Epidemiology Ph.D.
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School of Public Health (TPUB)602 - Doctor of Philosophy
Preferred undergraduate GPA
3
Preferred graduate or professional degree
Applicants must be in process, or have completed, a master's degree in a related field.
Preferred English language test for admission
No Preferred Test
TOEFL - Total - Score
5
IELTS - Total - Score
7
Is a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score used to determine admission to this program?
No
Is a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score used to determine admission to this program?
No
Description of other application requirements
TOEFL exams taken before January 21, 2026, require a minimum total score of 100, and exams taken
on or after January 21, 2026, require a minimum total score of 5.
Applicants should possess strong quantitative aptitude and hold an advanced degree in a related field and have prior coursework in biological or behavioral sciences and strong grades in college-level quantitative courses such as statistics, algebra, or calculus. Applicants who have not completed a master’s sequence of epidemiology methods and biostatistics coursework (including applied regression modeling) 1) must show strong evidence of quantitative skills in their undergraduate or graduate coursework and 2) will be required to complete those courses as part of the PhD prior to preliminary written exams. Demonstrated excellent writing skills are also desirable. Applicants will submit a statement of goals and objectives (letter of intent) for seeking a career in epidemiology and the need for a PhD to achieve career goals.
At least three recommendations (an evaluation form as well as and separate letter) are required from faculty (preferred) and/or work supervisors with knowledge of the applicant's scholastic and professional capabilities and potential.
Applicants must submit a separate essay (statement of research interests,) beyond what is required for the SOPHAS application process. This essay should describe the applicant’s research interest and, if possible, faculty members in the program whom they are interested in working. The statement of research interest should provide evidence of the applicant’s potential to conduct original research in a specific epidemiologic area, their capacity to work independently, and their dedication to the long-term investment required to obtain a PhD.
Serious applicants are encouraged to contact epichstu@umn.edu before applying. Applications must be completed by December 1 of the year prior to beginning the doctoral program.
on or after January 21, 2026, require a minimum total score of 5.
Applicants should possess strong quantitative aptitude and hold an advanced degree in a related field and have prior coursework in biological or behavioral sciences and strong grades in college-level quantitative courses such as statistics, algebra, or calculus. Applicants who have not completed a master’s sequence of epidemiology methods and biostatistics coursework (including applied regression modeling) 1) must show strong evidence of quantitative skills in their undergraduate or graduate coursework and 2) will be required to complete those courses as part of the PhD prior to preliminary written exams. Demonstrated excellent writing skills are also desirable. Applicants will submit a statement of goals and objectives (letter of intent) for seeking a career in epidemiology and the need for a PhD to achieve career goals.
At least three recommendations (an evaluation form as well as and separate letter) are required from faculty (preferred) and/or work supervisors with knowledge of the applicant's scholastic and professional capabilities and potential.
Applicants must submit a separate essay (statement of research interests,) beyond what is required for the SOPHAS application process. This essay should describe the applicant’s research interest and, if possible, faculty members in the program whom they are interested in working. The statement of research interest should provide evidence of the applicant’s potential to conduct original research in a specific epidemiologic area, their capacity to work independently, and their dedication to the long-term investment required to obtain a PhD.
Serious applicants are encouraged to contact epichstu@umn.edu before applying. Applications must be completed by December 1 of the year prior to beginning the doctoral program.