The PhD program is intended for the health professional who seeks advanced graduate study to prepare for a career as a professional epidemiologist. Areas of study include infectious diseases, cancer, pharmacoepidemiology, cardiovascular disease, and adverse reproductive, perinatal and pediatric outcomes. The goal of the doctoral program is to educate candidates to become independent, productive, and creative research scientists in the field of epidemiology. It is anticipated that graduates of this program will obtain leadership positions in research, teaching, and administration. Applicants should hold a graduate degree in a field relevant to public health. Exceptional candidates without a graduate degree may apply, but will be required to complete additional coursework.

Students complete at least 32 credits (eight courses) beyond the master's degree. It is expected that at least 24 of these courses be from the epidemiology and biostatistics course offerings at the School of Public Health. Students may also choose from other courses offered at the School and pertinent graduate courses at Boston University. The intent of the coursework is to provide a firm foundation in epidemiologic principles and methods, biostatistical methods, and general public health knowledge.

Upon completion of coursework, each student must pass a comprehensive written examination to evaluate the student's readiness to begin dissertation research. Each student is required to develop a written dissertation proposal outlining the nature of the research. The dissertation is prepared and written under the direction of the candidate's dissertation committee (comprised of the dissertation advisor and at least two other members). The research usually involves collection, processing, and analysis of original data. When the dissertation is completed, the candidate defends his or her work before the dissertation committee.

The post-bachelor's program must be completed within 9 years after the first registration for doctoral study. The post-master's program must be completed within seven years after the first registration for the doctoral program.

Minimum residency requirements are the equivalent of two consecutive regular semesters of full-time graduate study at Boston University. Students who have completed their course requirements must register each subsequent regular semester as continuing students and pay the continuing student fee, until they have completed all requirements for the degree. Authorized leaves of absence, approved by the Epidemiology Doctoral Committee, are the only means of waiving the residency and registration requirements.