Epidemiology (EPID)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Public Health

Abstract

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics offers a Ph.D. program in Epidemiology. Students in the PhD program in Epidemiology master core knowledge in epidemiologic and biostatistical methods related to the design, implementation and evaluation of public health studies surrounding psychosocial, behavioral, biological, and cultural factors. Students may work with their advisor to design their own research specialization or they may apply to one of our two specializations:

1. Social Epidemiology or
2. Environmental Epidemiology. 

Our students have full access to faculty who will guide you through all phases of the program to ensure your educational goals are met. Our Washington, DC area location provides unparalleled opportunities for research experiences in public health, including placements at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (e.g., National Institutes of Health, National Center for Health Statistics), Children’s National Medical Center, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and many other national, state, and local health agencies.

Financial Assistance

The Department offers a limited number of fellowships, and graduate teaching and research assistantships.

Contact

Brit I. Saksvig, PhD
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
2234 School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.2491
Email: bsaksvig@umd.edu

Website: http://www.sph.umd.edu
 
Courses: EPIB

Relationships: Behavioral and Community Health (BCHL),  Biostatistics (BIOS),  Environmental Health Sciences (MIEH),  Epidemiology (EPDM), Health Administration (HLSA),  Maternal and Child Health (MCHS),  Toxicology (TOXI)

Applications should be submitted through the Schools of Public Health Application Service, SOPHAS at www.SOPHAS.org. The 2015-2016 application cycle opens in SOPHAS in September and all application documents must be submitted via SOPHAS. Remember to designate the University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, as one of your school choices along with your desired program.
 
The University of Maryland requires a Supplemental Application and a Supplemental Application Fee of $75 for each program. Applicants will receive e-mail instructions for how to complete the Supplemental Application once your SOPHAS application is complete. The doctoral program in Epidemiology accepts only full-time students.
 
Applications for the doctoral program in Epidemiology are reviewed with consideration to the following criteria:

1. Master’s Degree (MPH, MHS, MA, MS)
2. Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
3. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
4. Official GRE scores taken within the past 5 years (GRE scores are required and should be requested directly from ETS for electronic transmission to SOPHAS. Use the SPH code 0485 and the Graduate School Code 5814). Scores should be at minimum in the 50th percentile for each section.
5. 3 letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic capabilities and probability of success in graduate school
6. Statement of Purpose: the statement of purpose should address each of the following questions:
   1. describe your specific areas of interest within epidemiology;
   2. which primary faculty members in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics do you think most closely share your areas of interest;
   3. what previous experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a degree in epidemiology;
   4. how do you believe UMD’s program will help you reach your career goals; and
   5. how do you see yourself using this degree in the five years following graduation?
7. Relevant academic/work experience, including previous coursework in human biology or physiology, demonstration of proficiency in statistical methods and statistical software, and research presentation or publication experience. 

Applicants are strongly recommended to communicate with the epidemiology faculty member in their area(s) of interest before applying. Applicants should also be sure to use the major code EPID when selecting the program on the Supplemental Application.

Application Deadlines

Other Deadlines: Please visit the program website at http://www.sph.umd.edu

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics faculty includes individuals with multi-faceted interests in both epidemiology and biostatistics. Our faculty have research interests and expertise in the epidemiology of infectious disease and chronic disease with particular focus in the areas of HIV/STIs, cancer, health disparities, cardiovascular disease, obesity/physical activity, and sexual and reproductive health. Additional areas of specialization include social and behavioral determinants of health, aging, cultural competency, and community-based interventions. Biostatistics faculty apply statistical techniques including survival and longitudinal analysis, computational statistics, statistical analysis of genomic and proteomic data, machine learning, neuroimaging statistics, (network) meta-analysis, missing data analysis, Bayesian hierarchical methods, and bioinformatics to analyze and interpret health data.