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
BMTRY700 Intro to Clin Biostatistics 3
BMTRY736 Foundations of Epidemiology 3
BMTRY776 Public Health Seminar 1
PHGEN706 Introduction to Public Health 2
BMTRY970 Research 6
Semester Total 15

Year 1, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY701 Biostatistical Methods II 4
CGS770 Principles Practices & Prof 2
BMTRY747 Foundations of Epidemiology II 3
BMTRY776B Public Health Seminar 1
BMTRY970B Research 5
Semester Total 15

Year 1, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970C Research 9
Elective Select course from Epidemiology Elective Pool 3
Elective  Select course from Epidemiology Elective Pool   3
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970D Research 12
Elective  Select course from Epidemiology Elective Pool  3
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
Elective  Select course from Epidemiology Elective Pool  3
Elective   Select course from Epidemiology Elective Pool   3
BMTRY970E  Research   9
Semester Total 15

Year 2, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY784 Biostatistical Methods III 3
BMTRY785  Probability & Stat Inference   3
BMTRY970F  Research  9
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY748 Foundation of Epidemiology III 3
BMTRY970G  Research   12
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY725  Grant Develop for Clinical Research   2
BMTRY970H Research 10
Elective    Select course from Epidemiology Elective Pool     3
Semester Total 15

Year 3, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970I Research 9
Elective     Select course from Epidemiology Elective Pool      3
Elective     Select course from Epidemiology Elective Pool      3
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970J Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970K Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 4, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970L Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970M Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
BMTRY970N Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 5, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 6, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Fall

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Spring

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15

Year 7, Summer

Course ID Course Title Credits
TBD Research 15
Semester Total 15
Curriculum Total 180-315