Why do your PhD in Epidemiology and Applied Health Research?
A PhD in Epidemiology and Applied Health Research will provide the foundations for learners to develop into independent investigators. The Doctorate degree in Epidemiology and Applied Health Research begins with a year of self-directed learning. Learners complete 12 credit hours of classroom instruction, which includes a 6 credit hour PhD course “Epidemiology and Applied Health Research”. Learners will also participate in seminars and small-group discussions to consolidate knowledge, skills and attitudes in epidemiology and applied health research to prepare for comprehensive examination. Learners engage in professional development including a placement in a real-world setting and courses in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. All PhD candidates prepare and defend a thesis proposal that demonstrates core competencies in synthesizing the literature, developing a tractable research question and incorporating rigorous methodology. The program culminates with an oral thesis defence that shows the candidates contribution to original knowledge.
By the end of the program learners will master many core competencies and will be able to:
- think critically about concepts and principles related to measurement of health outcomes and epidemiology;
- use comparative reasoning to evaluate health risks and benefits from treatment in the fields of epidemiology and applied health research;
- provide in-depth critique of methodological issues relating to health research;
- demonstrate successful interpersonal collaborative skills to succeed in health research and professional contexts;
- demonstrate effective communication skills (written and oral) for scientific and professional audiences;
- demonstrate responsible use of individual and societal values and ethical principles in personal, scientific and professional contexts.
Degree Requirements include:
- Two-term compulsory course, Epidemiology and Applied Health Research (six credit hours)
- Elective courses (six credit hours)
- Professional development seminar
- Teaching and Learning in Higher Education course
- Three-month placement
- Comprehensive examination
- Dissertation