Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics - Health Care Organization, Outcomes, and Policy
24 monthsProgramme duration
Jan-2000Starting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Mathematics
Study Level
PhD
The PhD Program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics draws on the core disciplines of biostatistics and epidemiology to support students in developing the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to assume positions of leadership with the ultimate goal of advancing the public’s health. Students accepted into the PhD program will master the rigorous scientific and analytic methods necessary to be at the forefront of efforts to not only describe, but effectively evaluate and improve the public’s health. All incoming PhD students take a required 36-credit core curriculum, which includes a 24-credit common core, 12-credit concentration core, and 6-credits of electives from one of five areas of concentration: Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics, Global Health Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Prevention Science, Health Care Organizations, Outcomes and Policy, and Modern Biostatistics (see descriptions below). On completion of all core requirements, students take a qualifying examination that leads to advancement to candidacy. When ready to embark upon the Doctoral dissertation, the student must choose a research advisor to have the major responsibility for facilitating, guiding, and advising the student in his or her research. Health Care Organization, Outcomes, and Policy Students in the Health Care Organization, Outcomes, and Policy concentration will be prepared to design and carry out research in alternative models for the organization and delivery of care; quality, cost-effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of care; disparities in receipt or outcomes of care; translation of evidence-based practice into guidelines and evaluation of their real-world applications; and health policy analysis and implementation. Students in this concentration will acquire a solid grounding in the conduct of rigorous multidisciplinary studies applying quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, and specialized competencies in key areas, viz., large database analysis; cost-effectiveness and comparative effectiveness analysis; health economics; health policy and management; and other advanced methods such as hierarchical linear modeling; structural equation modeling; instrumental variable analysis; analysis of weighted survey data; and spatial analysis of data. There is a nationally recognized need for researchers prepared to lead or collaborate on the types of studies students in this concentration would be prepared to conduct. Placements of past graduates of our department who focused their studies in this area indicate that a variety of employment opportunities exist in academia, industry, and government. This concentration is closely related to research in comparative effectiveness, disparities, and health care quality, all three of which reflect national funding priorities. For example, over one billion in federal research dollars has recently been devoted to the funding of comparative effectiveness research.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Mathematics
Study Level
PhD
The PhD Program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics draws on the core disciplines of biostatistics and epidemiology to support students in developing the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to assume positions of leadership with the ultimate goal of advancing the public’s health. Students accepted into the PhD program will master the rigorous scientific and analytic methods necessary to be at the forefront of efforts to not only describe, but effectively evaluate and improve the public’s health. All incoming PhD students take a required 36-credit core curriculum, which includes a 24-credit common core, 12-credit concentration core, and 6-credits of electives from one of five areas of concentration: Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics, Global Health Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Prevention Science, Health Care Organizations, Outcomes and Policy, and Modern Biostatistics (see descriptions below). On completion of all core requirements, students take a qualifying examination that leads to advancement to candidacy. When ready to embark upon the Doctoral dissertation, the student must choose a research advisor to have the major responsibility for facilitating, guiding, and advising the student in his or her research. Health Care Organization, Outcomes, and Policy Students in the Health Care Organization, Outcomes, and Policy concentration will be prepared to design and carry out research in alternative models for the organization and delivery of care; quality, cost-effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of care; disparities in receipt or outcomes of care; translation of evidence-based practice into guidelines and evaluation of their real-world applications; and health policy analysis and implementation. Students in this concentration will acquire a solid grounding in the conduct of rigorous multidisciplinary studies applying quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, and specialized competencies in key areas, viz., large database analysis; cost-effectiveness and comparative effectiveness analysis; health economics; health policy and management; and other advanced methods such as hierarchical linear modeling; structural equation modeling; instrumental variable analysis; analysis of weighted survey data; and spatial analysis of data. There is a nationally recognized need for researchers prepared to lead or collaborate on the types of studies students in this concentration would be prepared to conduct. Placements of past graduates of our department who focused their studies in this area indicate that a variety of employment opportunities exist in academia, industry, and government. This concentration is closely related to research in comparative effectiveness, disparities, and health care quality, all three of which reflect national funding priorities. For example, over one billion in federal research dollars has recently been devoted to the funding of comparative effectiveness research.
Admission Requirements
7+
Applicants must have a good academic record, e.g., a B-average or rank in the upper third of his or her graduating class at an institution whose status and programs are readily assessed.
24 Months
Jan-2000
Tuition fees
Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
By Sabrina Collier
Updated Aug 27, 2026
1.0M
2255
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
By Staff Writer
Updated Aug 21, 2024
518.5K
791
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
By Laura Tucker
Updated Aug 14, 2021
230.1K
338
More programmes from the university
PHD Programmes
102
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme