Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Epidemiology program at MUSC trains the next generation of public health scientists to investigate the distribution and determinants of disease across populations. Rooted in rigorous quantitative methods and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program equips students with the tools to critically evaluate evidence, design robust studies, and contribute new insights into the patterns of health and disease. Students work closely with accomplished faculty researchers across MUSC's enterprise, including in cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, and health disparities, aligning their training with MUSC's strategic research priorities.

Curriculum

The degree can be earned in four to seven years. Degree completion in fewer than 4 or more than 7 years requires prior approval by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The number of credits associated with these time frames follows:

  • 4 years (12 semesters)=180 credits
  • 5 years (15 semesters)=225 credits
  • 6 years (18 semesters)=270 credits
  • 7 years (21 semesters)=315 credits

Students typically graduate with 225-270 credits(5-6 years)

Year 1, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS720 Laboratory Rotation 4
CGS765 Proteins: Dynamic Structures & Functions 3
CGS766 Genes: Inheritance/Expression 4
CGS767 Cells: Organization/Communication 3
CGS768 Techniques & Experimental Design 2
Semester Total 16

Year 1, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS721 Laboratory Rotations 4
CGS770 Principles Practices & Prof 2
CGS772 Learning From the Literature 2
CGS790 Topics in Contemporary Biomedical Science 2
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 4
Semester Total 14

Year 1, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS764 Science Writing As Persuasion 1
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 14
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
CGS817 Rig. Entramural Fellowship App 2
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 2, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 3, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 3, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 3, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 4, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 4, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 4, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 5, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 5, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 5, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 6, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 6, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 6, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 7, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 7, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13

Year 7, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Additional courses in concentration and/or research 13
Semester Total 13
Curriculum Total 180-315