View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
LEADER IN PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION
For 2 consecutive years, Walden is the No. 1 conferrer of Public Health Doctoral degrees in the U.S.. So, you can enter your PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology program with confidence.*
EXPERT FACULTY
Learn from scholars, researchers, and leaders chosen for their academic research and public health credentials and expertise.
GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Learn to research the impact diseases have on populations and develop evidence-based strategies to drive community health.
MAINTAIN COMMUNITY HEALTH
Learn to research the impact diseases have on populations and develop evidence-based strategies to drive community health.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
TRACK I: Choose this track if you have a Master of Public Health (MPH), MS in Public Health, or a CPH (Certification in Public Health) credential.
Featured PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology Courses
Advanced Epidemiological Methods
This course integrates the principles of epidemiologic design, analysis, and interpretation at an advanced level. Students discuss data sources, assessment of dependent and independent variables, measurement error, confounding, and bias. Students explore methodological issues in epidemiology, including factors critical to public health research, such as missing data, intermediate variables, confounding, complex study designs, meta-analysis, and questionnaire design. The course covers concepts and applications in survival analysis, analysis of incidence rates, life tables, and parametric and nonparametric approaches.
Epidemiological Investigations
This course introduces epidemiologic methods used to solve health-related problems. Students gain knowledge in clinical, social and field epidemiology through case studies of actual epidemiological investigations. Methods that are critical to epidemiological investigations are presented, such as clinical trials, online survey research, matched case-control studies, and traceback studies. Topics will range from cancer and diabetes to HIV and COVID-19.
Communicable Disease Epidemiology
This course covers principles and methods of communicable disease epidemiology. Topics include history of communicable disease control, infectious disease definitions and terminology, the epidemiologic triad, dynamics of transmission, laboratory diagnosis, outbreak investigations, disease surveillance, immunity, vaccines, and pandemics. Case studies are used to investigate vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, zoonotic diseases, diarrheal diseases, and antibiotic resistant infections.
Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases
In this course, students explore how lifestyle and related risk factors influence chronic diseases, also called noncommunicable diseases. Topics include the role of diet, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and drug use) on the epidemiology of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Through development of an evidence-based intervention to improve a lifestyle behavior, students evaluate the use of theories of health behavior change, measurement techniques, screening approaches, and prevention of chronic diseases.
Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
This course provides students with the key health effects of environmental and occupational exposures and the epidemiologic methods used to identify and estimate those effects, including addressing equity-related barriers. Students learn about environmental and occupational exposures (including water and air pollution, food contamination, ionizing radiation, persistent environmental pollutants, and emergent environmental exposures) and key methodological issues relevant for these exposures in population studies (including study design, exposure assessment and biomonitoring, disease clusters, dose-response relationships, susceptibility, geographic analysis, and evidence synthesis). Students will also learn the major health consequences and increased health risks of climate effects (including injuries, heat-related illness and death, and exacerbations of respiratory and cardiovascular disease).
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
TRACK II: Choose this track if you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in an academic discipline other than the public health field.
Featured Online PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology Courses
SPSS Revealed
In this laboratory course, students can learn the skills needed to use the statistical computer package SPSS (Software Package for the Social Sciences) in public health practice and research. Topics include importation of data, management of various types of data, creation and exportation of tables and graphs, and computation of basic statistical tests using SPSS.
Fundamentals of Biostatistics
Students in this course learn about biostatistical methods and concepts used in public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on interpretation and application of concepts rather than statistical formulas. Major topics include identification of levels of measurement, interpretation of narrative and graphical descriptive statistics, and conceptualization of statistical inference, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, sample size and power. Emphasis is placed on application of commonly used statistical tests such as t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and chi-square. Students are required to use the statistical computer package SPSS.
Environmental Health
This course provides a comprehensive overview of environmental factors that affect the health and safety of 21st century communities. Students examine associations and interrelationships between chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the environment and their impact on human health. Concepts cover food, water, air, waste, radiation, noise, pests, population growth, injury and physical hazards, and climate change. Students analyze and discuss current local and global problems and solutions and consider new ways to address environmental issues.
Epidemiology: Decoding the Science of Public Health
Public health officials frequently use epidemiologic research to develop educational strategies and intervention programs to improve the overall health of communities. Using an epidemiological approach, students in this course examine the incidence, prevalence, and patterns of disease and injury in populations and learn how to apply these concepts to the control of public health problems. Students identify key sources of data for epidemiological purposes and address principles and limitations of public health screening programs. Students calculate basic epidemiological measures and draw appropriate inferences from epidemiological data and reports. Through this course, students gain a deeper understanding of the various research designs and methodologies professionals use in public health research.
