PhD Epidemiology at West Virginia University

Programme overview

The PhD in Public Health Sciences with an Epidemiology major prepares students for careers in research, teaching and public health practice. It covers epidemiologic methods, study design, statistical analysis and interpretation, with research areas including chronic and infectious disease, injury, occupational health, substance use, maternal health, rural health and clinical trials.

Faculty: School of Public Health | Department: Epidemiology | Duration: 75 credit hours; four-year suggested plan (2-3 years with advanced standing) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Morgantown, WV, United States

What you will study

Coursework includes Biostatistical Methods and Inference, Epidemiology for Public Health, Methodological Issues in Design and Analysis of Cohort Studies, Quantitative Methods in Epidemiology, Applied Linear Models, Categorical Data Analysis and Public Health Grant Writing, plus 15 elective hours, two research rotations, two teaching practicums, a qualifying exam, dissertation proposal and defence (minimum 27 dissertation credits).

Career pathways

Faculty positions at academic institutions; scientist roles at research centers such as NIH, CDC, NIOSH or in the pharmaceutical industry; leadership positions in state or federal health agencies such as CDC, FDA or EPA.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

If you are ready to apply to West Virginia University School of Public Health, the admissions team is here to assist you. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Health Sciences (Epidemiology Major) Admission Guidelines A Master's degree in Public Health or a closely related field is strongly preferred. Exceptional applicants with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field may also be considered. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, 3.5 is preferred. Preferred GRE scores of 150 Verbal; 155 Quantitative; and 3.5 Writing. Submission of GRE scores are optional. Applicants may submit GRE scores if they feel that scores enhance their application. International students must meet WVU's minimum score requirements for English language proficiency. Application Process Applying to the Ph.D. program is a two-step process in which prospective students first submit an application through the national SOPHAS service. If you are accepted into the Ph.D. program by the School, the next step is for you to complete a WVU Graduate Application . The SOPHAS application requires: Official test scores Official transcripts from all US institutions attended A Personal Statement 3 Letters of Recommendation Current CV/Resume Applicants must indicate their first choice of Major and may indicate a second choice (you are allowed a maximum of two choices). There is a SOPHAS application fee. However, SOPHAS grants fee waivers based upon financial need for Gates Millennium Scholars, as well as for AmeriCorps and...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are made through the WVU online graduate application with a $75 application fee; minimum cumulative GPA 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission, and some programmes require higher.

Health Sciences