Epidemiology

The Department of Epidemiology and Population Health (EPH) at the Stanford University School of Medicine is the cornerstone of population health, evidence-based medicine, and clinical research. Epidemiology studies the distribution, determinants, and control of illness, impairment, and health-related states in human populations. By identifying key risk factors for disease and defining novel targets for treatment and prevention, the department's work directly informs policy, clinical guidelines, and healthcare delivery.

EPH provides strong foundational methodological and statistical infrastructure for scientific research conducted across Stanford Medicine. Situated at the physical and intellectual epicenter of modern medicine, the department is co-located with Stanford's world-class hospitals and Stanford’s exceptional programs, including the School of Engineering, the Doerr School of Sustainability, and the School of Humanities and Sciences. Immersed in the Silicon Valley culture of technology and innovation, EPH serves as a dynamic incubator for researchers and students motivated to solve the complex analytical and public health challenges of the 21st century.

Academic Programs and Training Pathways

The Department of Epidemiology and Population Health is dedicated to training the next generation of epidemiologists and clinical researchers, offering rigorous educational pathways across the academic continuum:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Epidemiology and Clinical Research: A research-intensive doctoral program that equips students with advanced skills in study design, causal inference, mathematical modeling, and big data analysis, preparing them for leading roles in academia, government, and industry.

•  Master of Science (M.S.) in Epidemiology and Clinical Research: A competitive graduate degree designed to develop deep expertise in clinical research methodology, epidemiology, and biostatistics. The program serves clinical investigators, students pursuing doctoral degrees in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences, and students with bachelor’s degrees who are pursuing careers in epidemiology, clinical research, medicine, or population health.

• Undergraduate and Postdoctoral Education: Providing foundational introductory courses and research opportunities for Stanford undergraduates, alongside elite research mentorship and professional development for postdoctoral scholars.

• Epidemiology and Clinical Research Graduate Certificate: Providing students the knowledge and skills essential to patient-oriented clinical research.

Research, Innovation, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

EPH scholars conduct high-impact, collaborative research using both observational and experimental methodologies and lead scientific inquiry in several vital areas:

• Multifaceted Determinants of Health: Investigating the complex, intersecting roles of environmental exposures, social determinants, genetic predispositions, and human behavior in driving health and disease.

• Clinical Epidemiology and Trial Design: Developing and applying state-of-the-art clinical trial designs, cohort studies, and electronic health record (EHR) analytics to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and equity of medical interventions.

•  Data Science and Precision Health: Applying machine learning, artificial intelligence, and high-dimensional genomic modeling to massive population datasets to predict disease onset and personalize preventative care.

• Global and Environmental Health: Mapping infectious disease transmission patterns, evaluating the health impacts of extreme weather, chemical exposure and designing sustainable disease control interventions worldwide.