more information about the PhD degree in Epidemiology at Emory University, contact Jena Black at jena.black@emory.edu.
Epidemiology PhD Program Competencies
| LITERATURE REVIEW AND INTERPRETATION |
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| DESIGN AND CONDUCT EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH STUDIES |
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| MANAGE & ANALYZE DATA |
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| COMMUNICATION |
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| GRANT WRITING |
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| TEACHING |
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| ETHICS |
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| INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTIVITY |
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