PhD  Program

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics PhD Student Handbook, 2012-2013

The mission of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics PhD Program is to enroll outstanding doctoral students and, drawing on the core disciplines of epidemiology and biostatistics, support them in developing the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to assume positions of leadership. Through challenging coursework and collaborative research opportunities, students will develop a thorough understanding of how to study the multiple determinants of population health outcomes; the individual and structural factors that may lead to disparities in those outcomes; and the way in which specific policies and interventions influence the nature and impacts of population health determinants.

Students will master the rigorous scientific and analytic methods necessary to be at the forefront of efforts to not only describe, but also effectively evaluate and improve the public's health by studying the population health sciences. Student- and faculty-led seminars provide an ongoing mechanism for keeping abreast of current literature and identifying important areas of research and collaborative opportunities. Students are considered junior colleagues of the faculty who will develop the capacity to work independently in a supportive environment. The Department operates within a strong interdisciplinary framework involving faculty within the department, the school of medicine, and across the entire university, as well as leaders in health care institutions and health oriented organizations and agencies throughout the wider community.

Graduates from accredited universities and colleges will be considered for admission to the department. All applicants must satisfy both CWRU and department requirements for graduate admission. All incoming PhD students take a required 24-credit common core curriculum, followed by a 12 credit concentration core, 6 electives, and applied training in one of the following areas:  

• Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics
• Global Health Epidemiology 
• Health Behavior and Prevention
• Health Care Organization, Outcomes, and Policy 
• Modern Biostatistics 

Upon successful completion of course work, the student is then expeceted to complete the qualifying examination.

For additional information regarding the program, including policies, procedures, and requirements please review the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics PhD Student Handbook, 2012-2013.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945