About Us
The Gillings School's Department of Epidemiology is one of the world’s leading academic departments for epidemiological study. Renowned faculty members empower students with training in effective research practices and methods. We conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research and provide classroom and real-world education that emphasizes the integration of substantive area knowledge with cutting-edge epidemiologic methods. We also work with students to apply their research to a variety of health problems across North Carolina and around the world. Read more about our department.
Chair and Professor

Maria Gallo, PhD

I am delighted to invite you to learn more about the Department of Epidemiology at UNC-Chapel Hill. We are one of the top-ranked epidemiology programs in the United States, within the top-ranked public school of public health (second overall) at a top ten research university.

The field of epidemiology is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the distribution and determinants of health and disease — and the application of that knowledge to improve the health of populations. Our faculty, staff and students strive to improve public health in the state of North Carolina, nationally and globally through rigorous research, innovative teaching and community engagement. The opportunities at Carolina for innovation and impact are unmatched.

Our department’s faculty members are leading experts in far-reaching fields of epidemiology. We conduct research across nine Research Program Areas: cancer epidemiology, cardiovascular epidemiology, environmental/occupational epidemiology, infectious disease, injury epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, reproductive pediatric epidemiology, social epidemiology and genetic epidemiology. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and the development of new methodologies to address the most pressing public health challenges of our time.

We offer a range of academic programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel. The department awards four degrees: a Master of Public Health in either Applied Epidemiology or Health Equity, Social Justice and Human Rights; a Master of Science in Clinical Research; and a Doctor of Philosophy, all of which are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Our doctoral program is the largest in the nation, and graduates go on to make important contributions in academia, government, industry and nonprofit organizations.

I invite you to explore our webpages to learn more about research initiatives and academic programs and to see our faculty and students’ impactful work. Whether you are a prospective student, current student, a researcher or member of the public, I hope you find the information here informative and inspiring.

Together, we can make a difference in public health. We’re on it!

Spotlight

Gillings School honors 8 faculty members for teaching innovation

First presented in February 2012, the Teaching Innovation Awards honor faculty members who students feel “improve the learning environment at the Gillings School by integrating new technologies, engaging students in interactive activities, employing creative assessment methods, and introducing and incorporating progressive curriculum ideas into the classroom.”

Our Work
Our renowned faculty members provide students with training in effective research practices and methods. We work with our students to apply their epidemiology research to a variety of health problems here in North Carolina and around the world. Our students can specialize in nine types of epidemiology: cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, injury, reproductive / perinatal / pediatric epidemiology, environmental / occupational, pharmacoepidemiology, genetic and social.
New universal vaccine effectively targets coronaviruses
Researchers explore ‘immune imprinting’ as part of search for norovirus vaccine
Cervical cancer screening doubles when under-screened women are mailed testing kits
Our Programs
PhD
MPH (Applied Epidemiology)
MPH (Health Equity and Social Justice)
MSCR
Minoring in Epidemiology
Awards and Funding

Students in the Department of Epidemiology have several funding resources including Graduate School awards, departmental training grants, teaching assistantships, research assistantships and external grants.

Visit our funding page for more information.

Students fund their education through a combination of sources, including loans, fellowships and awards, assistantships and grants. Several awards and scholarships are supported by generous contributions to the School and University who value the current and future contributions of our students.

Contact: Sarah Kitchens, Funding and Awards Coordinator, sarah_kitchens@unc.edu  

Global leadership. Local impact.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
For general questions about the department, the degree program, or admissions, contact us via email at epidemiology@unc.edu or call us at 919-843-6182. Questions about employment should be directed to 919-843-6182.

Main Department Contacts

Academic Coordinators

Mailing Address
Department of Epidemiology
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
135 Dauer Drive
2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435

Our offices are located on the second floor of McGavran-Greenberg Hall.