The Doctoral Program in Epidemiology aims to develop researchers capable of conducting groundbreaking research that advances scientific knowledge in the field. The thesis must stem from original scientific research in which the student actively participates throughout the program. Students have the flexibility to select research themes and elective courses aligned with their professional interests.

The program is designed for graduates of PPGEpi UFPel’s Master’s Program and individuals with master’s degrees from other institutions in health or related fields. Doctoral classes attract professionals from diverse backgrounds, including Medicine, Nutrition, Nursing, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Veterinary Medicine, Physical Education, Psychology, Statistics, Engineering, Biology, and Pharmacy.

The minimum period for thesis defense is 24 months, with a maximum of 48 months from program entry. To qualify for defense, doctoral students must complete 59 credits. The thesis comprises three original scientific articles, a comprehensive research project, any necessary project modifications, and a detailed fieldwork report. One article must be accepted for publication in a journal with an ISI or Scopus impact factor >1 prior to defense.

In the doctoral program, students also interact with master’s and undergraduate students through mentoring and the Oriented Teaching Internship Program (EDO), created by CAPES. Scholarship students must intern for a minimum of four (04) semesters, while non-scholarship students for two (02) semesters. Scholarship students who are master’s graduates of PPGEpi must complete a minimum of two semesters.

The mandatory courses offered by the PPGEpi program aim to impart essential and comprehensive knowledge in Epidemiology. These courses are fundamental for both academic and research growth, ensuring a holistic education. Carefully designed, they encompass critical areas of epidemiological studies, research methodologies, and essential theoretical foundations. The elective courses in the PPGEpi program empower students to customize their academic path based on individual interests and career objectives. These courses cover a diverse range of specialized topics in Epidemiology, enabling students to explore areas that resonate with their research ambitions and professional pursuits.