Epidemiology (PhD)
Drexel Dornsife's PhD in Epidemiology will not be offered to new applicants in the 2024-2025 academic year. Interested students are encouraged to check back here in August 2025 for information about admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Epidemiology program at Drexel's Dornsife School of Public Health prepares students to approach problems with the critical analytic skills necessary for the generation of substantial and significant epidemiologic questions, and to utilize the most rigorous and parsimonious research strategies to answer such questions. Additionally, integral values of the Department and School infuse students with the commitment to pursue important and innovative topics of inquiry even when faced with methodological challenges and to undertake studies that generate knowledge applicable to diverse social, ethnic, and geographically defined populations.
Students graduate with the skills and expertise necessary to initiate and direct scientifically rigorous research that can foster improvement of the health and well-being of communities and populations.
Students take a comprehensive exam that requires them to synthesize coursework and demonstrate mastery of public health competencies. Students also develop and defend a dissertation proposal and complete a dissertation of publishable quality and final defense.
| Degree | Availability | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD |
Full-Time |
Philadelphia |
Application Requirements
On-Campus Program
Please view our academic calendar for term start dates.
| Fall (Sept) | Winter (Jan) | Spring (March) | Summer (June) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Applicants | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
All application materials must be sent to the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) for your application to be considered complete and eligible for admissions review.
Graduate Admission Application
Applicants should apply using SOPHAS.
For more information and to apply online, visit sophas.org. No supplemental application is required.
Transcripts
Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts can be sent to:
SOPHAS
PO Box 9111
Watertown, MA 02471
International Transcript Evaluation (international applicants only)
Transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency for admittance into this program. Drexel University accepts course-by-course transcript evaluations from members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For a list of member agencies, please visit the NACES website.
Standardized Test Scores
GRE test scores are not required.
International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo, or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) unless they meet the criteria for a waiver.
Essay
Essay discussing how you became interested in public health, your career goals if known at this time and why you are interested in Drexel University. Typical length is 600–800 words.
Résumé
A résumé or CV is required, and should be uploaded as part of your admission application through the SOPHAS website.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required, preferably from faculty.
Interview
Virtual, in-person, or telephone interview required for qualified applicants.