Earning an Online PhD in Epidemiology from Walden University

Earning an Online PhD in Epidemiology from Walden University
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From a Masters to an Online PhD in Public Health

Epidemiologists commonly work as medical scientists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that employability is favorable for candidates with a PhD as well as an MD, which underscores the need to go further than a master’s degree. Graduate degree holders may expect more employment in the laboratory and investigative fields but not much higher in the hierarchy of public health.

If you are already on a career track in the field of public health, you will find that Walden University’s online PhD program allows you to continue your work. At the same time, take the opportunity to enhance your skills and broaden your understanding of the public health processes.

A Doctorate Program in Public Health, Epidemiology Emphasis

Walden University offers online classes in a variety of disciplines. The school is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It features a doctoral program in public health that offers you a choice of three epidemiology tracks. Although the general study matter is similar, there are some finely tuned modifications by track. Please note that a practicum experience will be part of the learning process.

Track I appeals to students who may only have a bachelor’s degree or hold a master’s degree in subjects other than public health. This track requires the completion of 122 quarter credits; while the courses may be taken online, there is the need for twenty days of in-person attendance that you may spread over two six-day and two four-day residences. If you have already begun to take classes elsewhere, you may transfer in up to forty-six quarter credits.

Track II is open to students with a CEPH-accredited MPH or those who hold a MS in public health. This track only features ninety quarter credits and offers the same transfer privileges and also requires the same attendance. The difference between tracks I and II is the omission of foundational courses such as biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health.

Track III provides coursework for students with a MPH that is not CEPH accredited; it is also open to students with a MS in public health. This collection of courses consists of 110 quarter credits and identical attendance and transfer requirements. While it offers more foundation courses than Track II, it omits ethics, research, and program design, which are part of Track I.

Advantages of Walden’s Online PhD

There is little doubt that the specialization within the field of public health is advantageous to students. By offering three tracks to augment and support the work, knowledge, and experience of students from various backgrounds, the Walden doctorate truly prepares graduates for heightened employment opportunities within medical science and epidemiology.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that earnings for epidemiologists in 2008 leveled at a median $61,360 while the highest paid professionals made about $92,770. Hospitals were the primary employers, followed closely by academia. With a PhD in the field, it only makes sense that you will have the skills and knowledge required to fill some of the top paying positions.

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