Doctoral Degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Who is this program for?
A doctorate in epidemiology and biostatistics is ideal for individuals interested in understanding and analyzing the patterns, causes, and effects of health conditions in populations, with a strong foundation in statistical methods and data interpretation. Graduates often pursue careers as public health researchers, epidemiologists, or biostatisticians, working in government agencies, healthcare organizations, or research institutions to drive evidence-based policy decisions, disease prevention strategies, and medical advancements.
Program Overview
The PhD program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics is a dynamic doctoral program designed to prepare independent researchers for careers in population health data science. Our unique interdisciplinary program offers coursework and experiential training in the application of methodological theory and concepts to address the practical challenges of conducting population-based, clinical and translational research. Our students are poised for positions in the multidisciplinary work environments of academia, government, and industry. Trainees are encouraged to engage in research teams across campus including projects in the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Gill Heart Institute, Markey Cancer Center, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, and Center for Research on Violence Against Women. Building on research collaborations, this program is unique in the collaborative approach to cross-disciplinary training and mentoring, providing students with diverse exposures to emerging data trends in public health and biomedical research.
Our Accreditation

Our College of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent, U.S. Department of Education–recognized agency that ensures our programs meet rigorous standards for excellence in public health education. This CEPH accreditation guarantees students receive a high-quality, competency-based education and enhances eligibility for employment and funding opportunities in public health practice and research.
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What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
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Fall
- 07/01/2025
International Students
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Fall
- 04/15/2025

Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!

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