PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in epidemiology prepares students for careers in research and teaching, often at a university, federal or state agency, or a private research institution. Students develop research and teaching skills in epidemiology through coursework and practice.  The department welcomes applications from students with bachelor degrees as well as those with prior graduate degrees.

MSCR

The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) program is an interdisciplinary research degree program housed within the Department of Epidemiology in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The program is designed for physician-scientists and others to develop the skills necessary for a successful career in clinical and translational research.

Applicants must have a doctoral level professional degree (MD, PharmD, PhD, DDS, nurses with PhD, DVM, etc.) or extensive health professions experience (RNs, PAs). At the time of enrollment, applicants should also be residents, clinical fellows, postdoctoral fellows, or junior faculty at UNC or Duke University. Each student needs to be affiliated with a “home academic program”, reflecting the funding source (e.g. T32 or K12 funding), training program (e.g. post-doctoral fellowship) or department.

Statement of Purpose

The essay is a critical piece of the admissions process. We will evaluate both the content of the essay and your writing skills in considering your application.

PhD

All applicants should write an essay of 1000 words or less. In this essay, please address the following questions:

• Describe previous lived experience, academic courses and degrees, and work experience that have prepared you for advanced research in public health.
• Describe your career goals, short and longer-term research questions, and the populations you hope to serve with your epidemiologic training.
• Indicate which departmental program area(s) and/or faculty interests align with your goals. You may indicate multiple program areas and faculty.

Applicants should also include any additional information that may be helpful to the Admissions Committee in evaluation of the application.

MSCR

Please describe your interest in the MSCR program in a 1-2 page essay.

• Describe your areas of interest in clinical research.
• What types of research questions do you hope to address?
• What types of studies do you hope to perform in the future?
• Describe the clinical mentor support you have (or will have) in place at UNC or Duke.
• Describe how the MSCR degree fits into your future plans.

Transcripts

Applicants currently enrolled in degree programs are required to upload an unofficial transcript that includes fall semester/quarter grades.   If the application is submitted before fall grades have posted, applicants are responsible for uploading an updated transcript through the application status portal once the grades have posted.

Interviews

Some areas of interest  may include an applicant interview, but interviews are not universally required for the epidemiology graduate program.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend the Gillings School of Global Public Health Graduate Program Open House. Details will be posted at http://sph.unc.edu as they become available.

If you are unable to attend the Open House and would like to schedule a visit, follow the instructions at http://sph.unc.edu/epid/epid-applicant-central/.

Faculty Mentors

Applicants to the PhD and MSCR degree programs must indicate on the UNC Graduate School application at least 1 (up to 5 possible) faculty member(s) with whom you would like to work.

Incomplete Applications

To be considered for available recruitment awards and fellowships, all application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received by December 31.

We encourage applicants to submit well ahead of the stated deadlines. All application materials are submitted electronically. Applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status and ensuring that their application, including letters of recommendation, is complete.

Applications to the PhD program that are incomplete as of January 31^st will NOT be reviewed for admission. Applications to the MSCR program that are incomplete as of April 30^th will NOT be reviewed for admission.

 *Consultation with the Director of Graduate Admissions will be required in order to be considered for admission in any semester other than Fall.