Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

Year 1, Spring

Year 1, Summer

Year 2, Fall

Year 2, Spring

Year 2, Summer

Year 3, Fall

Year 3, Spring

Year 3, Summer

Year 4, Fall

Year 4, Spring

Year 4, Summer

Year 5, Fall

Year 5, Spring

Year 5, Summer

Year 6, Fall

Year 6, Spring

Year 6, Summer

Year 7, Fall

Year 7, Spring

Year 7, Summer

Prerequisites

Prerequisites for biostatistics are single and multivariable college-level calculus. The epidemiology prerequisite is single variable college-level calculus. Under special circumstances, an applicant may be admitted to the program under the provision that all prerequisites are satisfied before beginning the program.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but applicants are strongly encouraged to submit recent official scores on the quantitative and verbal portions of the GRE. Scores more than five years old will not be accepted.

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's requirements.

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

• Submit the MUSC Application.
• The admissions process is rolling, and you are encouraged to submit all of your application materials by Dec. 15 for best consideration.
• Once an application is complete, it is sent for evaluation to the Graduate Admissions Committee. Selected applicants are invited to visit the campus, and the cost of the visit is partially defrayed by the College. The visit includes interviews with members of the Graduate Admissions Committee, campus tours, introductions to the graduate training programs, and discussions with faculty.
• After an applicant is interviewed, the Graduate Admissions Committee meets to decide on the qualifications of each applicant. Applicants are notified within a week or two of the interview of the Graduate Admissions Committee decision.

Interview weekends take place in January, February, and March.

Application Requirements

1. MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application.
   • Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
   • Letters of recommendation: All applicants must provide three academic or professional references from individuals who have had close contact with the applicant during their undergraduate, graduate, or research training and should address the applicant’s aptitude and capabilities for a research-oriented career. Preference is given to letters from academic advisors, research mentors, and instructors.
   • Personal statement: All applicants must provide a personal statement, not to exceed 1,000 words, describing their reasons for wanting to enroll in the program, a discussion of their area(s) of interest, and future goals. Applicants should provide details on their scholastic and research achievements and why MUSC is an ideal setting for graduate studies (e.g., by citing departmental faculty with shared research interests).

International Applicants

MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admission process.

Cost of Attendance

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Competencies

Upon completion of the Ph.D. in Epidemiology program, graduates will be able to:

• Design and conduct epidemiologic studies that evaluate causal relationships and population-level health trends
• Analyze complex data using rigorous quantitative methods and statistical software
• Communicate scientific findings effectively to academic, governmental, and community audiences
• Secure funding through successful grant writing and proposal development
• Demonstrate ethical leadership and cultural sensitivity in all aspects of research design, implementation, and dissemination

Vision

To advance population health by cultivating pioneering researchers who transform data into actionable insights that prevent disease and improve lives globally.

Mission

To develop collaborative scientists equipped with innovative epidemiologic and biostatistical expertise, grounded in integrity and respect, who generate evidence to inform health solutions across various populations.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.