Health Behavior Theory
This course introduces students to concepts necessary to promote positive health behavior change by examining the most commonly used theories and models in public health and health education and promotion. Coursework focuses on the identification and application of theories and models to promote and design effective health behavior programs and interventions. Individual, interpersonal, and community theories and models will be explored to determine the most appropriate application.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your doctorate won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every stage of your journey.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track your doctoral program milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Requirements
You have a passion for preventing disease and protecting communities. We honor that with a simple admissions process to help you swiftly start our PhD in Public Health program with a specialization in Epidemiology:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or GRE requirement
View Admission Criteria
Program Admission Considerations: Master of Public Health (MPH), MS in Public Health, or a CPH (Certification in Public Health) credential for Track 1 or bachelor’s degree or higher for Track 2.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
We strive to make our PhD in Public Health program with a specialization in Epidemiology more accessible with grant opportunities, partner and military savings, and credit transfers.
Minimize your costs with:
Tuition savings
Transfer credits
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 68 quarter credits | $630 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $42,840^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 15–125† quarter credits | $630 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $9,450–$78,750* | |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $1,800–$5,760* | ||
| Residency Fee | 4 Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.75-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $59,770 | $133,430*+ | |||
Effective 2/23/26
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 68 quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $43,860^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 15–125† quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $9,675–$80,625* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,850–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | 4 Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.75-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $61,065 | $136,485*+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.75-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 94 quarter credits | $630 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $59,220^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 15–110† quarter credits | $630 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $9,450–$69,300* | |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $2,340–$5,760* | ||
| Residency Fee | 4 Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3.25-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $76,690 | $140,360*+ | |||
Effective 2/23/26
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 94 quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $60,630^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 15–110† quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $9,675–$70,950* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,405–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | 4 Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3.25-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $78,390 | $143,580*+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 3.25-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
Career Opportunities
Explore the variety of career possibilities with an online PhD in Public Health degree with a specialization in Epidemiology.
Foster Population Health
Epidemiologist
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes.
Expected growth: 19%1
Estimated annual wage: $54,950–$103,980 1
Steady Job Growth
Health Specialties Teacher, Postsecondary
Teach community health and public health courses in universities and colleges.
Expected growth: 19%2
Estimated annual wage: $52,300–$172,990 2
Steady Job Growth
Medical and Health Services Manager
Plan and direct health services in public health agencies, hospitals, or similar organizations.
Expected growth: 29%3
Estimated annual wage: $67,900–$157,640 3
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Public Health program with a specialization in Epidemiology will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Online PhD in Public Health Epidemiology FAQ
What is epidemiology?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines epidemiology as the “study of distribution and determinants of health-related states among specified populations and the application of that study to the control of health problems.”1 By working to understand diseases and their frequency, patterns, causes, risk factors, and the communities and populations they impact, epidemiologists play a vital role in public health programs and agencies.
To uncover the root causes of disease and why they impact certain people, these public health professionals work to collect information key to stopping disease outbreaks, identifying environmental and occupational hazards, understanding how our lifestyle and genetics impact our health, and much more.
1Source: www.cdc.gov/training/publichealth101/e-learning/epidemiology/
What does an epidemiologist do?
To understand and solve health problems from contagious disease outbreaks, an epidemiologist must follow a set of steps to identify the problem and its source, and then develop strategies to stop the outbreak and prevent the occurrence of future outbreaks.1 The epidemiological triangle is one model professionals use to study health problems from infectious diseases. Data collection—or surveillance—is a key aspect of an epidemiologist’s work. This involves finding cases of a disease and gathering information on who it is affecting. Individuals in these public health careers conduct surveillance on a variety of health problems from contagious diseases, such as influenza or measles, as well as noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer or diabetes.
Once epidemiologists have collected their data, they can assess it and use the information they have gathered to determine how and why a health problem is occurring, and then help develop solutions and interventions to stop and prevent the problem.
1Source: https://www.cdc.gov/training/publichealth101/e-learning/epidemiology/
What kind of careers are available in epidemiology?
There are many kinds of epidemiologists studying both infectious and chronic diseases, with areas of specialization including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, genetic and reproductive epidemiology, and environmental and occupational epidemiology.1 For someone with an online PhD in Public Health with an Epidemiology specialization, their field of expertise can depend on what they studied in their public health degree program.
In the event of disease outbreaks, field epidemiologists with the World Health Organization (WHO) set up early warning surveillance systems, investigate and respond to humanitarian emergencies, determine who is at highest risk, and work to protect global health security and vulnerable populations.2 Epidemiologists with public health careers studying cancer examine how certain cancers are distributed by age, sex, economic status, and other factors which can determine its prevalence.3
1Source: www.hsph.harvard.edu/epidemiology/areas-of-interest/
2Source: https://www.who.int/our-work/health-emergencies
3Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2281466/