SPH banner image
FAQs Print

Admissions

Dissertations

Distance Learning

Employment

Research

Student Funding


Admissions

Question:
What is the application deadine for EPID?

Answer:
Applicaiton Deadline: January 15 (January 1 to be considered for financial aid).
(back to top)

Question:
What degree programs are offered?

Answer:
The Department of Epidemiology offers one master's and one doctoral program. The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a terminal degree program for physicians and other doctoral-level professionals. The PhD is for students planning a research career. Typically students enter the PhD program following a master's in a relevant area, or a professional degree (MD, DDS, DVM, etc.). Students without one of these prior degrees will be required to first complete the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), an initial program for the doctoral student who enters without an advanced degree.
(back to top)

Question:
What is the length of time needed to complete the degree programs?

Answer:
The MPH is designed as a two-year program. Some MPH students with limited time on campus may compress the course and examination requirements into eighteen months. The doctoral requires an average of three to five years following the master's or professional degree.
(back to top)

Question:
How many applications does the Department of Epidemiology receive each year?

Answer:
The Department typically receives over 250 applications for approximately 40 openings between the master's and doctoral programs. There is no pre-set number of master's and doctoral spaces per year.
(back to top)

Question:
How can I find out more about what epidemiology is?

Answer:
Some helpful websites are:

back to top)

Question:
What is the department code for the GRE?

Answer:
All applicants to the School of Public Health should use the institutional code #5816.
(back to top)

Question:
What are the qualifications necessary to be considered for admission to the Department of Epidemiology?

Answer:
A competitive applicant to the Department of Epidemiology will generally have strong biological and quantitative preparation, although no particular courses are required. Some background in the behavioral sciences is also desirable. Many factors are considered in evaluating an individual's application, but most successful applicants will have verbal and quantitative GRE scores in at least the 70th percentile (approximately 560 verbal and 660 quantitative). In addition, applicants should have some relevant biomedical research experience or other evidence of the ability to perform well in a research setting. This can be paid or volunteer experience or coursework.
(back to top)

Question:
What types of jobs can you get with a degree in Epidemiology?

Answer:
The field of Epidemiology opens doors to many different career paths. Our alumni typically accept faculty positions in medical schools or schools of public health, or positions as principal investigators in research facilities such as the Centers for Disease Control, the various branches of the National Institutes of Health, pharmaceutical companies, or other private research facilities. Currently, starting salaries appear to be in the $55,000-$65,000 range for most Ph.D. entry level positions.
(back to top)



Dissertations

Question:
Where can I find a copy of a dissertation?

Answer:
Dissertations are available from UMI Dissertation Services.
(
back to top)



Distance Learning

Question:
Is there a distance learning program in Epidemiology?

Answer:
No. However, a Graduate Certificate in Field Epidemiology is sponsored by the NC Center for Public Health Preparedness. Details can be found at www.sph.unc.edu/nciph/fieldepi. Information about other distance learning programs in the School of Public Health can be found at here.
(back to top)



Employment

Question:
How can I advertise a job opening for an epidemiologist?

Answer:
To advertise a position for an epidemiologist, please vist this site.
To advertise a position for an epidemiology student, send email to epidjobs@unc.edu. Be sure to include your contact info, as well as details about skills required, benefits, etc.
(back to top)

Question:
What types of jobs can you get with a degree in Epidemiology?

Answer:
The field of Epidemiology opens doors to many different career paths. Our alumni typically accept faculty positions in medical schools or schools of public health, or positions as principal investigators in research facilities such as the Centers for Disease Control, the various branches of the National Institutes of Health, pharmaceutical companies, or other private research facilities. Currently, starting salaries appear to be in the $55,000-$65,000 range for most Ph.D. entry level positions.
(back to top)

Question:
How can I find out more about what epidemiology is?

Answer:
Some helpful websites are:

(back to top)



Research

Question:
What research areas are emphasized?

Answer:
The Department of Epidemiology offers experience in a broad range of research areas,including cancer epidemiology, cardiovascular disease epidemiology, environmental and occupational factors, injury epidemiology, reproductive epidemiology, infectious diseases, and health care epidemiology. Within these areas, faculty have focus interests in an array of specialties, such as methodology, social epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, nutritional epidemiology, etc.
(back to top)

Question:
Where can I find a copy of a dissertation?

Answer:
Dissertations are available from UMI Dissertation Services
(
back to top)



Student Funding

Question:
Are student loans available?

Answer:
The University Student Aid Office handles all student loans and work-study assistance. Financial aid information can be obtained through the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, CB# 2300, 300 Vance Hall, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. Telephone: (919) 962-8396.
(back to top)

Question:
What other types of financial assistance are available?

Answer:

  • Research Assistantships
  • Teaching Assistantships
  • Tuition Remission
  • Training Grants
  • Graduate School Fellowships and Assistantships
(back to top)

Question:
How can I find out about research funding?

Answer:
We encourage students seeking research funding to contact the University's Office of Research Services, 300 Bynum Hall, CB# 4100, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, to explore various fellowships and grant possibilities. This can be especially useful when one is seeking dissertation support. The Office maintains extensive files, and the staff gives expert and helpful assistance.
(back to top)

Question:
Is there any supplemental funding for international applicants?

Answer:
International students may be considered for selected Graduate School awards, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and non-federal traineeships.
(back to top)

Question:
Who can international applicants contact for financial assistance?

Answer:
International applicants needing financial assistance for study in the United States may wish to contact the Institute of International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017; U.S. Information Service Libraries; or US Consulates abroad for information about possible sources of funding.
(back to top)

Last updated December 18, 2007
 
spacer
background image
Researcher Biosketches