Competencies acquired in epidemiology doctoral programs

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compile and describe the range of competencies imparted by doctoral programs in epidemiology using publicly available information.

Methods: Through the Council on Education for Public Health database, institutions conferring doctoral (PhD, ScD, DrPH) degrees in epidemiology were identified. The competencies listed on the corresponding institutions' websites were extracted and summarized.

Results: Forty-eight PhD and thirteen DrPH institutions indicate that their graduates will gain 11 common competencies. The most frequently noted competency for both PhD (93.7%) and DrPH (100%) degrees is related to the communication domain, reflecting the need for graduates to be able to effectively communicate epidemiologic information to others (epidemiology peers, other scientists, policy makers, students).

Conclusions: Although variations in the listed competencies exist among doctoral programs in epidemiology, there are common competencies across programs. Further examination of these programs is required to capture information beyond that conveyed on the websites. This preliminary report, along with those findings presented in previous reports on doctoral education, may stimulate further discussion with a group of faculty teaching at the doctoral level, employers of doctoral graduates, and/or the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health representatives.

Keywords: Competencies; Doctoral degrees; Epidemiology.