The PhD program is typically completed over 4 years of full-time study.

Yes. We provide two years of guaranteed financial support, including tuition, fees, and a stipend, giving students a strong foundation for doctoral training and research. Students are then mentored and supported as they transition to additional funding opportunities through faculty research programs, fellowships, scholarships, and independent grant funding.

Matching prospective students with faculty research programs is an important element of our admissions process. Please see our faculty research programs to learn about research programs within the Department of Epidemiology and to determine if your interests align with those of one or more of our faculty members.

The PhD in Epidemiology Program is accredited through the overall University accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The PhD Program accepts primarily full-time students and will occasionally consider applicants who wish to have a part-time student status.

At least one open house event is usually held in the fall for the Epidemiology Ph.D. program. Prospective students may arrange one on one visits by emailing the department.

See the VCU Graduate School policy for transfer credit. Note that courses not previously applied toward another degree may be accepted for transfer credit consideration. The transfer course(s) must be of graduate level, relevant to the field of public health, and be approved by the graduate program. Students who have been accepted into the program and who wish to transfer in courses must send a written request to the Graduate Program Administrator. The request must include an official copy of a transcript and a copy of the syllabus for each course being submitted for transfer consideration.

Yes, VCU coursework completed prior to matriculation may be considered for transfer. The curriculum of each graduate program has a specific sequence and students should not take numerous courses prior to matriculation as courses taken out of sequence may negatively impact their progression of learning once in the program. Courses taken in other disciplines at VCU may be considered for transfer, as well. All courses considered for transfer credit may not have been part of the requirements for a previously awarded degree. All transfer course(s) must be of graduate level, relevant to the field of public health, and must be approved by the graduate program.

PhD courses are almost exclusively offered face-to-face.

The Department of Epidemiology posts an orientation Canvas page in the summer that provides information to get students started on registration and preparation for the fall semester. If you are unsure of which courses you should take, it is acceptable to wait to register until you have attended the Program's Orientation session, which is scheduled in August, before classes begin. Our graduate programs typically give registration priority to our students to ensure their registration in required courses. Consult VCU's Schedule of Classes for listing of course offerings by semester and VCU Courses A-Z for course descriptions by offering department.

To take a course in a graduate public health program, you must apply to VCU to become a non-degree-seeking student. Prospective students may find instructions for becoming a non-degree-seeking student.